A Fish Called Wanda

The initial intertwining with the story and getting to know all the quirky players may be slightly creaky, but from John Cleese's failed visit on, it becomes one of the best spy comedies ever. The twists and turns come at just the right time, the gags almost never falter, and the actors are real and precious ornaments. Whether it was the sex-appeal of Jamie Lee Curtis, the endearingly infatuated Cleese or the utterly excellent Kevin Kline, who never failed to make me gasp with laughter (and he didn't even have to speak). A great classic that should be on TV for the rest of eternity at least once a year. :) 85% (02/01/2014)

Although the influence of the ex-Pythons is not as evident, this is a top action-comic affair with typically dry humor and a pretty decent pace. Jamie Lee Curtis adds a bit of indispensable feminine charm, and one can also deal with the fact that A Fish Called Wanda could have more humor and playfulness. (26/12/2006)

No matter how many times I watch Wanda, it's always equally predictable and stupid. John Cleese is doing his best, but most of the actors around (unfortunately including his circus colleague Michael Palin) are not playing any differently than on the verge of embarrassment. It's probably due to a simple script, repeated jokes, and Kevin Kline, unsuccessfully trying to recreate humor similar to the Monty Python's. (08/01/2006)

The script, full of intricate intrigues and betrayals, is skillfully directed in a clear and witty style, exactly as intended. Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the pace, which lags far behind, especially at the beginning. Fortunately, the fantastic cast raises the bar back to its original position, making it almost a pure cinematic pleasure to enjoy the brilliance of Kevin Kline, who rightfully deserves an Oscar. On the other hand, John Cleese, without his typical moustache, is not far behind him at all. It is a delightful heist spectacle that rightfully takes pride in its intricacy and stylishness, leaving a lingering impression in one's mind. (07/01/2006)

British humor combined with a bit of American approach works absolutely perfectly here, and John Cleese shows that comedy can be amusing, grotesque, and yet vulgar, with a great story. Here, every actor is in their absolutely right place, from Jamie Lee Curtis, through Kevin Kline, to both Monty Pythons. (02/02/2016)