Pure Luck

Pure Luck is a 1991 American comedy film directed by Nadia Tass, starring Martin Short, Danny Glover, and Sheila Kelley. It's a fascinating concoction of comedy, adventure, and unexpected friendships that takes humor to excitingly new boundaries.

The plot of Pure Luck pivots around the central character Eugene Proctor (played by Martin Short), an extremely clumsy yet likeable worker in an accounting firm. Eugene is a character exuding an incredible streak of bad luck - yet the hilarity is, he does not realize it. His life undergoes an extraordinary twist when his boss's daughter abruptly disappears during her vacation in Mexico. Here emerges an interesting scenario: the boss believes that since his daughter is equally unlucky, Proctor would be the ideal choice to find her because he might coincidentally stumble upon her due to their shared lack of luck.

Enter Danny Glover, playing detective Raymond Campanella, who is assigned the unenviable task of accompanying the bumbling Eugene on his unusual mission. Glover brings a unique charm and seriousness to his character, providing a stark and amusing contrast to Eugene's constant fumbling and oddball sense of humor. Their rapport forms the backbone of the movie's comedy, with the detective's stern demeanor often set against Eugene's buffoonery. Glover proves again, with the contrast of his character to Short's, that he is a versatile actor capable of a broad range of roles.

Sheila Kelley plays the role of Valerie, the missing daughter. Though her character doesn't get much screen time, she convincingly embodies the role of a young woman who has seemingly inherited her father's fortune, as well as his propensity for misfortune.

Pure Luck is not only an improbable rescue mission but also a journey of self-discovery for Eugene. It draws humor from the absurdity of situations created by Eugene’s unfortunate propensity for accidents, and twists and turns resulting from the character's inherent clumsiness and misfortune.

The film, with Martin Short’s outstanding slapstick comedy, succeeds in generating chuckles and keeps you smiling through its progression. Short’s physical comedy shines in this film as he skilfully blends a perfect mix of wit and disaster. Also, it is strikingly impressive how the movie retains the aura of humor while subtly touching on the human aspect of perseverance in the face of adversity and focuses on the burgeoning friendship between its two distinct lead characters.

Shot mostly in Mexico, it includes some beautiful views of the country’s stunning vistas and bustling streets, providing a vivid backdrop for the hilarious antics of Eugene and Raymond. The cinematography beautifully captures the culture and color of Mexico, further elevating the delight of watching this wild goose chase.

Even though it is a remake of the French comedy “Le Chevre,” Pure Luck successfully establishes its unique American style and timelessness. This film is a testament to how comedy can be created through the everyday nuances and situations, emphasizing how hope and positivity can be found even during the most unfortunate circumstances.

The film has been beautifully scored by Jonathan Sheffer. The music enhances the action onscreen, adding another layer of richness to the story. It brings to life the dangerous and hilarious situations the characters find themselves in and plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining the viewers' connection with the film.

Overall, Pure Luck can be classified as an enjoyable comedy-adventure film with a unique concept. It fleshes out the story in such a way that it never gets boring. The unique premise wrapped up in comedy, fresh performances, clashing personality types, and the engaging storyline are bound to keep you hooked. If you are a fan of slapstick comedy and character-driven storytelling, Pure Luck is the movie for you.