The Odd Couple (1968) Review in 2025
A comedy classic about two mismatched roommates, Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, living together in a New York City apartment.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild language and comedic themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for comedy fans, and it's definitely worth a re-watch. It's a classic that holds up well even today, and it's a great introduction to the careers of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the lives of Oscar Madison, a slob and a sports nut, and Felix Unger, a neat freak and a neat freak, as they become unlikely roommates after their respective wives kick them out. As they navigate their differences, they develop an unlikely friendship, but their opposing personalities often lead to hilarious conflicts.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear structure and character development. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with both leads delivering standout performances. Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon have great comedic timing, and their chemistry is undeniable.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with great chemistry between the leads. Oscar and Felix are perfectly cast, and their opposing personalities create a lot of comedic tension.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with good use of camera angles and lighting. However, the pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some scenes feel a bit formulaic.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but not particularly impressive. The sets and costumes are well-done, but the overall visual style is a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Odd Couple is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that features great performances from its leads. The chemistry between Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon is undeniable, and their comedic timing is superb.
Cons
The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some scenes feel a bit formulaic. The cinematography is decent, but not particularly impressive.
Notable Quotes
"Felix: 'I'm not a neat freak, I'm a neat person!'"
"Oscar: 'A slob is a slob, no matter how much he cleans up!'"
