Now this is the type of movie that you call “an oldie but a goodie.” “Mixed Nuts” was directed by Nora Ephron in 1994. I’ve never even heard anyone outside of my own family talk about this movie. This is odd, considering the famously well-known cast starring in it, not to mention its hilarious comedy.
The plot deals with Mrs. Munchinik (Madeline Kahn), Philip (Steve Martin), and Catherine (Rita Wilson), running a crisis hotline in Santa Ana, California, over the Christmas and holiday season.
Their office is located in an apartment building, which is overlooked by their landlord Stanley (Garry Shandling). He ends up evicting the company, and Philip tries hiding it from everyone else. Their unstable friends, a ukulele playing Louie (Adam Sandler), veterinarian (Rob Reiner), and crazy couple Gracie (Juliette Lewis) and Felix (Anthony LaPaglia), all wind up in the hotline’s office.
Each character, even the hotline specialists, all end up having more problems then the people calling for help do.
Oh the irony!
Here’s a quote from Steve Martin (Philip) to give you an idea of its humor: “May I put you on hold while I run to my desk? Oh! You’re not calling from a bridge or holding a weapon are you?” The caller responds, “No,” and Steve Martin replies, “Good.” Mind you, this is a suicide hotline; you do not put people in suicidal situations on hold.
It’s very much a slapstick humor kind of movie, which I highly suggest for your holiday entertainment. And I mean who doesn’t love an Adam Sandler flick?