The Odd Couple 2 (1998)

THE ODD COUPLE II is a stitch and may just deliver more laughs than
the original.  (Not a particularly tricky feat, mind you, given a
story that covers none of the bittersweet territory of the first
film, nor requires character introductions.)  The chemistry between
Lemmon and Matthau is as effortless as ever and, while the episodic
plot (Felix and Oscar stranded in Southern California) plays like 
another GRUMPY OLD sequel, the dialogue (by Neil Simon) is an in-
stantly quotable collection of tart taunts, barbs, picks, and nits.  
(And most of it profanity-free, I'm pleased to report.)  The situa-
tional comedy is often fall-down funny, too:  watching for cars on 
a country road, hitching a ride with an old man in a slow set of 
wheels, and their dance-floor flirtations with a pair of rock 'n' 
roll barmaids, played by Pigeon Sister stand-ins Christine Baranski 
and Jean Smart.  The ending offers nothing special-- no surprise 
there-- but the last line, delivered by Matthau, is a classic.  All 
that's missing are cameos from Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.  
(Rated "PG-13"/95 min.)

Grade: B

Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: April 6, 1998