Caddyshack (1980) / Comedy

MPAA Rated: R for nudity, sexual humor, crude humor, and language
Running Time: 98 min.

Cast: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, Bill Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray,
Director: Harold Ramis
Screenplay: Brian Doyle-Murray, Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney
Review published April 5, 1999

Caddyshack marks the first in Harold Ramis' (Groundhog Day, Analyze This) now-distinguished directorial career, and you have to give him credit -- he knows what's funny.  This is one hilarious flick that's a certified classic for golfers, and pretty damn funny for almost everyone else.

Caddyshack takes place at an exclusive country club/golf course, which is typically overrun by eccentric golfers from all walks of life. Currently there's a caddy contest going on for the poor caddies of the course, and Danny Noonan (O'Keefe, The Slugger's Wife) sees it as his key to success.

While the plot isn't easily defined, and there's not very much structure to the overall story, the film is still laugh-out-loud hilarious, with many classic bits for the comic characters and moments to remember. Comedians Rodney Dangerfield (Little Nicky, The Projectionist) and Ted Knight (Countdown, The Mary Tyler Moore Show") showcase some of their best work as actors in this flick, and it's worth the price of admission alone to see them insulting each other mercilessly. 

The fun doesn't end there though, as Bill Murray (Stripes, Tootsie) and Chevy Chase (Foul Play, Modern Problems) chip in some equally hilarious bits themselves. The caddies and their story do take a backseat to the big name talent, but the stars shine so bright that you're probably not likely to care anyway.  It may be lowbrow, but that's jut part of the charm.  Caddyshack is comedy done right.

-- Followed by Caddyshack II (1988).

Qwipster's rating:

©1999 Vince Leo