Sleeper

Sleeper
December 17, 1973
United Artists
Comedy, Sci-Fi
VHS
B-

This is an uneven movie (based very loosely on Rip Van Winkle) in which ironically the most topical jokes-- Nixon, Cosell, Polaroid, McDonald's, etc.-- are actually the funniest, while the physical humor, except for the giant fruits, vegetables, and yes, chicken, only works for me because of the jazzy instrumentals.  The sci-fi elements though are I think mostly successful, especially the look of the movie, including the heavy use of white and black.  Diane Keaton, once her character shakes free of her pretentious, upper-class background, is a lot of fun, whether doing Tarzan swings or imitating Brando.  Woody Allen is playing his usual character, but the idea of placing him in this futuristic setting (where almost no one reacts to his jokes) is a good one.  I do have issues with the movie-- too much kidnapping! and stereotypes that don't redeem themselves by being actually funny-- but overall, I recommend it.

George Furth, who was Howie in The Cool Ones, is one of Luna's party guests.  Lou Picetti, who's the Miss America M.C., would be one of the strangers Alvy questions on the street in Annie Hall.  Peter Hobbs, who plays Dr. Dean, would also be a doctor in Nine to Five.  Whitney Rydbeck, who plays the robot Janus, would be the auctioneer in A Very Brady Sequel.