Pic-Waves

Ah, the golden age of the 70s—a time of disco, bell bottoms, and movies that aimed to tickle our funny bones. Enter “Fun with Dick and Jane” (1977), a film that promised to be a comedic heist but, unfortunately, turned out to be more of a misfire. With high hopes that this original would outshine its 2005 remake, I embarked on this retro journey, only to find myself longing for a more laugh-filled adventure. Let’s break down where this vintage piece hit the mark and where it missed.

The Plot: A Robbery Without the Ha-Ha

“Fun with Dick and Jane” stars George Segal as Dick Harper and Jane Fonda as, well, Jane Harper. The premise is tantalizing: an upper-middle-class couple turns to crime after Dick loses his job, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. Sounds promising, right? The originality of this concept in the 70s is undeniable, but the execution leaves much to be desired. While the newer version, with Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni, consistently hits comedic high notes, the original film often falls flat.

Lead Performances: Jane Fonda Shines Bright

One undeniable highlight of the 1977 version is Jane Fonda. Revisiting her performance, I was pleasantly reminded of her charm and beauty. Fonda delivers a spirited performance, and her on-screen presence is captivating. George Segal, on the other hand, provides a solid but not particularly memorable portrayal of Dick. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, but it isn’t enough to elevate the film into the realm of timeless comedy.

Ensemble Cast: A Mix of Hits and Misses

The supporting cast includes seasoned actors like Ed McMahon as Charlie Blanchard, Dick’s boss. While they add some depth to the narrative, their characters often feel underutilized, missing opportunities to amp up the comedic elements. The ensemble’s interactions occasionally spark laughter, but more often than not, the humor feels dated and forced.

Storyline and Execution: Originality Meets Mediocrity

At its core, “Fun with Dick and Jane” has an intriguing storyline that explores themes of desperation and societal expectations. However, the comedic timing and situational humor that are supposed to drive the narrative forward frequently miss their mark. The pacing is uneven, with stretches of dullness punctuated by occasional bursts of wit. Compared to the 2005 remake, which thrives on rapid-fire humor and physical comedy, the original feels like a relic struggling to keep up.

Conclusion: A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane, But Not Much More

In the end, “Fun with Dick and Jane” (1977) is a mixed bag. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, with Jane Fonda’s performance being a standout. However, it lacks the consistent humor and engaging storyline that modern audiences crave. While it might have been groundbreaking at the time, today it serves more as a curious artifact than a comedic gem.