Imagine Al’s surprise when Buddy turns out to be his tour guide in the elderly assistance home he’s moving into. Even more surprising, Buddy is still getting laughs and being the life of the party. But soon both men, who are in their 80s, get bored and decide to try show biz again. Al finds his old rolodex and starts calling his contacts.
And so begins a tough but revealing road trip from Los Angeles to New York, with Buddy performing in stops along the way.
A comeback after fifty years?
If successful, that would rate cheers.
An agent thinks it’s worth pure gold
but comic believes he’s just too old.
Yet funny man still cracks his jokes
and gets laughter among most folks.
Agent and client hit the road.
Both elderly, so it’s a load.
Watching these two is lots of fun
with a tear or two when it’s done.
Chevy Chase and Richard Dreyfuss
know the way to entertain us!
Chevy the straight man in this show,
while Richard’s humor seems to glow.
Together they make quite a pair.
Not praising them would not be fair.
Chase and Dreyfuss play off each other like the pros they are. Yes, Chase must hold back his own humorous side to make way for Dreyfuss’ comic tour de force. But this casting works. While watching The Last Laugh, my husband and I found ourselves laughing more than at any movie since Paddington 2.
Fortunately, all cast members deliver the goods here. Standouts include: Andie MacDowell as an adventurous hippy follower; Lewis Black as a fellow comic with an important decision to make; Chris Parnell as Buddy’s worried son; and Kate Micucci as Al’s concerned granddaughter.
Although not a perfect movie (fantasy segment, I’m talking about you), The Last Laugh reminds us how important it is to follow your dream at any age.
(Released by Netflix and rated TV-MA.)
NOTE: This review is dedicated to the late great George Bettinger, who will always be Mr. Showbiz to me.
I always enjoy your reviews
Never Stop writing!
m
I recall the comeback of George Burns and how spectacular that was. Come to think of it, Bob Cummings never grow old. Lately I've heard people reminiscing about Grumpy Old Men. I will have to remind my good friend, a superb dancer, who also can sing, to get her ass out on the stage in America's Got Talent, because she has, even at her age. Still performs for local clubs but has cold feet on the spotlight stage.
Ron