Parole de cheval

How do I put into words my love for this film?

Dabney Coleman was superb, a milestone performance. Bob Golthwait shines as the protagonist of this cinematic marvel. And the incomparable John Candy...his voice-overs are breathtaking in their complexity.

Forget all the so-called "great films." Those are child's play compared to this gripping indictment of the gambling industry and one man's dedication to his friend, and his principles.

We can only wait with baited breath for Hot to Trot II: Don Eats An Apple. I hope that Hollywood has the good sense to make it soon, and the budget to make it a fitting tribute to its vaunted predecessor

When it comes right down to it, my love for "Hot to Trot" stems from childhood. That's the best way to put it. I watched this movie all the time on HBO as a kid, and I loved it. And what makes this stand up today (for me) is that I find even more humor as an adult in John Candy's performance. He's what makes this movie so damn likable. I know that, deep down, it's just a silly horse movie, and without that key casting decision (Goldthwait, too, let's not count him out), this would have disaster written all over it.

But it's Candy's warmth and comedic charm that makes this work so well. I have no idea how well this would hold up if I were watching it with fresh adult eyes, but as it stands, I have quite the soft spot for "Hot to Trot".

7/10

They ARE funny, right? Otherwise this film would never have been greenlighted, right? And Burgess Meredith worked for scale and no screen credit because he really BELIEVED in this project, right? Be that as it may, Hot To Trot was another bad career move by Bobcat Goldthwait, one of the most underrated comedians of recent years. And needless to say, it's not very funny, though it's perfectly harmless and will probably amuse the under 12 set.

Okay, this movie is damn funny. How could you not laugh at Bobcat Golthwait? With a voice like that? Come on, it's nothing but comic genius! Seriously, I first saw this movie when I was about 6 and have loved it ever since. If you enjoy comedies aimed at adult audiences that in effect appeal to six year olds, this film is definitely for you. (it may also fall into that category of "this movie is so bad you have to check it out just to believe that somebody agreed to make it..." also in this category: "Eating Raoul", the early Val Kilmer gem "Real Genius", "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", "Big Momma's House", the list is neverending)

Just watched it again for about the third time. Yep, it's similar to Mr. Ed, but if you check your movie history, most of the movie releases are clones to what's been done; just a little twist here and there. Animal movies have proven themselves over and over again to be winners. This one's no different. If you're not an old-fart yet, you got at least one more hilarious flick to see. Thank God I'm open minded, not high-strung, nor hanging on too tight to appreciate this side-splitter. It's FUNNY!! Even if you don't get a laugh out of it, you'll at least get to watch Virginia Madsen strut her stuff. Relax with a drink and a snack, give it a look and laugh yourself light-headed!!!