Camouflage (2001) User Reviews (20)

Entertaining and funny movie with the great Leslie Nielsen

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 10 July 2005]

The picture deals with a unsuccessful actor called Marty Mackenzie (Lochlyn Munro) who takes a work along with a botcher as well as crusty private detective named Jack Porter (Leslie Nielsen). They both take on an assignment and go to a seedy small town ,¨Beaver Ridge¨(in rural Oregon), where a killer is attempting to murder a rich owner who is cared by a beautiful girl (Vanessa Angel) . Mackenzie and P.I. Porter realize that investigating is not as it seemed to be , as they discovers a dark side . While a rugged sheriff (William Forsythe) meddles in their investigations .

It's an agreeable movie but uneven comedy . The film blends humor, suspense , giggles , tongue-in-cheek and is quite amusing . However , there're lots of gaps in the storyline and results to be badly narrated . The movie is a spoof but is different to previous Nielsen films . Thus , the humor is moderated , the characters aren't as excessive or lunatic as ¨Naked gun¨ , ¨Wrongfully accused¨, ¨Spy hard¨ or ¨Mr.Magoo¨ . The picture obtained limited success , it attained a few money at the box office and in a lot of countries was direct to video . The screenwriter was Billy Bob Thornton who is much better like actor because the plot is average . The film was regularly directed by James Keach (he is also better actor than director) . The motion picture will appeal to comedy enthusiasts and Leslie Nielsen fans .

GREAT NIELSON CAMOUFLAGED

[mmthos · 5/10 · 13 November 2021]

In this run of the mill noir parody, but from his first lines you'll recognize he's in his metier here,. He gets all the best lines, and he's really on. Worth seeing, but only for him in one of his funnest performances.

not very good, sadly enough

[myriamlenys · 4/10 · 5 November 2021]

Having suffered a variety of sentimental and professional setbacks, a young actor/director is facing ruin. Thankfully he meets an ageing private eye, who offers him a job out of pity. The first investigation of our young hopeful goes south at an alarming rate. Soon he's looking at the dirty linen of a little rural town seething with lust, greed and avarice...

"Camouflage" is a mix of comedy and thriller. Although it features the great Leslie Nielsen, as the ageing private eye, it is not a masterpiece : both the comedy and the thriller angles could be far better.

On the other hand this is not the worst thing ever made. There's a good joke or line here and there and some of the minor characters are magnificently weird. You'll notice how the movie has fun with a thundering great cliché, to wit the small town full of louche, backwards and inbred inhabitants. This is a classic - just as its opposite number, the small town full of simple and saintly souls who spend 99 % of their time baking apple pie for orphans.

A rating of four or five stars seems about right, here.

Camouflaaaa.....

[Chrysanthepop · 13 January 2009]

'Camouflage' fails to deliver the goods. It pretty much has the required ingredients but the treatment is a let down. Not that I was expecting much other than a few laughters since it has Leslie Nielsen and Lochlyn Munro but the jokes fall flat and nothing the actors do can save that. The film sticks to the main plot most of the time but there are a few scattered plot holes and it is lacking in style and energy. The flat cinematography and poor soundtrack do nothing in its favour. It tends to drag most of the time. Of the cast, Lochlyn Munro stands out as he is the only one who breathes some life into the movie. Leslie Nielsen is let down by an underwritten role and appears more a caricature. Ditto with Vanessa Angel who isn't given much to do in the first place. Thus, there is no surprise in 'Camouflage'. It is just another half-baked wannabe comedy thriller.

2 Lane Highway to Boredom

[blodhemn · 3/10 · 31 August 2001]

I had watched this movie expecting a plethora of comedy from laughmeister Leslie Nielsen, but was instead subjected to some poor acting and a silly plot. Lochlyn Munro is just a tad too artificial, and Leslie Nielsen not his usual self. It took me almost half the movie to get into it, and although the movie had its share of laughs, the overall effort left a pretty sick taste in the mouth. I would watch it again, just to have a look at Vanessa Angel, and that's about the only good thing about the movie.

A shame. It could've been so much...

