Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) and JOhn Gustufson (Jack Lemmon) were once the best of friends, However, in 1938, they let a girl get between them and have been fighting ever since.
Now in their latter years, these two old quarleing war horse widowers are still at each other's throats, even living next door to each other.
One day a woman named Ariel (Ann-Margret), moves into thier neighbourhood and decides to play games with each of them... toying with their emotions. Suddenly, their long-running feud is rekindled, and hotter than ever to boot!
Matthau and Lemmon are as exceptional a duo as Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers, Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello. These two film veterins were as good as Fonda and Hepburn were in On Golden Pond. Joined by ledgend Ann-Margret, the trio make a funny and charming film.
Grumpy Old Men is Lemmon and Matthau's best film, hands down. (Ok, ok, so maybe The Fortune Cookie was better, but you get my point. Matthau and Lemmon, together again, are at their very best and are just like their old selves.
Burgess Meridith plays John Gustufson's dirty, foul-mouthed, 94-year-old father. Burgess steals every scene he is in, if not, the entire show.
No matter how old an actor may get, they'll never loose their touch; Lemmon, Matthau and Margret proove that point right here. A wonderfully charming and funny film.
Plot: 
There is not a lot of substance to the plot of Grumpy Old Men, however it is a great idea and works very well with Lemmon and Matthau. Ann-Margret is the icing on the cake.
Visual Effects:
There are few if any "visual effects" shots in the film; mostly camara angels and other various shots.
Sound: 
There are many songs in the picture and they are placed well. Each song fits the mood of scene it is in. Songs must fit the scene they are in - this is crucial - or else the entire scene may not work.
Character Development:
All of the characters change. Most notably, John and Max learn to tolerate each other. Even the minor sub-plot - John's daughter and Max's son getting together - show character development.
Atmosphere:
No matter if like them or not, you will irresistably drawn to Lemmon and Matthua just because they are who they are!
Realism:
Warren’s Rating:
7.71/10 Is the movie worth your time to watch?
2-08-04
