The Birdcage - Ein Paradies für schrille Vögel

I saw "The Birdcage" because I'd already seen "La Cage aux Folles." And I thought this one was a great remake, if not better. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane give hilarious performances as the lead couple. I haven't seen "La Cage" in ages, but there were tidbits in "The Birdcage" that I remembered from the original. Of all American remakes of French movies, this is by far my favorite!

I'm disappointed to see that some people can't appreciate the brilliance in this film! Robin Williams is on top form, with 'you're taking your toothbrush to the grave, how Egyptian' brilliantly improvised. Weiss is convincing in her role, as usual. Hackman is great, as usual, and Nathan Lane is overly feminate, as usual. Wonderfully cast and with a great script, it will please anyone with a sense of humour. I pity anyone who can't enjoy it, for whatever reason- homophobia, lack of intelligence, arrogance, narrow mindedness etc. I'll admit that originals are often better, but that doesn't stop this from being a film to be enjoyed. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh, happy watching!

Louis Hartshorn, age 15

What do you get when you get two comedy legends like Nathan Lane and the brilliant Robin Williams and tell them to be as camp and lovable as possible? This movie. It's heartwarming how much Albert (Nathan Lane) tries to make himself 'normal' for his stepson's girlfriend, just to finally see he is normal. He's a wonderful mother figure, and that's all that matters. It's a funny, smart and sweet story that's a good thing to watch whenever you just want to feel better.

When I read a few of the user comments on the site, I noticed one thing was missing: Hank Azaria. He really made the movie what it is. It's a funny movie in general, but he really makes it funny. This movie is one of his very best performances.

Granted The Birdcage isn't perfect, it is a little too long and the ending came across as rather sudden, but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. It looks good, has a nice soundtrack, has a (I think) terrific script, good pacing, a fun story and above-decent direction from Mike Nichols. As for favourite scenes, there are some great scenes, but who can forget the dinner scene? The whole film is worth watching just for that scene for so many reasons. And the acting I had no problem with whatsoever. Robin Williams underplays but still delivers the laughs solidly, while Gene Hackman proves he is great as a comic actor. Dianne Wiest, Calista Flockhart and Hank Azaria also give terrific turns, however it is Nathan Lane's hilarious turn as Albert that steals the show. All in all, this is very good and very funny and charming. 8/10 Bethany Cox