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Things Change (1988)

Things Change (1988)
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Perhaps it was his collaborator Shel Silverstein who said to screenwriter David Mamet "Lighten up. Do a comedy." Whatever the case, Things Change was a welcome change of pace for Mamet, both as scenarist and director. Don Ameche also goes against his usual grain by playing a downtrodden Chicago shoeshine boy (if one can call an 80-year-old a "boy") who is arrested for a crime he didn't commit. Not having much of a future anyway, Ameche has agreed--for a hefty sum--to take the rap for a gangland rubout. Mob henchman Joe Mantegna is assigned to keep an eye on Ameche over the weekend to make sure he doesn't try to weasel out of his agreement. Mantegna has been ordered to remain in Ameche's Lake Tahoe hotel, but the young guy takes a liking to the old loser. Like Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail, Mantegna takes Ameche on one last fling around Nevada. The location photography is terrific, and Ameche even more so. One would like Things Change to be equally as good, and while it never comes up to its potential, it remains a pleasant means to while away 100 minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Don AmecheJoe Mantegna, (more)
Director(s):
David Mamet
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Things Change

Perhaps it was his collaborator Shel Silverstein who said to screenwriter David Mamet "Lighten up. Do a comedy." Whatever the case, Things Change was a welcome change of pace for Mamet, both as scenarist and director. Don Ameche also goes against his usual grain by playing a downtrodden Chicago shoeshine boy (if one can call an 80-year-old a "boy") who is arrested for a crime he didn't commit. Not having much of a future anyway, Ameche has agreed--for a hefty sum--to take the rap for a gangland rubout. Mob henchman Joe Mantegna is assigned to keep an eye on Ameche over the weekend to make sure he doesn't try to weasel out of his agreement. Mantegna has been ordered to remain in Ameche's Lake Tahoe hotel, but the young guy takes a liking to the old loser. Like Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail, Mantegna takes Ameche on one last fling around Nevada. The location photography is terrific, and Ameche even more so. One would like Things Change to be equally as good, and while it never comes up to its potential, it remains a pleasant means to while away 100 minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
100 mins

Complete Cast of Things Change


Director(s):
David Mamet
Writer(s):
David MametShel Silverstein
Producer(s):
Michael HausmanNed Dowd
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Situations, Adult Language, Brief Nudity, Violence, Questionable for Children)
Things Change Awards:
  • 1988 - Venice International Film Festival - Volpi Cup for Best Actor
  • 1988 - Venice International Film Festival - Volpi Cup for Best Actor
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Member Reviews
 
Andrew S.

Ameche and Montegna are a joy; the warmth that develops between their characters is most effecting. The film is delightful. The writing and many of the actors performances are top drawer. Look for Wm. H. Macy and Felicity Huffman in small roles.

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Christopher S.

Being a fan of Mamet's I was predisposed to liking this film. What a treat for fans of sly comedies. If you're looking for belly laughs, this is not for you. But if you like whimsical comedies with cleverly done plot twists, then rent this little gem.

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Richard K.

I'm a fan of Mamet films. I've seen this one several times and recommend it to my friends. I'll probably buy this one next time around.

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