The late 80s and early 90s were a golden era for “Saturday Night Live” and one of the standout performers was Dana Carvey. Carvey was always a gifted comedian and has managed to shine in everything he has starred in no matter the material he is given. To date, Carvey is best known for co-starring in “Wayne’s World” and it’s sequel, a film based on a “Saturday Night Live” sketch which also featured Mike Myers. I was extremely curious to watch “Opportunity Knocks” because I am a big Dana Carvey fan so when I found out that Mill Creek Entertainment was releasing this film on blu-ray, I had to check it out.
The movie follows con men Eddie and Lou as they attempt to rip people off to pay back a gangster. After destroying the gangster’s car, Eddie and Lou split up to get away from his thugs. While attempting to break into a house earlier, the pair had discovered a beautiful home in which the owner was away from for a period of time. Via an answering machine, the pair had discovered the house sitter wasn’t going to show up so Eddie decides to hide out at the house. After spending a night there, Eddie is surprised to meet Milt and Mona, the home owner’s parents. The couple mistake Eddie for Jonathan, the friend who was supposed to house sit. When Eddie realizes how much money Milt has, he starts a romantic con with Milt and Mona’s daughter. Everything goes well until Eddie actually begins to fall in love with her.
Dana Carvey has always been a favorite comedian of mine ever since his days on “Saturday Night Live”. Carvey has always been able to surround himself with some of the best talent of all time (if you need any proof, watch the Hulu documentary “Too Funny To Fail: The Life & Death of the Dana Carvey Show”) and he shines best playing off of other comedians. When Dana Carvey is given starring roles, he tends to go a little over board and hams it up a little too much. While “Opportunity Knocks” isn’t the hamfest “Master of Disguise” turned out to be, Carvey has a habit of going over the top even in this film. That isn’t to say I disliked the film, but a slightly more reserved performance might have enhanced the film some.
Aside from Carvey, the supporting cast is surprisingly strong. Todd Graff plays Lou in the film and has a good chemistry with Carvey. When Graff shares scenes with Carvey, he enhances the veteran comedian. The great Robert Loggia shines in this comedy. Julia Campbell is also very good and it is a bit surprising she didn’t end up doing more after this performance.
One thing that bothered me a little about the movie was how easily Milt and his family all forgave Eddie after he conned them. For me, this unrealistic action removed any heart the film was going for. That being said, the movie does score some bonus points in it’s favor for Carvey’s President George H.W. Bush imitation.
The movie isn’t terrible but isn’t the comedic showcase Carvey deserves either. Some comedians just deserve greatness and just plain average is a bit sad to see. Still, it’s a trip back to the 90s where things felt simpler and there are definitely a lot worse comedies out there.
Grade: C+
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