Oscar

Oscar is a 1991 American screwball comedy film featuring Sylvester Stallone at his comedic best. Helmed by director John Landis, the film is based on a stage play by Claude Magnier and is set in the 1930s during the Prohibition-era in the United States. Unlike the rest of the Stallone canon, Oscar places the famed action hero in an unprecedented role – a comedy one surrounded by a strong ensemble cast, including Ornella Muti, Peter Riegert, Tim Curry, Marisa Tomei, and Vincent Spano.

The storyline orbits around the life of Angelo "Snaps" Provolone, played masterfully by Sylvester Stallone. Snaps is a successful gangster with a reputation that precedes him. However, to fulfill his late father's dying wish, he chooses to abandon his underworld life and become an honest businessman. But transitioning from a mob boss to a respectable businessman is no simple task as he finds out.

As Snaps tries to adapt to his new life, he gets embroiled in a series of comic mishaps, leading to unexpected situations that make it hard for him to escape his past. These misadventures include funny encounters with not so upstanding accountants, sassy maids, double-crossing cons, and cuckoo cops. His sumptuous mansion turns into a circus, and Snaps finds himself thrust into a comedic wild ride filled with endless confusion and hilarious misunderstandings.

Ornella Muti impeccably plays the role of Sofia Provolone, Snap's suave, elegant wife. Her portrayal adds charm and elegance to the film, providing a comical yet heartfelt contrast to Stallone's role. The supporting cast is filled with hilarious performances that perfectly complement Stallone's run as a straight man amidst an ensemble of madness.

Peter Riegert plays Aldo, Snaps' loyal bodyguard and driver. He humanizes the often-overlooked sidekick role providing a character of depth and humor. Marisa Tomei, in one of her initial roles, effortlessly slips into the shoes of Snaps’ sassy daughter Lisa Provolone who is seeking independence and love, further complicating the chaotic day. And Silverstone delivers a standout performance as Anthony Rossano, an ambitious and somewhat naive accountant who sets his sights on Snaps' daughter.

From Sylvester Stallone's exceptional comedic timing to the superb supporting actors who each manage to etch themselves into the viewer's memory, every character in Oscar is vividly brought to life. There isn't a character that doesn't contribute to the overall comic chaos of Snaps' ill-fated day.

The movie is set in the backdrop of the 1930s, a period known for its distinct fashion and opulent lifestyle. To capture the authenticity of this period, elaborate sets were created to best reflect the lifestyles of the wealthy of this era. The grandeur of Snap's mansion, his luxurious wardrobe, and the classic cars all add to the film's aesthetic appeal.

Oscar is more than just a film; it's a ride filled with laughter, slapstick humor, and classic one-liners. Packed with double entendres, puns, and physical comedy, John Landis' direction steers this period comedy into the realm of delightful absurdity. The comedic timing that accompanies the delivery of the witty written dialogue by Michael Barrie and Jim Mulholland is one element that makes this film a timeless classic.

Moreover, Oscar is complemented with a beautiful music score by Elmer Bernstein. This music underscores the fast-paced comedic drama with melodic strains well-suited to each scene's mood, whether light-hearted or filled with tension.

True to its genre, the film is loaded with situational humor, intricately woven into the narrative, keeping the viewers engaged and entertained throughout its runtime. It’s a whirlwind of confusion, farce, and screwball comedy, all laced together into a plot that may seem simple at surface level but is filled with undertones of complexity.

Oscar showcases Stallone's flexibility as an actor while providing comedy fans with a delightful diversion from his storied action career. Overall, the film is an accomplished mix of sight gags, puns, and throwback to the screwball comedies of the '30s. Its unique blend of humor, outstanding performances, and flamboyant setting makes it a must-watch for any movie buff desiring to catch a different flavor of good ol' Stallone.