Herb and Charlie are best friends and brothers-in-law. Herb is the responsible one, Charlie the scamp. So of course it’s Charlie’s idea to scam a free cruise by pretending to be a dance instructor, and to trick his recently widowed bud Herb into doing the same (though at least Herb’s got some legit moves).
Of course, Charlie’s hoping to do more than just dance on this cruise; he’s hoping to score himself a rich wife. Herb (Jack Lemmon), still in love with his deceased wife, is not ready 
for the swinging bachelor existence Charlie has planned for them on board, but that’s only half his trouble. A snarky entertainment director is on to them and their little ruse could cost them thousands of dollars that neither can afford (hello, gambling my old friend!) if found out and no amount of Rue McClanahan flirtation can save them.
Matthau and Lemmon are of course good for some madcap hilarity. I’m struck by how physical Matthau’s comedy continues to be into his old age. This movie is pretty stupid plot-wise, but the chemistry between old pals Matthau and Lemmon is tonnes of fun and magical as ever. This is the 9th of their 10 collaborations and you never get tired of seeing them together. Does it make up for a weak script? Not really. But if you’re reaching all the way back to 1997, you’re doing it because these are beloved figures who crack you up doing their soft-shoe shtick, not because you’re expecting to uncover a hidden gem that’s somehow lain dormant for two decades. Jack and Walt were the OGs as far as Bromance is concerned. Matt and Ben have a long way to go before we’re willing to let them flirt so shamelessly with our grandmas.
ASSHOLES WATCHING MOVIES 
Love these two together, a right pair of reprobates!
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Well Jay, Tubularsock is not a nostalgic type of guy. Looking back can turn you to salt Tubularsock has heard and unless it is on the rim of a margarita-glass isn’t much good.
Tubularsock HATES old people and really doesn’t care for young people much either and the middle aged are rather boring. Oh sure, Tubularsock is a fun loving guy!
Movies attempting to draw audiences based on past performances of actors who should hang it up UNLESS the script is outstanding are depressing. Isn’t there any “new” funny people?
Tubularsock has noticed that the ratio between the number of “stars” in a movie and the entertainment value of a movie are directly proportional. The more “stars” the less entertainment value because the industry is basing the film on name recognition rather than on script or even performance. In these cases Tubularsock calls this type film a commodity film rather than “art”.
And they suck.
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This movie sounds like the old(but gold) movies from my childhood, so this has to land on my watchlist!
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This was a good one to watch on tv. Not on par with the cable classic Grumpy Old Men. Nice callback to this one.
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I haven’t seen this one, but I’m a sucker for Matthau and Lemmon. Regardless of the movie quality, the chemistry between those two is just too good.
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I always liked this film. It’s so fun to watch. Matthau and Lemmon together is always a joy as I just love the chemistry and seeing Matthau be so funny. Plus, the film had some standout moments from Donald O’Connor and Elaine Stritch. Those two having a little dance-off is great as they still got it.
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Matthau and Lemmon are awesome together. Grumpy Old Men is a film I could watch over and over and…
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Love this film. One of the last I ever watched with my grandpa.
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I think I’ll stick with Grumpy Old Men. Or The Odd Couple. They were a great pair, though.
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They are pretty funny together though the plot sounds pretty lame. This is going on the “If there’s nothing else on” pile. š
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Matthau and Lemmon are such a great double act, constantly bouncing off the other.
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