The Odd Couple (1968)

Starring: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau

Directed by: Gene Saks (Barefoot in the Park; Last of the Red Hot Lovers; Brighton Beach Memoirs)

Synopsis: Two divorced men move in together. One is clean, the other is not clean. Hijinks ensue.

*spoilers below!*

Best Part: Everything about the first poker scene is funny. I’d watch 90 minutes of just these guys talking smack over cards.

Worst Part: The Pigeon sisters were interesting characters, but I think their part went on a bit too long.

Overall: So, in case you didn’t know this, and I seriously doubt you did, there’s a remake of The Odd Couple premiering tonight on CBS. It seems very odd that they would reboot a series of a series that was a reboot of a movie that was an adaptation of a play, but Hollywood knows no shame. It stars Thomas Lennon as Felix (which seems like a great choice) and Matthew Perry as Oscar (which means it will be canceled in a month). It’s interesting timing that this is premiering now and Two and Half Men, which is essentially a complete ripoff of The Odd Couple plus a kid, is coming to an end. I guess they hoped to fill the void left by the ripoff with a remake of the original. Anyhow, here’s the trailer for it. I wouldn’t get too attached.

But back to the movie: It’s great. Of course, Lemmon and Matthau are absolutely perfect together, and should have never made movies apart and probably should have been buried together, just to be sure. They were born to play Oscar and Felix. Every single scene they share together is like watching two hysterical old friends arguing. Just watch it if you haven’t, it’s funny, moving, and has great cooking tips. And just remember: if it wasn’t for The Odd Couple, we wouldn’t have Out to Sea.

Score: 8.5 weird pairings (out of 10)