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A Farcical Fairyland of Fun

Seriously, this was one of my favorite movies of the year. Campbell Scott is great as the German taskmaster. I don't think you can find a film with a more diverse and talented cast which eagerly provides the audience with such an entertaining and wild romp. It should have made twice as much money as that poopy movie "Waterboy" did. Give it a look-see.

Delightful spoof of old movie comedies.

I dunno what Keith Simanton was on about, but this is a real movie; not quite as dazzling as its predecessor Big Night, but wonderful nontheless. Stanley Tucci and Ollie Platt are on the money as perenially out-of-work actors who stowe away on an ocean liner located in a dreamy amalgam of the 20s,30s and 40s. Cambell Scott is hilarious as the fascist Concierge; the rest of the cast is good, except that Isabella Rosellini somehow doesn't come across as the mysterious member of some European aristocracy (not her fault -- I think her old friends just love her so much that they wrote in a little role for her that doesn't have much to it). Satirical, silly,laugh-out-loud homage to the Marx brothers and their ilk (definitely not Crosby and Hope). Comedy is the hardest form, and this is the real thing.

Very funny

This is the second movie I see from Tucci the director (after Big Night) and I think the two had great qualities. The first one was in the early 1950's and this one is from the 1920-30's. Tucci had great talent to reproduce these era, and pays tribute to the movies of these decades. In this one, wesometimes think about Laurel & Hardy, because there are very good chemistry between Tucci and Platt (This guy is always good). This is a very creative movie, although it was inspired by the past. American movie directors should do more movies like this. It's away from boring Hollywood mainstreen and for me, movies like this is the true heart of American cinema. Stanley Tucci will perhaps becomes a new Woody Allen in the future. Or maybe the first Tucci!

"To life--and its many deaths."

The trailer for The Imposters is shameful--it in no way indicates the freshness, the subtlety, and the hilarity of one of Stanley Tucci's efforts (on the heels of Big Night and preceding Joe Gould's Secret). I long put off watching this movie simply because the trailer was so overdone.

Thanks to a two-fer offer at the nearby Hasting's video store, however, I took the chance and rented it. Being the bourgeosie pig that I am (a trait pointed out to me by one of the movie's Leninist characters), I reveled in the European settings, the Twenties-era costuming and tunes, and the general lushness of the surroundings. But unlike most aesthetic efforts, in The Imposters the clothes and the backdrops and the jingles are pleasant but not distracting. As a review piece in Vanity Fair toasted, "Long may they Charleston."

From the very first scene, Tucci and Platt--two starving actors who constantly practice their craft in public, at home and ultimately on a cruise ship where they've accidentally stowed away--are funny and sharp and never boring. Their misadventures in conning a bakery chef out of some goodies, badmouthing the star of a local production of Hamlet, hiding from the cops on an ocean liner and uncovering numerous nefarious murder plots are punctuated by momentary examples of Tucci and Platt as two truly decent guys and good friends. Tucci's work here more than validates his past appointment as a spokesperson at Sundance.

Rarely have I seen two male film characters whose friendship doesn't rot into misogyny (In the Company of Men) or just plain ugliness and evil (Very Bad Things, Your Friends and Neighbors). Tucci as a screenwriter does not appear to tap into those veins, thank God.

Relax and enjoy this tip of the hat to Woody Allen and to Laurel and Hardy

I saw the film a few weeks ago now, so my comments will reflect my overall impression, rather than detail. There were so many similarities to a light Woody Allen film (in the vein of Manhattan Murder Mystery), and, seeing Woody Allen appear in the film, I believed this to BE a Woody Allen film that I had somehow missed. That was, until a few minutes ago when I looked it up on this site! Two actors find themselves in trouble. No matter how hard they try to free themselves from the entangling web, it draws them in tighter and tighter, to our inevitable smiles and cringes.Stanley Tucci does a decent job of honoring both Mr. Allen and Laurel and Hardy films at the same time. Much was predictable, but this is still a fun film to watch - you don't have to engage your brain too much, just relax and enjoy how it unfolds. There is no need for depth here, all parts are caricatures, and that is fine for this genre. Sometimes, it's just nice to relax and enjoy.

A very funny movie

This is a very funny movie with hilarious situations and droll performances from a great cast. It updates many comedy conventions with love and wit. The ensemble plays together seamlessly and it feels as though everyone had a great time making the movie.I'm surprised this one fell through the cracks - in many ways it's better than Big Night.

Fresh, clever and often hilarious

Just as he did in "Big Night," Stanley Tucci (writer/director) has created a little gem. He and Oliver Platt are the impostors, actor wanna-bes who end up getting into endless LaurelandHardy-esque scrapes by pretending to be who they are not. Fast-paced with a marvelous cast, this is one of the 10 best films of the year.

Delightful ship of fools

The working title SHIP OF FOOLS is appropriate. Never since the Marx Brothers took on the world, opera, and a ship of pretentious windbags has there been such a delightful comedy. It's too bad the film is being shown only in art houses. It is a gem of a comedy.

Very funny, but not to everyone's taste.