[MPRules · 3/10 · 24 July 2005]

Many big and beloved star actors are going to have a very very bad movie. Tommy Lee Jones had "Hunted" and Leslie Nielsen has "Camouflage". As much as I love Leslie, I still think this movie sucks. It seems to be balancing between fun and boring not knowing whether to be ridiculous or (Leslie's first) serious movie. It is neither. It's a weird detective story with a confusing plot and a few bad jokes. Admitted, there are some funny parts in the movie, but they're too few to call it a funny movie.

A shame because we all know that Leslie is hilariously funny if he gets a good movie to be in. Unfortunately, this is not one. Watch Spy Hard or Wrongfully Accused instead if you want to laugh your a** off.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

[lmadorski · 1/10 · 26 August 2018]

What is there to say about this movie? It's unfunny, poorly written and even directed, and incredibly boring. I don't even know how I found this movie, but I had no expectations for it, and I was still disappointed. When I laughed, I was only laughing at the fact that I was in possession of such a terrible film, if you can even call it that. Don't watch this pile of crap, even if it's free.

This gun shouldn't be naked. It should have been invisible.

[mark.waltz · 2/10 · 15 April 2023]

I never thought I'd say this, but this Leslie Nielsen comedy is actually worse than "Repossessed", the parody of "The Exorcist" that came and flatlined a decade before this did and nearly put Nielsen back on the list of actors whose career was in danger of being more unpopular than pea soup. Fortunately Nielsen made more wise choices than bad ones, but choosing this film was not one of the former. Perhaps not his fault because gag comedy is probably the most difficult to predict, and while he has the timing, in this case, those gags land like timed stink bombs. He's paired with young Lochlyn Munro as an actor researching a part as a private investigator and aides Nielsen with a murder investigation.

Little spark is ignited by Vanessa Angel as the love interest, and groans, not laughs, come out of the string of bad puns and malapropisms and metaphors that Nielsen rattles off one after another. After the success of "The Naked Gun", a slew of horrible similar style films came out that flopped critically and often commercially. By the time this came out, the genre of verbal comedy had seen it nadir, and the crudeness of much of the dialog brings on groans not giggles. Interesting element to see AND hear Patrick Warburton, the voice of handicapped Joe Swanson on "Family Guy". A few reluctant chuckles doesn't change the fact that this is wretched, although stage actor Tom Aldredge does get laughs with every lime he has as the wheelchair bound Mr. Pond and raises this up one notch.

Camouflop

[dalxray · 3/10 · 4 April 2020]

Lochlyn Munroe plays a failing actor, so this ws a good casting call because his acting is terrible. The comedy is non-existant, I didn't even crack a smile once. The other reviews here cover the plot. The talents of Leslie Neilsen, William Forsythe and Patrick Warburton are all wasted here. I'm giving this 3 stars only for the eye candy by Vanessa Angel.

Why you might want to watch

[lanechaffin-964-63190 · 6/10 · 10 February 2024]

The main draw is of course Nielsen, here playing Jack Potter, a grizzled LA private eye contemplating retirement. He is paired with the youthful Munro who wants to learn how to be a real PI. The best thing in this movie is Vanessa Angel, in her prime. The cast is pretty good actually, with William Forsythe playing the obstinate, pony-tailed sheriff and Patrick Warburton also on board. The problems: The movie just isn't that funny. The style here is a little different than Wrongly Accused. But it somewhat succeeds in delivering a watchable comedy. Temper your expectations because it is not Wrongly Accused. And the writing could be better. Munro wasn't bad, but he hogs the screen when what you really want to see is Leslie. And Vanessa. I'm kind of back and forth between a rating of 5 and 6. I basically liked it.

A Good Example of Bad Mixing !

[elshikh4 · 5/10 · 28 October 2007]

Well, that was definitely a disappointment. Back then, in 2001, me and my friend raced over who would watch more movies starring (Leslie Nielson) than the other. Yes, not all of his movies were at the same quality, but we loved him as a 70-year-old crazy comedian. Though when it came to this one, we were in shock, and couldn't believe!

The only good Camouflage in here was its propaganda as another comedy from the main star of Hollywood parodies in the 1990s, especially with cartoony opening credits like the Pink Panther movies. (Camouflage) turned out to be (Nielson)'s try to take off the robe of farce which had been cohered to him for quite sometime. But it didn't work. As a serious actor, the movie didn't provide him with nothing serious to perform. And as a comedian, he didn't make fun of (Bogart)'s familiar antics as the typical private detective of the 1940s, or even made something of his own as a parody or else. He stood in a tasteless middle, and I think it's not his fault utterly, it's in that script!

