Is Around the World in Eighty Ways Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1988)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1988, Around the World in Eighty Ways represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mavis Davis has had enough! Younger son Eddie wears headphones all day and almost electrocutes her. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Mavis Davis has had enough! Younger son Eddie wears headphones all day and almost electrocutes her. Older boy Wally is gay and lives in a huge over-ripe banana. And her husband Roly has grown into a blind, motionless, emotionless vegetable. So pack the bags, Mavis is off on an around the world package trip leaving them all behind. However, when Dad finds out she has been joined by their hated next door neighbour long dead passions begin to stir. Blind, senile old Dad decides to chase his wife around the world..."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Philip Quast, the performance in Around the World in Eighty Ways feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Stephen MacLean is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 91 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Around the World in Eighty Ways truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Around the World in Eighty Ways explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1988 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Stephen MacLean respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Around the World in Eighty Ways is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Philip Quast or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Around the World in Eighty Ways is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.