MASH (1970)

Thanks to the Internet Movie Database for the art.
Please note: I saw this movie in pieces, so my review might have been different if I saw it all in one piece.

M*A*S*H is one of the most popular/successful T.V. shows of all time. And most people know that there was a T.V. show, but, surprisingly enough, not as many have heard about the movie.

Directed by Robert "Gosford Park" Altman, it begins with all the characters coming to the 4077th (I think) MASH unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) during the Korean War. Some characters include Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland), Trapper John (Elliot Gould), Duke (Tom Skerritt), and the foxy Hot Lips (Sally Kellerman). There really isn't a plot here, except for those zany escapades that the soldieres endure.

First things first, I'm not a big fan of ensamble comedies (or ensamble movies in general). Gosford Park was a disaster (in my opinion). The characters are usually too hard to keep track of. However, MASH gives us time to get used to the characters and get to know them a little. It goes by rather speedily, which is thankful. I don't think I (or anyone) could have endured a 150 minute comma (comedy-drama) about the Korean war. Which brings me to my next point.

Despite it being very entertaining, it didn't make me laugh that much. A few chuckles, some snorts, but nothing very sustaining. The lead players seemed to believe that they were the characters, and so did I. If I was drafted, I would have liked to work with these fine people; they would make the time fly by.

On the other hand, Hot Lips was somewhat of a problem. She was opposed to football, but then she was a cheerleader in the climatic game? Doesn't seem right. The football game seemed to be filler; what was so important about winning (besides satisfaction and $5,000). Well, it does seem important, but they got too excited, it seemed.

All in all, it's a very fun two hours. Unfourtunately, it's more fun than funny.

Rated R for some sexual content.

Review Date: October 10, 2002