The script strived to be noir comedy, or merely noir about the world's materialism, but the result was uneven, average or less than average, mishmash. I discovered lately that (Billy Bob Thornton) was the story's writer, and the screenplay's co-writer. Although (Thornton) was a writer or co-writer of 8 movies, till now, but this was the only one he made under the name of (Reginald Perry)?! Maybe they messed big time with his work, so he went to the (Alan Smithee) of the writers. Or maybe he noticed late that he delivered something that messy, so went on to remove his name off it. By the way, according to (Thornton)'s performance, in any of his movies, it extremely horrifies me to imagine him participating in writing any kind of comedy!

And they made it R-rated for what exactly? To allure audience by sex jokes, and nudity?! What a cheap way of making movies, or rather earning money! Speaking about cheapness, just look at the movie's poster on the IMDb, with the crooked pistol. This is how to turn off anybody out of your movie. It's scarily poor and unattractive as if done by untalented 7-year-old kid!

So how to define this movie anyway? Hmmm, let's see, it's not a pure comedy, or a black comedy, or a small noir movie, or an action as the IMDb alleges!, or even a parody of anything. OH GOD.. What is it? I'll tell you, it's not a new category; it's a very old one: A "weak" movie!

Most probably the target was making a noir, however after casting (Nielson), the production went to the comic approach. But it ended up as a cross between seriousness and silliness. It has a positive side though, which's being a good example of the bad way of mixing genres!

gotta love Lochlyn Munro

[mbg411 · 8/10 · 28 December 2007]

Am I the only one who loves this movie?! The movie is just too hilarious! Leslie Nielsen is a very funny actor and his character is too. I love the part where he says he's gonna make a "minor adjustment" and then breaks Lochlyn's nose! For sure, this movie is a must have for Lochlyn fans! Lochlyn Munro is one of my favorite actors and he has a starring role in this movie as a guy who is even worse as a detective than as an actor. I love the teaming of him and Nielsen.

Unfortunately, Vanessa Angel had to be in the movie too. She is pretty, those lips turn me on! But she is a terrible actress. Her acting has improved over the years though. She reminded me of Wendy Benson from the TV movie "Pretty Poison".

This movie is pretty much for Lochlyn fans like me. It would have been even better if Vanessa Angel wasn't in it.

Great movie with Leslie Nielsen...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 24 May 2023]

I had actually never heard about this 2001 crime comedy title "Camouflage". But I stumbled upon the movie by random chance here in 2023, and seeing that the movie had Leslie Nielsen in a leading role, of course I had to sit down and watch it.

Writers Billy Bob Thornton, Tom Epperson and Karl Schanzer put together a rather nicely written and enjoyable script and storyline for director James Keach to bring to the screen. I found the storyline in "Camouflage" to be good, entertaining and enjoyable, so the movie did what a movie is supposed to be; be entertaining.

The acting performances in the movie were good, and they definitely had a good cast ensemble put together for the movie. With the likes of Leslie Nielsen, Lochlyn Munro, William Forsythe, Patrick Warburton, Frank Collison and C. Ernst Harth, then you know you are in capable hands.

There were some funny enough moments throughout the course of the 98 minutes that the movie ran for. However, you should not expect "Camouflage" to be an over-the-top spoof and slapstick comedy, that Leslie Nielsen were known for. A good amount of light comedy spruced up the crime story nicely.

I was genuinely entertained by "Camouflage" and I had been missing out on a great performance from Leslie Nielsen here. If you have the chance to sit down and watch "Camouflage", you should definitely do so.

My rating of "Camouflage" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Not a Leslie Nielsen Movie

[djjca · 2/10 · 7 January 2006]

I have always been a huge Leslie Nielsen fan. I loved Naked Gun and Police Squad. And the movie Dracula Dead and Loving it. There are so many great great movies that Leslie starred in. But I would definitely not recommend this movie. But this movie really discredited Leslie. It was not funny at all and He actually used such Foul language that I have never heard him use before, including the F word (several times) Again if you are a fan of Leslie as I am do not watch this movie or you will be greatly disappointed.It is definitely not a funny movie and there is a lot of sexual comments that children should be kept away from viewing this movie as well. Leslie what happened to your clean and funny humor?

