See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Synopsis

See No Evil, Hear No Evil is a 1989 comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller, featuring the legendary comedic duo Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. The story revolves around Dave (Pryor), who is blind, and Wally (Wilder), who is deaf. Despite their disabilities, the two friends find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery. When a crime takes place in the vicinity of their New York City storefront, the duo becomes the prime suspects. As they attempt to clear their names, they navigate a series of misadventures that highlight their unique perspectives on the world around them. Their contrasting conditions lead to a mix of humorous situations and clever dialogue, capitalizing on their dynamic chemistry. The film showcases not just physical comedy but also sharp wit as the duo relies on each other's strengths to combat formidable foes and hilarious misunderstandings. Throughout their escapade, themes of friendship, trust, and resilience shine through amidst the film's engaging and light-hearted tone.

Cast

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  Richard Pryor

  Wallace 'Wally' Karue

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  Gene Wilder

  Dave Lyons

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  Joan Severance

  Eve

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  Kevin Spacey

  Kirgo

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  Alan North

  Braddock

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  Alexandra Neil

  Sally

Reviews

Critics had a mixed reception to See No Evil, Hear No Evil, highlighting both the film's comedic charm and its shortcomings. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 27%, indicating a generally unfavorable view among critics, though some acknowledged the comedic prowess of the leads. A review from the site states, 'While Pryor and Wilder provide moments of laughter, the film lacks depth and relies heavily on physical comedy rather than a solid narrative.' Conversely, audience ratings are notably more favorable, reflecting the film's cult appeal, earning a 6.8/10 on IMDb. Viewers appreciate the chemistry between Pryor and Wilder, with one fan noting, 'Their performances alone make this film worth watching, even if the plot stumbles.' Metacritic rates the film at 44/100, suggesting mixed to average reviews. Some critics appreciated the film's humor and the way it creatively handled themes around disability, with a quote stating, 'It’s a fun buddy-cop comedy that embraces the absurd in an entertaining way.' Overall, the film manages to entertain despite its narrative flaws, largely due to its leading duo's charisma.