Birdcage (1996)

Director: 

Mike Nichols

Plot synopsis: 

Val Goldman wants to marry Barbara Keeley, daughter of ultraconservative republican Senator Keeley and both want their parents to meet. But there’s one problem, Val’s parents are Armand and Albert, the former being the owner of a south beach drag club, and the latter the fantabulous star of the show ‘Starina’. Both want things to work out for Val and try their best to make sure everything goes smoothly. With some hysterical outcomes.

First thoughts: 

I love practically every Robin Williams film, and adored his show ‘Mork and Mindy’ so was happy to try out this film. I had no doubt from the looks of the cast and the synopsis that I was going to love it. I was anticipating a sweet story, ‘Meet the parents’ ‘camp-lified’.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

I absolutely loved this film. Heart-warming moments paired well with hilarious moments, which may be a little predictable but still hold up. The acting was great, and the musical moments got you bopping along. A great show of how family is family and love is love, don’t judge too quickly. It was much better than ‘Meet the parents’ because it doesn’t need cheap laughs.

Bottom line: Fantastic laughs, some of the best of Williams and defiantly of Nathan Lane. Very camp, but the film owns it.

Recommend: 

Yes, I would defiantly recommend this film.

Spoiler Section:

When I say the narrative is a little predictable I’m saying that it’s obvious that the mother will turn up, and things will go wrong with a happy ending. And again I will say, it doesn’t matter that its predictable because everything in between is to good.

I found the acting by all great, of course Williams’ camp showmanship comes out well but the real star has to be Lane as he was just effortless in his role. Hank Azaria took a great role as well as Agador, I was highly envious of his legs throughout, especially in heels. Overall it was amazing to see so many actors not taking themselves too seriously and having what looks like tons of fun with the film.

Best Character: 

Albert or Agador, how can you choose?

Worst Character: 

Val, for being ashamed of his family for such a long stretch of the film. It was clear he loved them but he was not proud enough to just present them so though he did come around at the end I still think his character was a little harsh to his parents.

Best Moment: 

The scene in which Nathan Lane, dressed in a suit and tried to walk and sit in the ‘correct’ way. His face and gestures throughout where genius. He looks so uncomfortable but still keeps trying to alter and perfect what his son wants. It wasn’t funny, but more a show of character development.

Worst Moment: 

The scene in the office between Katherine and Armand. Maybe it’s just because there wasn’t any Albert or Agador but it was just the most boring scene of the film.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.