Today’s quick review: The Man Who Knew Too Little. While visiting his brother James (Peter Gallagher) in London, Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray), a personable but dim-witted American, agrees to spend an evening participating in an interactive theater event. But when a mix-up places Wallace at the center of a plot to sabotage a treaty between Great Britain and Russia, he must navigate his way through a dangerous sitaution he doesn’t realize is real.
The Man Who Knew Too Little is a light spy comedy starring Bill Murray. The Man Who Knew Too Little thrusts a clueless tourist into the middle of a full-blown spy adventure, which only pure luck and his complete lack of cunning can see him safely through. The movie features an inventive premise, a capable lead in Bill Murray, and a steady stream of pleasant humor. However, its one-note humor keeps it from matching Murray’s best.
The Man Who Knew Too Little works hard for its laughs. The premise relies on a delicate web of coincidence, cluelessness, and double meaning to keep Wallace in the dark but still alive. Bill Murray has ample chance to show off his comedic talents as Wallace blissfully role-plays his way through a real conspiracy. He’s paired with Lori (Joanne Whalley), a call girl who begins to fall for the unconventional hitman Wallace thinks he’s playing.
However, this routine only takes the film so far. The jokes are usually amusing but rarely hilarious. Wallace’s ignorance avoids becoming repetitive, but only just so. It’s only the charm of Bill Murray and a constant supply of new, hand-crafted situations for him to play out that keep the movie from overstaying its welcome. Still, The Man Who Knew Too Little avoids any major missteps, and its execution on its premise is solid.
Watch The Man Who Knew Too Little when you’re in the mood for a light diversion with a simple routine and an involved plot. The movie is not as memorable as Bill Murray’s best, but its fruitful premise and consistent humor make it an enjoyable pick. For a sharper comedy in a similar vein, check out A Fish Called Wanda. For a slapstick comedy about a bungling police officer, check out The Naked Gun. For a more subtle one, try The Pink Panther.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for enjoyable but insubstantial comedy.