Why isn't it funnier? That it's an American remake of a French comedy seems to say it all.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 27, 2024

You’re often at a loss to know why you’re laughing, but jokes you can’t explain may be the best kind, and Mazursky is a master of them. When he gets rolling, you’re not responding to single jokes -- it’s the whole gestalt of the movie that’s funny.

| Sep 13, 2023

...an almost inherently appealing premise...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 15, 2022

The result is a very foolish comedy. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Mar 10, 2020

Mazursky taps and carbonates a rich source Boudu Saved From Drowning, Rene Fauchois' play that became a classic 1931 movie directed by Jean Renoir.

| Jul 19, 2019

"Down and Out,"... is a failed fish-out-of-water story.

| Jan 4, 2018

On the basically farcical level where it chooses to stay, it is a funny and likable movie.

| May 23, 2011

A single moment of magical realism shows the Babe-that-might-have-been, very charitably speaking, had the makers of this doggie adventure-comedy chosen a more daring and creative route...

| Original Score: 58/100 | Oct 8, 2008

Although it is more of a comedy of manners than a well-developed story, there are enough yocks and bright moments to make it a thoroughly enjoyable outing.

| Jul 22, 2008

The cast is entirely up to the comic hysteria Mazursky requires of them, though Mike the dog steals whatever scene he is in.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 4, 2006

A funny and poignant if also broad reworking of Renoir's classic, Boudu Saved from Drowning, Paul Mazursky's satire also works as a critique of L.A. nouveau riche and their crass lifestyle, reflected, among other things, in the garrish color palette.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 11, 2006

This update of Renoir's Boudu Saved from Drowning starts life as a satire on the tribal rites of the new and filthy rich, but goes badly wrong somewhere down the line.

| Jan 26, 2006

funny with bite

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 9, 2005

Three great turns in one side-splitting movie

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 11, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 21, 2005

Filled with hilarious incidents and clever one-liners.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 26, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 14, 2003

Silly but fun, and a big box-office earner.

| May 24, 2003

As a comedy of manners it has a dependably keen aim, with its most wicked barbs leavened by Mr. Mazursky's obvious fondness for his characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 20, 2003

One of Mazursky's few completely successful films.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 19, 2003