(1996)
2.5
Brian J. Dillard
Although its love-triangle subplot is underwritten and its attempts to riff on Mozart's themes of romantic inconstancy seem half-baked, this likable little comedy transcends its hokey premise thanks to its fine ensemble acting and its frequently hilarious script. By mashing together elements of several different formulas -- crazy-people-are-funny comedy, underdog-triumphant melodrama, and let's-put-on-a-show pizzazz -- Louis Nowra's script gets to have it every which way. We root for the pathetic protagonists at the same time we're laughing at their tics. We thrill at the glamour of the footlights and the greasepaint even as we wait for the next mentally ill pratfall. As usual with movies about crazy people, the insane get all the best lines and laughs -- particularly Barry Otto as the aria-obsessed Roy and Kerry Walker as the lovably vicious Sandra. As the token drug abuser, Toni Collette gets to show some grave-faced restraint -- and show off her impressive pipes on renditions of several time-worn pop hits. Unfortunately, fellow Muriel's Wedding vet Rachel Griffiths gets stuck with a thankless role as the protagonist's unsupportive girlfriend. Otherwise, the ensemble fires on all cylinders. Despite such flaws, however, director Mark Joffe strikes a delicate balance between character-driven humor, Waiting for Guffman-style parody, and old-fashioned razzle-dazzle.
Cosi on AllMovie
Cosi (1996)
