The second and final "The Munsters" reunion film alas isn't half as solid and funny as the very enjoyable "Munster, Go Home!". While the plot has potential -- evil criminal mastermind Dr. Diablo (a frantically mugging Sid Caesar) creates robot lookalikes of Herman and Grandpa in order to pull off an elaborate heist -- the execution of said plot unfortunately leaves a good deal to be desired. Don Weis' flat direction crucially fails to capture the sweet charm and zany energy of the TV show. Instead the movie just plods along while the humor tends to feel both tired and forced. Harry L. Wolf's pedestrian cinematography, Vic Mizzy's mechanically bouncy score, and the shoddy make-up and (not so) special effects are also pretty blah and unremarkable. However, the cast do their best with the mediocre material: Fred Gwynne as lovably bumbling oaf Herman and Al Lewis as cranky old Grandpa play off each other well, Yvonne De Carlo is fine as usual, but isn't given much to do as Lily, Jo McDonnell makes for a cute and appealing Marilyn, Peter Fox contributes a likable performance as nice guy detective Glen, and Bob Hastings is a total robust hoot as a jolly opera-singing Phantom of the Opera. While not a complete disaster, this picture nonetheless lacks the essential spark to be anything more than a merely okay diversion.
Review of The Munsters' Revenge
The Munsters' Revenge
(1981 TV Movie)
A really so-so made-for-TV reunion flick
2 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers