Watch Buddy Buddy

Buddy Buddy is a comedy film from 1981 which features the legendary comedic duo of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as two very unlikely friends who are brought together through a series of bizarre circumstances. Paula Prentiss co-stars as the object of their affection and the catalyst for their wild and wacky antics. The film is directed by Billy Wilder, who is also responsible for classic comedies such as Some Like It Hot and The Apartment. As such, Buddy Buddy is full of his signature style and wit, as well as plenty of physical comedy and slapstick humor. However, it's also a darker, more subversive movie than some of his other works, with a uniquely offbeat sense of humor that sets it apart from his other films.

The plot centers around Trabucco (Matthau) and Victor Clooney (Lemmon), two very different men who find themselves stuck together in a hotel room in the midst of a major crisis. Trabucco is a hit-man who has been contracted to kill a high-ranking government official, while Victor is a suicidal man who is determined to end his life. Their paths cross when Trabucco's plan goes awry and he's forced to take Victor hostage to ensure his escape.

What follows is a series of hilarious misadventures as Trabucco desperately tries to complete his mission while Victor tries to convince him to let him go and ultimately find a reason to live. Along the way, they encounter a host of eccentric characters, including Paula (Prentiss), a woman who they both fall for, and her inept husband, Dr. Zuckerbrot (Klaus Kinski).

As the movie progresses, the unlikely friendship between Trabucco and Victor starts to develop, with each man learning from the other and finding common ground despite their wildly different backgrounds and motivations. Their interactions are full of Wilder's trademark dialogue, full of quips and one-liners that are both clever and absurd.

The performances from Lemmon and Matthau are predictably brilliant, with both actors playing against type in their respective roles. Matthau is the tough-talking hit-man who shows a softer side beneath his gruff exterior, while Lemmon is the neurotic everyman who gains a newfound sense of confidence through his alliance with Trabucco. Prentiss is also fantastic as the object of their affection, imbuing her character with a sense of warmth and quirkiness that makes her instantly likable.

One of the most notable aspects of the movie is its dark humor, which is often macabre and unexpected. From Trabucco's numerous attempts at killing his targets (including one involving a booby-trapped toilet) to Victor's multiple suicide attempts, the film's humor derives much of its energy from its willingness to tackle taboo subjects with an irreverent and often absurd approach.

Despite its darker moments, though, Buddy Buddy is ultimately a feel-good movie about the power of friendship and the importance of finding meaning in even the most dire of circumstances. It's a testament to Wilder's talent as a filmmaker that he's able to balance both the comedy and the pathos so deftly, resulting in a movie that's both hilarious and affecting.

Overall, Buddy Buddy is a must-watch for anyone who's a fan of Lemmon and Matthau's iconic partnership, as well as for anyone who appreciates witty, offbeat humor. It's a film that's equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, and one that's bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.