The worst movie I have without a doubt ever seen! An insult to Leslie Neilson's Filmography

[Ryaniskool · 31 December 2006]

What starts out as a promising film quickly turns into a winding nightmare of a motion picture. The main character Marty (Lochlyn Munro) is a failed playwright who is the main star in all of his productions. I couldn't have said it better than one of the characters in the movie; "It sucked!". Marty meets up with Detective Jack Potter (Leslie Neilson) and from there it goes downhill. It starts off slow, little or no comedy, and then the only "comedy" it does show happens to be a crazy woman, whom, in her rant, speaks of Elvis and Bigfoot and George Washington being a convicted felon (?). All in all, skip this movie. If you're a Leslie Neilson fan, its disappointing. Heck, if you're even a MOVIE fan, this is disappointing.

The only thing good about it is Leslie Nielsen

[TheDome81 · 3/10 · 14 August 2022]

Sure, there are some laughs in it. But compared to films like "Spy Hard" this one sure comes up short. The writing is pretty dreadful. And I don't think I've seen the Great Nielsen swear in a film before. I'm definitely not a prude and cuss with the best of them, but it's really not needed here. Just write some funnier lines for Pete's sake!

Camouflage Equals Hilarity

[lea-1 · 10/10 · 8 August 2001]

There is nobody who can come close to Leslie Nielsen when it comes to spoofs and narratives and Camouflage is absolutely the best example of this exquisite talent. The movie is laugh out loud funny, and a definite must see! Perfect blend of comedic performances.

A must-have for Lochlyn fans...

[Phob2004 · 17 July 2001]

I ordered Camouflage online and I was really excited when it came in the mail. I am a huge Lochlyn Munro fan, which is what sparked my interest in the film. I popped it in my DVD player as soon as I opened up the package. I was not expecting much out of the movie. Leslie Nielsen narrates throughout the film, which is where many of the funniest lines come from. Lochlyn lived up to all my expectations; he was great throughout the entire movie. Leslie was also good. The acting was definitely not the problem with this movie. So what was the problem? The plot doesn't have too many flaws... It's consistent and makes sense, although there were some holes left unfilled. So if it's not the plot or the acting that's causing the problems, what is it? It's really hard to say. I thought some parts of the movie weren't necessary. Although the sexual content doesn't come near the amount seen in some movies (such as Scary Movie) I felt most of it wasn't necessary. I also think the movie lacked a certain roundness to it. Overall, I would recommend this movie only to fans of the actors in it. Although it isn't a bad movie, I think that if I weren't a Lochlyn Munro fan I would have lost interest and stopped watching during the movie. I give it a 7 out of 10.

CAMOUFLAGE, Decent and entertaining

[kenshin143 · 14 January 2001]

CAMOUFLAGE is a film noir spoof starring Lochlyn Munro as a failing stage actor who takes a job working with a crusty private investigator (Leslie Nielsen) This takes them to a seedy small town where a murder plot against a wealthy gravel pit owner is being planned.

Munro and Nielsen are surprisingly a good comic team in this decent, entertaining movie. A certain change of pace for Nielsen, escaping from his Frank Drebin role from The Naked Gun. Here he plays a foul mouthed, sharp P.I.

Also starring Patrick Warburton, Vanessa Angel and William Forsythe, CAMOUFLAGE is quite a good film. While most direct to video films are over looked, this one should be seen. A good cast and entertaining scenes make it exceptional.

Laugh-out-loud funny Nielsen film is one of his best!

[BastardBlob · 15 January 2001]

I am surprised that this comedy went straight-to-video, as it is much funnier than most movies that make theaters.

It is my second favorite Leslie Nielsen film, "Dracula: Dead and Loving It" is his only better.

In this film (which is a spoof of detective films) he is teamed with Lochlyn Munro ("Scary Movie" and "Dead man on Campus") as a retired detective who agrees to do one last case. Many quotable lines!

Do yourself a favour and rent camouflage, trust me, you'll laugh!