Larger Than Life

In this movie, Bill Murray plays the part of a small-time motivational speaker who is full of insecurities and doubts about his real worth. When he finds out that an inheritance from his dad is a full-grown circus-trained elephant—Vera—the action begins. Debts force him to attempt to sell the beast, but the only buyer is on the other side of the United States! Instead of hiring a shipping company to transport 8,000 pound Vera across the U.S., Murray decides to do it himself. During the humorous trip, Murray and Vera develop an affection for one another. Unfortunately, the relationship doesn’t develop that well on screen.

Through many adventures and misadventures, the comedy comes alive. Perhaps the funniest bit in the entire movie is when Murray pulls the wrong lever on a eighteen wheeler (semi truck/trailer) that he is attempting to drive, and the cab swings up and forward! I almost fell out of my chair laughing as he wildly attempted to regain control of the truck.

The most potentially poignant moment of the whole movie is when man and elephant must part. Murrays exclaims, “They told me that elephants never forget, but they didn’t tell me you’ll never forget an elephant.” A little ho-hum, don’t you think?

With several blatant obscenities and profanities, including G__ D___, “Larger Than Life” falls short on the “commendable” scale, especially for Christians. Also, there is a dialogue that dwells on illicit sex. Fortunately, this all takes place in a relatively short time period.

“Larger Than Life” is entertaining… but give me more of Murray’s more brilliant comedies like “What About Bob?” and “Groundhog Day”. I liked those a lot more!