It’s usually a very telling sign when the problems stemming from a film’s rocky production prove far more interesting than the actual film itself. At least that’s what one can gather when listening to Shirley MacLaine talk about her experience with Jessica Lange in making the “third act” comedy Wild Oats. Apparently so much went wrong during the making of this otherwise standard comedy that MacLaine found herself with enough material for a book, which she has since written and published. From an inability to pay little more than what the actress calls “get on the plane money” to endless compromises, such as the casting of a “producer’s” girlfriend in a small role, the behind-the-scenes antics of Wild Oats read as endlessly interesting when compared to the film itself, which most of the time comes off as little more than tourist video featuring famous people.
In Wild Oats, newly-widowed Eva (MacLaine) finds herself having trouble adjusting to life without her husband, which isn’t helped by the paltry life insurance policy he’s left behind. Thankfully, Eva has her best friend Maddie (Lange) by her side, even if she is going through her own struggles involving a cheating husband. When a computer error results in Eva receiving a check from her husband’s insurance company in the sum of $5,000,000, she and Maddie head for the Canary Islands to find themselves. Hot on their tail are Eva’s overbearing daughter Crystal (Demi Moore) and a nearly-retired insurance investigator (Howard Hesseman).
Its a shame to report that despite the above-the-title talent, there isn’t anything particularly special here. The film’s pace is way too quick, almost as if the filmmakers are for some reason afraid to let the audience stop and enjoy themselves. Adding to this are characters with certain elements and traits thrust upon them, yet never fully explored. Wild Oats really tends to lose focus in the third act when things get emotional and hopelessly farcical, showing that director Andy Tennant has bitten off far more than he can chew. Judging by the hopelessly tacked on ending, he seems to know it too. It becomes clear not long into starting the film that Wild Oats is nothing more than a chance to watch a pair of great Oscar-winning actresses show that they’ve still got enough captivating qualities to enchant audiences and carry a film. Even one as tedious as this.
If nothing else, the script should be lauded for how it doesn’t altogether pander to its main characters. The film recognizes Eva and Maddie as women who are still vital with fears and desires, making the movie at times a sweet and slightly humorous story of not checking out. The most surprising way it does this is in the comedy it gives both actresses to play. The jokes in Wild Oats may be largely unspectacular, but it is also at many times solid and works for every character. Immediately following Eva’s husband’s funeral, Maddie asks Eva whether she noticed how everyone was looking at the alleged mistress of the former’s husband, Eva tearfully says to Maddie, “Some of us were looking at the coffin.” Such moments manage to save Wild Oats from overall blandness, including the scene where Maddie is approached in a bar by a younger man who curiously asks her, “Have you ever seen the movie The Graduate?” after which she pauses and innocently, yet deceitfully replies “no.”
The performances from the two legendary leads couldn’t be better and truly save the film from being the uninspired disaster it very nearly is. MacLaine shows that she’s still got it with an endless stream of perfect comedic timing. Meanwhile Lange proves she’s got a knack for comedy that extends beyond the bitchy one-liners she was given on American Horror Story. “We should have a plan,” Eva states as the two are on their way to retrieve some stolen money. “I totally agree,” says a lost-looking Maddie. “But, you don’t have one,” Eva calmly clarifies, to which Maddie replies, “No.” “Mm hmm,” says Eva. Comedy isn’t necessarily in either actress’s wheelhouse, but the pair manage it here flawlessly.
If only the same praise could extend to the rest of the cast. Moore is out of her depth with not much to do, suggesting the actress merely signed on so that she could share screen time with her legendary co-stars. Meanwhile, Hesseman and Billy Connelly (the latter on-hand as Eva’s potential love interest) are two proven comedic actors who falter in roles which show them looking aimless and lost.
The problems with Wild Oats continued up until its release, when the film curiously premiered on Lifetime before being given a paltry theatrical run ahead of its rushed DVD debut. This is all more than a little indicative of the current state of film. In the old days, a movie such as Wild Oats would have been a title more widely seen because it would have actually been shown in theaters to willing audiences. Well, the audience is still there waiting for those movies to show up.
Wild Oats is now available on DVD and VOD from Anchor Bay Home Entertainment.
Get it at Amazon:
Wild Oats — [DVD] | [Amazon Video]
