Wholly Moses! - A Hilarious Divine Intervention

A Celestial Comedy That'll Make You Say "Amen!"

Picture this: Moses, but make it comedic. Add a dash of slapstick, a sprinkle of anachronisms, and a whole lot of divinely inspired silliness. That's Wholly Moses!, Gary Weis's 1980 comedic masterpiece, a Biblical parody that's about as subtle as a ten-plague-sized hammer. Get ready for a review that's as unpredictable as the parting of the Red Sea (or maybe just a slightly less dramatic puddle).

Synopsis: Ten Plagues and a Whole Lotta Laughs

This isn't your grandma's Sunday school story. Moses (Dudley Moore), plagued by self-doubt and a persistent case of bad luck, faces the daunting task of leading the Israelites to freedom. Along the way, he encounters a cast of quirky characters, including his exasperated wife Zipporah (Laraine Newman) and a surprisingly chill Pharaoh (James Coco). The plagues? Let's just say they're less "biblical epic" and more "Monty Python meets Mel Brooks." One particular highlight involves a rather unusual frog infestation – you’ll just have to see it to believe it!

Divine Direction and Heavenly Humor

Gary Weis directs with the deft touch of a comedic conductor leading a symphony of silliness. The cinematography is as bright and cheerful as the Promised Land itself, while the editing keeps the pace snappy and the jokes coming fast and furious. The soundtrack is a delightful blend of traditional instrumentation and surprisingly catchy pop tunes. It's like a comedic rollercoaster – a wild ride of unexpected twists and turns, leaving you breathless with laughter, a bit disoriented, and possibly questioning your faith in the accuracy of ancient texts.

An All-Star Cast That Delivers

The comedic trinity of Dudley Moore, Laraine Newman, and James Coco are perfectly cast, their performances bouncing off one another with delightful comedic chemistry. Moore's Moses is a lovable underdog, Newman’s Zipporah is a riot of sarcastic wit, and Coco’s Pharaoh steals every scene he's in. The supporting cast is equally impressive, providing a rich tapestry of eccentric characters that add to the film's overall charm. It's almost as if they held a comedic casting call for the most gloriously talented bunch of hams this side of the Jordan River!

Themes as Old as Time, But Still Hilarious

Beneath the slapstick and outrageous gags, Wholly Moses! touches upon surprisingly relevant themes. The struggle for freedom, the importance of faith (or at least a good sense of humor), and the absurdity of blind obedience are all explored with a lighthearted touch. The film's message is simple: even amidst chaos and divine intervention, laughter can be a powerful force for good. And sometimes, all you need is a good miracle... and maybe a slightly less grumpy prophet.

A Verdict Worthy of a Miracle

Wholly Moses! is a divinely inspired comedy, a hilarious romp that cleverly subverts expectations and delivers countless laughs. While not perfectly executed, its charm and the sheer talent of its cast make it a must-see for comedy lovers and those seeking a lighter take on a classic story. A truly memorable, almost divinely orchestrated, cinematic experience. Rating: 4.7/5 stars (a near-perfect score, even Moses couldn't improve on that!) Recommended for: Fans of classic comedy, those seeking a lighthearted Biblical parody, and anyone who appreciates a good laugh—even if it comes at the expense of sacred scripture! In conclusion, Wholly Moses! is a cinematic manna from heaven – a joyous, playful, and occasionally irreverent celebration of faith, freedom, and fantastically funny performances.

Note : 5/5

Publié le 19 Jan 2025