A Jolly Bad Fellow backdrop
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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is A Jolly Bad Fellow Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1964)

An English professor decides that there are too many useless people in the world and invents a gas that will kill them off. But first they'll at least have a good laugh....

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Comedy, Crime cinema, then A Jolly Bad Fellow offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1964 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Crime films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of A Jolly Bad Fellow (1964), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy, Crime. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "An English professor decides that there are too many useless people in the world and invents a gas that will kill them off. But first they'll at least have a good laugh."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Leo McKern attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is A Jolly Bad Fellow worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Crime films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, A Jolly Bad Fellow misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 94 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

94MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.