Oscar (1991) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Oscar (1991), directed by John Landis, is a slapstick comedy starring Sylvester Stallone in a role that’s a departure from his typical action hero persona. The film is based on the 1967 French play Oscar by Claude Magnier and presents a farcical, fast-paced comedy of errors that revolves around mobsters, misunderstandings, and money. Despite its mixed reception upon release, the movie has developed a cult following over the years due to its energetic humor and classic farce structure.
This review will dive into the film’s plot, performances, and comedic elements while also providing information on where you can stream or rent Oscar online in 2024, particularly for viewers in the U.S.
Plot Summary of Oscar
The film takes place during the 1930s and follows Angelo “Snaps” Provolone (Sylvester Stallone), a notorious gangster who has decided to go straight at the behest of his dying father. Snaps promises to give up his life of crime and become a respectable businessman, but his attempt at a law-abiding lifestyle is anything but smooth.
On the day he plans to meet with his banker to invest in legitimate businesses, chaos erupts. His trusted accountant, Anthony (Vincent Spano), confesses that he has stolen $50,000 from Snaps but insists that he did it to impress Snaps’ daughter, Lisa (Marisa Tomei), whom he plans to marry. To complicate things further, Lisa claims she is pregnant—though not by Anthony—and wants to elope with another man.
The day spirals into a series of increasingly absurd events, involving mix-ups with bags of cash, jewelry, and clothes, mistaken identities, and more characters barging into Snaps’ mansion, including rival gangsters, police officers, and a series of quirky house staff. Snaps struggles to maintain control as his world falls apart, all while trying to stick to his promise of leading a crime-free life.
Performance and Direction
One of the most surprising aspects of Oscar is Sylvester Stallone’s performance as a comedic lead. Known for his action roles in Rocky and Rambo, Stallone steps out of his comfort zone to play the bumbling gangster trying to go straight. While his portrayal is more understated than some of the other performances in the film, he demonstrates decent comedic timing and delivers a likeable version of Snaps, who is trying to juggle chaos with earnest intentions.
The supporting cast is full of talented actors who elevate the film’s humor. Marisa Tomei, as Snaps’ overly dramatic daughter Lisa, shines in one of her early film roles, providing plenty of exaggerated physical comedy and emotional outbursts. Vincent Spano’s role as the naive and lovestruck accountant Anthony brings another layer of absurdity to the plot. Tim Curry, as Dr. Poole, a linguistics professor who gets wrapped up in Snaps’ crazy day, is a particular highlight, showcasing his talent for over-the-top comedic performances.
Director John Landis, known for his work on Animal House (1978) and The Blues Brothers (1980), brings his usual flair for broad comedy and zany, fast-paced narratives. The film’s theatrical roots are apparent in its dialogue-heavy structure, quick exchanges, and physical comedy, making it feel like a stage farce come to life.
Comedic Style and Themes
At its heart, Oscar is a farce that thrives on misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and escalating confusion. The movie operates on a frenetic pace, with characters coming and going from Snaps’ mansion, each one adding a new layer of complication to his day. The comedy largely comes from the characters’ exaggerated reactions to increasingly ludicrous situations.
The movie also plays on the juxtaposition between Snaps’ tough-guy persona and his attempts to reform himself into a respectable businessman. Stallone’s character constantly tries to put on a “civilized” face, but his natural gangster instincts, combined with the madness surrounding him, keep pulling him back into his old ways. The humor often comes from Snaps trying to maintain composure while everything spirals out of control.
While the film may feel somewhat old-fashioned by today’s standards, it captures the spirit of classic Hollywood screwball comedies and stage farces. The ensemble cast, elaborate misunderstandings, and fast-talking dialogue give it a light-hearted charm, even if some of the jokes don’t land as well as they might have in its original theatrical setting.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Oscar received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Stallone’s attempt to break out of his usual action-hero mold, while others felt that the film’s broad comedy and frenetic pace were too over-the-top. The film didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office, and Stallone’s fans, more accustomed to his action roles, were surprised by the comedic turn.
However, in the years since its release, Oscar has gained a cult following among fans of slapstick comedies and farces. While it may not be considered one of Stallone’s most iconic films, it holds a certain nostalgic appeal for those who appreciate its zany humor and theatrical roots.
Streaming Services to Watch Oscar (1991) Online
As of 2024, Oscar is available on several streaming platforms in the U.S., making it accessible for fans of classic comedies and those curious to see Sylvester Stallone in a rare comedic role. Here’s where you can watch the film online:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Oscar is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, and purchasing the film in HD costs around $9.99. This platform is a popular choice for viewers looking to stream or download movies easily.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers Oscar for rent and purchase as well. Rental prices start at $3.99, with the option to purchase the movie for $9.99. Apple TV provides a seamless viewing experience for users on iOS devices and is a great option for those within the Apple ecosystem.
3. Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies also offers the movie for rental at $3.99 and purchase at $9.99. This platform allows you to stream the film on a wide variety of devices, including Android, Chromecast, and web browsers.
4. Vudu
Vudu is another platform where Oscar is available for rent or purchase. Prices are similar to other platforms, with rentals at $3.99 and purchases at $9.99. Vudu is known for offering high-quality streams, including HD and 4K options.
5. YouTube Movies
You can also rent or purchase Oscar on YouTube Movies, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and the purchase option at $9.99. This is a versatile platform, accessible across various devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.
Final Thoughts on Oscar (1991)
Oscar may not have been a box office smash, but it offers a fun and energetic comedic experience, especially for fans of slapstick and farce. Sylvester Stallone’s attempt at comedy, while unexpected, adds a unique twist to his filmography, and the supporting cast delivers strong, comedic performances that elevate the absurdity of the plot.
For viewers who enjoy classic stage comedies or who are curious to see a different side of Stallone’s acting range, Oscar is worth a watch. Its fast-paced humor, zany plot, and chaotic energy make it a light and entertaining film, perfect for those looking to unwind with a laugh.
Where to Watch Oscar Online – Summary
In 2024, Oscar is available for streaming, rental, and purchase on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. With rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase options available for around $9.99, this cult classic comedy is easily accessible for anyone wanting to experience Stallone in a rare comedic role.
