The Age of Commercialism

People are voting emotionally.

As Good As It Gets

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

This sequel to "My Friend Irma" actually ignores its finale, which had Diana Lynn & Dean Martin and Marie Wilson & John Lund eich and about to get married; here they have gone back to being middle-class and merely engaged. It mostly seems to be a vehicle for Martin to sing a few songs in a pleasantly mellow voice (and manner); Lynn has much less to do (or say) this time; Wilson continues to be more eager than funny; and Jerry Lewis continues to be more terrible than funny, He shares one scene with a monkey and it's a real struggle to decide who gives the better performance. His impersonation of Bette Davis also must be seen to be believed - not because it's so good, but because it's so bad. Corinne Calvet in a 1950s bikini is certainly a sight for sore eyes. ** out of 4.

Ironically, the first film -- "My Friend Irma" -- was made with Martin & Lewis being injected into a film that was already undergoing filming. But, it worked quite well. Here, Martin & Lewis were firmly in place for this film, and it does pretty well, but it's actually not quite as good as the original film.Here the guys and gals head for Hollywood, only to discover that the exciting news of Dean's character getting a Hollywood contract was actually a contract with a lunatic. But, on they go, winding up in Las Vegas where Dean will sing while Irma gets kidnapped. I actually thought the funniest moment of the film was when the kidnappers vie to kill Irma simply because she's so irritating! But there are some good Martin & Lewis moments...although not sure I really wanted to see a half-naked Jerry Lewis as an Indian! Dean has some good numbers: "Baby, Obey Me" ( really good number for Dean; very polished; and even Jerry's clowning works here). "Vagabond Road" (really one of those zany numbers where Dean sings and Jerry clowns; classic Martin & Lewis comedy). "I'll Always Love You" (lovely ballad that resulted in a # 11 hit record for Dean). "The Guitar Band" (another song with help from Jerry; kinda catchy western-themed song).John Lund again plays Al...and he's beginning to grow on me. Marie Wilson again plays Irma...and I still think she was a better radio star than movie star. Diana Lynn has a pleasant screen personality. Dean does well here...quite poised for someone so new to Hollywood. Jerry is what Jerry always was...up to you whether you approve or disapprove. Corinne Calvet...what was it that made her a star? Guess just the accent. I always enjoy seeing Lloyd Corrigan, here as the gambling thug..My favorite Martin & Lewis film? Not even close. But it's fun and worth a watch.

Although this picture was made as a sequel to MY FRIEND IRMA it took on a life of its own because of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Martin & Lewis were virtual unknowns when they were featured in the first Irma, were still unknowns when Goes West was filmed. BUT... but... by the time this film was released the boys had become the hottest comedy team in American history. This film was a smash hit almost entirely because it featured Martin & Lewis. When the boys' next movie came out, At War with the Army, I remember me and my brother waited 2 1/2 hours at Loew's 2400 seat Palace theater in Washington, DC to get in. This was during the movies lean years when folks were staying home with their 7" Motorola b&w TV's. Odd to recently see VHS copies of that picture on sale at Safeway for 99 cents. OH... My Friend Irma Goes West was very funny!

This is easily the funniest and most deep-down-hardy chuckle inducing film that the fabulous comedy duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis have ever starred in. And it makes its predecessor (My Friend Irma) pale in comparison. One of the only sequels I've ever known that's actually better than the original. Even though Dean and Jerry were only given fourth and fifth billing in the picture, because they were still so new in the industry, Jerry Lewis clearly ends up stealing the whole show! In between Dean Martin's dulcet tones as he sings some original songs in the film, Jerry is at his peak, complete with his legendary, goofy humor, delayed-reaction one-liners, and prat falls. He's probably the most valuable asset of the film. But this isn't to undermine the performances of the lead actors, who are also fabulous! Especially the dead-on, hilarious portrayal of Irma, the dizzy blonde, by Marie Wilson. Her character's innocent and gullible absent-mindedness which lands her in so much trouble will definitely provide some GOOD laughs...Definitely! This is the first review of this film on this site, and therefore the first one people will see when they look up this reference page, so I'm really trying to do it justice in my review. Let me just say that this movie is most probably the funniest picture of its era, and you can quote me on that. Way ahead of its time, it's hard to believe that this was produced half a century ago! Even my seven-year-old sister loves it, and it's HARD to win her over! Please give it a chance. I can promise that if you have even an inkling of a sense of humor inside you, you'll laugh so much that it'll be hard to find time for eating popcorn between chuckles! My rating for My Friend Irma Goes West, a solid, perfect 10. But 10 isn't really high enough for it. My own opinion of it surpasses 10 ineffably.