Osobennosti natsionalnoy rybalki

OK, I don't understand somethings written in these posts. First, although there definitely is national humour, let's face it, funny is funny; hence the international appeal of Charlie Chaplin, the Simpsons, etc. So this non-sense about it not being for Americans is simply bull. I'm an American, I understood it. Second, no where in the film or its predecessor is there a 'russian for Russians,' or whatever non-sense was posted. While they reflect on their country, I don't think this is something only Russians can understand. Also, humour about drunks, be it Russians on Vodka, Moravians on slivovice, Czechs on beer, Irish on whiskey, (insert your own nationality) on (insert your own national drink), is quite funny. If you don't get that, then either don't watch films about drinking, or try drinking often enough that all the things you try to accomplish simply don't happen (just as in the films). Like I said, funny is funny, and that is something that knows no boarders (sorry for the cheesy ending!).

Just like its predecessor "Osobennosti Nazionalnoi Okhoty," this movie has this "it's too Russian for the outsiders to understand"-vibe going on. Not that it's a lot of fun to watch even if you are Russian. With exception of a few funny gags that are based on Russian drunkyard humor (which, indeed, is probably too Russian for the outsiders to understand; then again, if you think you can get it - give it a try), there is nothing the movie has to offer. The only exception is interesting rumination by Buldakov's character about the role and influence of vodka in Russian life and national character. If this sounds intriguing to you - watch the movie, if not - forget it.

The cast of the first film are re-united in this comedy caper, and they actually do catch at least one fish between the drinking and the hangovers. Some of the jokes might go over your head and you even need some history to understand one of them.

I keep reading that this series of films will not be understood by Americans and that good comedy is funny in any language. That simply is not true and I believe that many 'Friends' or 'Frasier' fans from ANY part of the world will not get even a fraction of the humour when they watch this in their native language. My tip:- if you watch a dubbed or subtitled version of this and do not find it too funny, become Reivo, buy a ticket to Russia or the Ukraine, make some friends and live the film and when you come back to your own world look around and tell me which you can identify with more. You might like it and the experience will put a whole new slant on things you have found un-funny. You probably did not think much of Fawlty Towers either. The only thing from America that comes close would be MASH.

Peculiarities of national fishing is sometimes funny, but too often it merely celebrates its own imagined magnificence.

The "drop the cow" plot in its predecessor was funny, but it isn't quite funny to refer to it like this film is doing it; even though some laconic remarks like "Ford... creative!" are.

The same goes for the generals monologues, there's no substance, no absurdity, not even oddness, they are plainly boring and repetitive, I must add.

Also, the "mermaid" plot and the "watching the moon" scenes were a mere waste of time. But enough of bashing. There were some upsides too.

The "love on first sight" number was truly funny because it was so insanely stupid. Also things like "For a woman being deaf is a bad thing. She needs to hear words." and "What should an intelligent person think of this?" were making me laugh, at least. The whole "pantomime" scene was funny and so were the again quite laconic remarks of the police man concerning the explosion mechanism of sea mines and the subsequent behavior of the two castaways.

But then again, the whole "submarine" plot was not only a waste of time, it was annoying. So that, in the end, you have a typical sequel, often dull, sometimes topping its predecessor, but in the end a less felicitous film.

This is simple, cheerful, selfcritical and very very funny movie. Maybe it will be hard and boring for Western viewers but that's their problem. They can always get back the days of Groucho Marx and Jerry Lewis and refresh their memory of some fine comedies. I think one could find some similarities.