Catch 22 Reviews

Unfortunately, this could never make the bar set by the book.

Joseph Heller wrote the book on which this is based, but was only really after the paycheck the movie offered and did not contribute personally to the script(apart from giving it the go ahead). It was widely understood that the movie format would be hard pressed to match the books unique and gritty take on World War 2.

As expected there were huge problems translating this magnificet piece of work to the silver screen and the idea was passed around hollywood for a few years before someone found the guts to do it (Mike Nichols). It has a great cast and is very entertaining but looses steam towards the end. The alternate ending is worth waiting for and it is reasonably funny but I wish they had been able to maintain a bit more of the wit and humour found in the book. Watch it, if you have read the book - it is not a replacement.

Another case of good book done bad. Some nice moments, but overall only worth seeing if you haven't read the book.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Daddy or Chips?

Is the film better than the book? The Book Better then the film? Two seperate entities that cannot be compared? Two art forms equally important in their own right? How many times do we have to discuss this same topic down the pub?

In short I love 'em both. What the film does that the book can't is stunning. The End as the beginning, the beginning as the end and the mania in between are dizzying in their tone and yet make total sense. The Book? This is a film review buddy...

Underrated big-budget 70s Hollywood gem.

The scene where Yossarian (a brilliant Alan Arkin) has to pretend to be dead for the dead soldier's parents is one of most amazing scenes I've ever seen. There are so many great scenes in this film, but it doesn't quite gel together, I must admit. Nevertheless, I still feel that it is one of the best big-budget films ever made.

Gorgeous "2pm" cinematography by the great David Watkin.

"Does anyone know what a chair is?"

Ever seen MASH?

This film pre-dates MASH but it holds a lot of things in Common, its very anti-war. Spends a lot of time showing just how much of a joke war is, but also showing some of the harsh realities as Captain Yossarian tries to get out of the war. If you haven't seen MASH the movie and you enjoy this film make sure you get that next.

Fantastic film well worth a watch.

Never the book

A classic book, although people are mixed on the film. Some of the characters don't work on the screen. Not a write off by any means - an enjoyable film, but stick with the book on this one.

Well, what can be said about this apart from fabulous. I was laughing from when it started until it finished. It shows the madness of being in the armed forces. Brilliant black comedy, reminiscent of the later M*A*S*H.

Must admit fell asleep watching it....from having read the book this is a dire american version

A few years ago I read the book catch 22 and liked it very much, it was very funny and good to read, i read it in a few days. Beacause you're really want to find out what is going to happen next.

So i decided that i would watch the movie. But i've got to say that this movie is nothing like the book it's just awful

first of all it goes way to fast, skips passages that are quiet important and also the acting is also very bad

Greetings

Read the book - it's much better

I think the title says it all! The film just doesn't do the book justice and realy confuses the characters.