MINI REVIEW:
THE FORTUNE COOKIE (1966)
DIRECTED BY: BILLY WILDER
STARRING: WALTER MATTHAU and JACK LEMMON

I caught this today on TCM and must re-emphasize what a great team Matthau and Lemmon make. Their brand of wit just pairs perfectly, especially when helmed by great director, Billy Wilder, and placed in a lovely black and white environ. The story focuses on an overly zealous camera-man Henry Hinkle( Lemmon) who, while attempting the perfect sports-shot, is plowed into by his subject-Quarterback 'Boom Boom Jackson' who is intent to making his touchdown. Placed in the hospital with only minor injuries, Hinkle finds himself torn between the sincere apologies of 'Boom Boom' and the persistent pressure of his lawyer brother in law ,Willie (Matthau in his oscar winning role), to 'milk' the situation for all its worth-insurance wise by feigning far more more serious medical conditions. It's a good solid story with great acting and a steady pace. There are plenty of funny moments to enjoy in both the script and the delivery of it but there is also a healthy message to take away. This is one I'd glady watch again, if for nothing else than to revel in the great onscreen chemistry of the two leads (non-sexually speaking of course...heh heh).

My rating: 8/10