An extremely clever, funny farce. It is very artificial, and rather in the British style, although set in New York. There is a great deal of dashing about, hiding under beds, and similar business, but it is saved from tiresome silliness by the charm of the main characters, and the sense that everybody in the cast is having a wonderful time. I saw it in a theater with a very small audience, and one of them walked out. I had a good time and laughed heartily as did a few other people, but I got the impression most of the audience was a little confused.

nothing

That basically is what describes this movie, it's just nothing, its a dull stupid, a mediocre plot, overacted characters, well, i might have laughed once or twice but that is all, and not a cuckle or a big laugh, just a small one, anyhow, there is no reason why anyone should pay to endure this movie

A charming, old-fashioned style comedy

This is the type of comedy I wish were made more often. Two hard on their luck actors, Tucci and Platt, enrage a drunken, ham, Shakespearean actor Jeremy Burmont(played wonderfully by Alfred Molina), and in the ensuing chase, find themselves stowaways aboard a luxury liner bound for Paris and intrigue. The two soon come to realize that Burmont is a passenger and is aware of their presence. In their many failed attempts to hide from their assailant, the two come across a motley population of passengers and crew all of whom have their own little secrets, many of which are worth killing for. There are many clever lines and scenes in this little gem of a film. It's really all very harmless fun with a happy ending to boot. Tucci and Platt make a wonderful team, the former having both written and directed. If you like films like "Some Like It Hot" or "Bullets Over Broadway," I can guarantee you'll truly enjoy "The Impostors." Incidentally, the roster of stars who appear in this film is very impressive; from Woody Allen to Isabella Rosellini. Sit back, relax and be prepared for a journey filled with high jinx and good-natured comedy.

Totally hilarious!

This movie is so witty and clever, I can't wait to own it. It's a fast-paced, oddball and totally original comedy. Check out Campbell Scott in a completely different (and I might add, hilarious) role, as well as Lili Taylor and Steve Buscemi. You must see it!

Shockingly inept filmmaking

I'm flat-out dumbstruck... I must be from a different planet. When I look back upon my life, the two hours I want back first are the 120 interminable minutes I spent watching 'The Imposters.' It is neither funny, clever, enjoyable or insightful. Its vaunted 'tribute' aspect - the take that it is a riff on the golden age of Hollywood - is highfalutin nonsense.

Tucci did well and showed promise with 'Big Night.' How he got from there to 'The Imposters' (in one film!) is beyond comprehension. Maybe 'Big Night' was just the equivalent of a career .235 hitter suddenly hitting .320. Maybe 'The Imposters' was an anomaly and he can get his mojo back for the next one. Either way, there's a sense of career momentum stalled and opportunity squandered.

I urge you not to waste your hard-earned dollars on this one.

Awful. I wanted to stop watching during the opening credits.

Simply awful. I wanted to stop watching during the opening credits. THE ONLY decent part of this film....was the dance number at the end credits. Horrible. Awful. Terrible. This was NOT worth even a $1 rent.

A very positive response to a rare viewing experience

Rented THE IMPOSTORS for the first time on Friday and by the end of the weekend had watched it 4 times - and yes, I do have a life. Blithe is the only word I can use to describe the experience of watching this video. In a world of multi-screen theaters that show a variation of 3 basic movies - mindless action, gross-out comedy, or big-screen version of the issue of the week - THE IMPOSTERS was a homage to an earlier genre - the silly, almost plotless comedies of Laura & Hardy. Homage - not remake - an important difference. This was definitely a 1990's movie - more quirky than slapstick, with slick production values. A series of vingettes, tied together to make a whole, yet each scene easily stands on its own as a comic gem - the initial credits being my personal favorite. One final word - all this and a great cast! and score. This movie was a rare 10.

One of the best!

I thought that the movie was fantastic . It had a kinky sense of humor not adored by all , but i found it rather enjoyable.The Characters all have unique personalities that are very lovable.The plot is one that takes a great turn and keeps you wondering what on earth could possibly happen next.The little captions between scenes keep it cute , and the plot will have you glued to the screen, one moment of the story that is missed can leave you a bit confused for the rest of the movie. I saw this movie on the WB17 movie lineup and was surprised that such a great movie was on daytime T.V.Its one of those movies that is great throughout the entire movie , it keeps you laughing till the ending scene (even the credits are great!)

An old fashioned romp

This is one of those movies that can be viewed with anyone, and all will enjoy it; It's tame enough for children and squeamish old folks, and campy enough for all. The cast is dazzling, and you get the feeling watching it that they had a blast making it -- the fun is infectious. It always makes us feel good when we watch it, and for some reason the jokes never get old. A perennial favorite.

EXCELLENT!

This is, hands down, one of the most under-appreciated comedies of all time. Maybe my sense of humor is off, but I thought this tongue-in-cheek tribute to old Hollywood, the Marx brothers, and Broadway camp was fantastic. Yes, it's over-acted. That's part of the point and the charm. Relax and enjoy - do not over-critique - and you're in for a lot of serious laughs.

"Lili, may I have a dance with you at this ball..."
"Well, Maestro, I -"
"EXCELLENT!!!"

One of the finest comedies of my lifetime!

The Impostors has been my favorite movie since I first saw it on VHS nearly a decade ago. It has retained its treasured place in my heart despite competing with the likes of American Beauty, Iron Man, The Fifth Element, and The Forbidden Kingdom, to name but a few of my other top cinematic picks.
Why, you may ask? Because the comedic timing is flawless. The dialogue is polished until it shines, multifaceted and gem-like. The actors are clearly having a blast; the sets are at once endearingly familiar and enticingly exotic; the costumes are perfect; and Platt and Tucci have the same chemistry that made Laurel and Hardy so famous. This movie is exquisite, and though I've seen it again and again, I still laugh hard enough to cry every time.

Superb cast, good story, lots of fun

It is a pleasure to see so many talented actors having so much fun onthe screen. Alot of times when actors have as much fun as this cast did,it comes off as self-indulgent. This cast is different. As an actor whohas performed in many stage comedies, I know how much work goes into aphysical comedy like The Imposters. These actors pull it out without ahitch. Everyone does a good job. Even the actors who are more well knownfor their television work(Allison Janney) gets to show their depth andversatility. Tony Shaloub is hilarious as always. Oliver Platt is fun towatch and Campbell Scott was a huge surprise. I had no idea that he hada funny bone in his body. And I'm totally in love with Lili Taylor whoplays Scott's object