The Birdcage (1996)

The critic calls the film an anodyne Hollywood remake of the French farce La Cage aux Folles. Williams delivers his best restrained performance in years and Hackman shows strong comic timing, but Lane's squealing turn tests patience and the script ultimately celebrates conformity rather than diversity.

Mike Nichols's remake of La Cage aux Folles is a near-humourless two hours of trifles that one must endure to reach a pithy final shot of the two clans separated by an aisle.

The remake is mostly satisfying with glitz and strong performances from Lane, Azaria and Hackman, but overly sincere and impeded by political correctness; it remains a genial crowd-pleaser with winning charm.

The critic finds much of the film pro forma and predictable, with a been-there-done-that quality to the drag comedy that makes it wearying. He singles out Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest as the sharpest and funniest elements amid the formulaic aspects.

The critic views the film as a faithful but second-hand remake that largely contents itself with decking out the original French farce in American drag, praising Gene Hackman's expanded role as the standout element. He finds the leads skillful yet constrained by the source material and wishes the filmmakers had been bolder.

The critic finds the American remake of La Cage aux Folles tarted up with giddy ingenuity and political satire, with strong turns from Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. She notes that the material still shows its age despite the fresh South Beach setting and Elaine May dialogue.

The critic calls the film a scream and a riotous comedy with irreverent topicality, performed with matchless aplomb and serving up pure pleasure from beginning to end. He highlights its expertly judged farce, surprising humanity, and strong performances, especially from Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman.