Ein Fisch namens Wanda

The script, full of intricate intrigues and betrayals, is skillfully directed in a clear and witty style, exactly as intended. Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the pace, which lags far behind, especially at the beginning. Fortunately, the fantastic cast raises the bar back to its original position, making it almost a pure cinematic pleasure to enjoy the brilliance of Kevin Kline, who rightfully deserves an Oscar. On the other hand, John Cleese, without his typical moustache, is not far behind him at all. It is a delightful heist spectacle that rightfully takes pride in its intricacy and stylishness, leaving a lingering impression in one's mind. (08.01.2006)

Obwohl der Einfluss der Ex-Pythons nicht so sehr spürbar ist, handelt es sich um eine erstklassige Action-Comic-Geschichte mit typisch trockenem Humor und einem ziemlich anständigen Tempo. Die urtümlichen Situationsmacken werden durch Palins schwuchtelige Einlagen wunderbar unterstrichen (vielleicht findet sich hier ein wenig von diesem Pythonismus wieder), Cleese als trockener Anwalt schrubbt auf ganz wunderbare Weise die Kehle, und der schräge "Italiener mit Speisekartenkenntnissen" Kevin Kline verschüttet englische Bissen mit irrem Elan und einer exzellenten Show. Jamie Lee Curtis fügt wieder etwas von dem unverzichtbaren weiblichen Charme hinzu, und man kann sich daran festbeißen, dass Ein Fisch namens Wanda mit mehr Humor und Ausschweifungen hätte aufgeladen werden können. (26.12.2006)

No matter how many times I watch Wanda, it's always equally predictable and stupid. John Cleese is doing his best, but most of the actors around (unfortunately including his circus colleague Michael Palin) are not playing any differently than on the verge of embarrassment. It's probably due to a simple script, repeated jokes, and Kevin Kline, unsuccessfully trying to recreate humor similar to the Monty Python's. (08.01.2006)

The initial intertwining with the story and getting to know all the quirky players may be slightly creaky, but from John Cleese's failed visit on, it becomes one of the best spy comedies ever. The twists and turns come at just the right time, the gags almost never falter, and the actors are real and precious ornaments. Whether it was the sex-appeal of Jamie Lee Curtis, the endearingly infatuated Cleese or the utterly excellent Kevin Kline, who never failed to make me gasp with laughter (and he didn't even have to speak). A great classic that should be on TV for the rest of eternity at least once a year. :) 85% (02.01.2014)

My absolute favorite comedy with an excellent screenplay written by John Cleese and full of my favorite English humor. The cast is fantastic, John Cleese's Archie Leach is the archetype of an English lawyer, Jamie Lee Curtis is irresistible, Michael Palin is superb as the stuttering animal lover, and Kevin Kline as the philosophy-loving dimwit is absolutely essential to the film. I also have to mention Maria Aitken who stood out as Wendy Leach, even though it was just a supporting role. I also need to mention Stephen Fry's small part. The film is funny all the way through, the pace is dynamic, and in no way does it let you get bored. There are some truly unforgettable scenes: Ken's attempts to kill the witness, Wanda's first introduction to Russian, Ken's torture and Ken's revenge at the airport, Wanda's testimony in court and many more. I've seen the film countless of times and I'm sure I'll see it many more times. At least I hope so. (29.12.2016)

British humor combined with a bit of American approach works absolutely perfectly here, and John Cleese shows that comedy can be amusing, grotesque, and yet vulgar, with a great story. Here, every actor is in their absolutely right place, from Jamie Lee Curtis, through Kevin Kline, to both Monty Pythons. (02.02.2016)