Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Grumpy Old Men

Reviewed by: Jonathan DeMersseman
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults
Genre: Comedy
Length: 103 min.
Year of Release: 1993
USA Release:
Featuring
Director
Producer
Distributor

“…In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” —Matthew 7:2 NIV

This being noted, I could be in for a hasty judgment based on this review; nevertheless, I have faith that I will be justified.

“Grumpy Old Men”, starring Walter Matheau and Jack Lemmon, is the story of two crotchety old geezers who have been life-long adversaries who vie for the attentions of an attractive new neighbor (Ann Margaret). I cannot tell you any more about it because my wife and I turned it off less than a half-hour into the picture. To clarify why, let me rephrase the introduction.

“Grumpy Old Men” is a farce about two disgusting, potty-mouthed, sex-obsessed divorcés, who despite their advanced age still act like pre-adolescent boys. If you enjoy childish practical jokes, tit-for-tat revenge, general coarseness, vulgarity, innuendo, and boasts of extra-marital sexual prowess this movie is for you. Otherwise, the one or two decent laughs found in the first half-hour will in no way merit you time or money.

This movie does not merit serious consideration, as it utterly grates against Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is lovely and pure… think upon these things.”

I have heard others, non-Christians even, refer to this film as “Dirty Old Men.” If those in the world find it lewd, what should that indicate to those who love the Lord?


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive—I'm surprised no one commented on this film yet, because “Grumpy Old Men” was one of the best comedy films of 1993, an instant classic, Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau are comedy gold and geniuses in this film and in the 1995 sequel “Grumpier Old Men.”

Granted, much of the humor was of a sexual adult nature, but that's the point, it was well done and essential to the plot, not gratuitous.

Lemmon & Matthau are perfect Frenemies in this movie, their feud and rivalry reminds many people of the real life feud between Star Trek actors William Shatner & George Takei, both of the Grumpy Old Men films are perfect to watch both on the Big Screen or at Home on DVD.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Jeff Andrew Winters, age 45 (USA)

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