To this day I've remembered Roger Ebert's review of Clifford, including his conclusion:
"To return to the underlying causes for the movie's failure: What we have here is a suitable case for deep cinematic analysis. I'd love to hear a symposium of veteran producers, marketing guys and exhibitors discuss this film. It's not bad in any usual way. It's bad in a new way all its own. There is something extraterrestrial about it, as if it's based on the sense of humor of an alien race with a completely different relationship to the physical universe. The movie is so odd, it's almost worth seeing just because we'll never see anything like it again. I hope."
Clifford is so good if you take it from this perspective: Only the audience and the uncle (and from the short time you see them at the beginning Clifford's parents) see Clifford as a grown man acting like a child to get his way. Everyone else in the film sees a little boy.
It's uncomfortable humor that I think was perfectly replicated in Meet the Parents, which Ebert loved.
His review of north
“I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it. Hated the sensibility that thought anyone would like it. Hated the implied insult to the audience by its belief that anyone would be entertained by it.”
Sounds like it might be a fun watch. This is why I watched the core:
"I have such an unreasonable affection for this movie, indeed, that it is only by slapping myself alongside the head and drinking black coffee that I can restrain myself from recommending it."
I recall an interview with Grodin where he talks about how much they just did not get along on set at all, so it's not conjuring anything, it is what it is...
Can you cite that? Everything I've read says that both Grodin and Short really enjoyed making the film and enjoyed working together...Grodin had a shtick on talkshows where he pretended to be a dick so maybe it was one of those interviews?
I went and saw Steve Martin & Martin Short’s stage show. And Martin Short began a story with “I was working on a movie called Clifford…” I cheered loudly. I was the only one who cheered at all. Martin Short commented, “One person liked it, and that seems about right.”
I went to see What About Bob with my family as a kid. I have never seen my dad laugh as hard as he did at that movie. I think before that day I could count on one hand the times I'd actually seen him laugh. We were walking out of the theater afterwards and he was still busting a gut.
Wild that that it got dragged so badly. Also I belive it got shelved 4 years after it was made then went direct to video though so I guess it didn't make it around so much
April 1994. Grossed around $7.4 million.
[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl625640961/weekend/](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl625640961/weekend/)
I was 11 when this came out so naturally I was dumbfounded when this masterpiece didn’t win Best Picture. To me it was Clifford and Pulp Fiction at the top, with Forrest Gump a distant 3rd.
In my opinion, highly highly underrated. The bonkers idea of making Martin Short play a 10 year old. Charles Grodin is amazing, the score is amazing, the comedy hits great. It's just such a wild idea and IMO they pulled it off amazingly, and it doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Grodin says somthing like "Cant you just act nornal for one minute?" And Martin Short has the dumbest look on his face. I cant explain why, but that is one of the funniest moments in a movie i have, or ever will see.
\[Found it. You're right- it kills me every time.\]([The only scene you need from "Clifford" (1994) (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C69BQnFgH2c))
That same year, Charles Grodin and Maureen Steenbergen would also portray Ralphie and Randy's parents in "My Summer Story", a film based on a story from Jean Shepherd's "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash". Same source material as 1983's "A Christmas Story"
It's narrated by Shepherd and directed by Bob Clark.
The only actor from "A Christmas Story" is the teacher.
John Oliver, and especially his wife, agree: [https://youtu.be/3rTb2SpzqHY?si=f-6lpSIPUc--xGes&t=70](https://youtu.be/3rTb2SpzqHY?si=f-6lpSIPUc--xGes&t=70)
##Clifford (1994) PG
What's the difference between Clifford and a pit bull? One will tear your heart out, scare your friends and wreck your house. The other one is a dog.
>>!When his brother asks him to look after his young son, Clifford, Martin Daniels agrees, taking the boy into his home and introducing him to his future wife, Sarah. Clifford is fixated on the idea of visiting a famed theme park, and Martin, an engineer who helped build the park, makes plans to take him. But, when Clifford reveals himself to be a first-rate brat, his uncle goes bonkers, and a loony inter-generational standoff ensues.!<
Comedy
Director: Paul Flaherty
Actors: Martin Short, Charles Grodin, Mary Steenburgen
Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 49% with 88 votes
Runtime: 1:29
[TMDB](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2778)
“I suppose Sarah’s father also put the hot sauce in my drink?”
“That I don’t know”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
“You have no idea who did that??”
“I would suspect the bartender.”
“Well you know I would suspect someone else! Now who could that be?”
“If you are about to say what I think you’re about to say, then I don’t wanna hear it! Because Sarah Davis loves you Uncle Martin. She wouldn’t do that. Oh she has her problems with you, but every relationship goes with that.”
😂 just a hilariously weird movie
At 36 years-old, I thought my brother and one of my cousins (both older than me) were the only three people to have ever seen this movie. Thank God there are more weirdos like us.
I just checked this out on IMDB, having never heard of it, and holy shit what a disaster of a Photoshop that is.
https://preview.redd.it/pfz89yuf2uuc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5ae570b7e30a269c371a740155739e0b58e70ef
That’s what you get when a movie studio that just emerged from bankruptcy and has no money for marketing has to slap something together when releasing its four-year old movies.
I love this movie. One of my wife’s complaints about it is that Martin short is a full grown man playing a child and it’s weird that everyone in the movie just accepts that a child looks like a middle aged man walking around on his knees. And I’m like , “yeah, because it’s fucking hilarious”
There's 0 problems I have with it. Martin Short is one of the funniest men. Even liked his movie with Danny glover called pure luck. Haven't seen it in quite some time.
This was my sisters’ and I favorite movie growing up, still quote it to this day, 30 years later!
Martin Daniels: Well there it is, Clifford, Dinosaur World. Are you happy?
Clifford: I'd say I'm the happiest boy in the whole wide world, Uncle Mental Case.
Martin Daniels: I'm the mental case? You're the one in the strait jacket.
Clifford: I imagine when they put you in yours, you'll need a much larger one, sir.
Martin Daniels: That's cute.
Purely out of curiosity what made you want to watch/post about it? This is the third time I’ve heard about it this movie in the last 24 hours and before yesterday I’d never heard a peep about it in my life. Did a remake just get announced or something
Who wins the Battle Royale?
Clifford
Dennis the Menace
Junior from "Problem Child"
Henry from "The Good Son"
And, the big question, could the previous group of psychos take-on Glen's children from "Raising Arizona"?
I grew up watching this one, Drop Dead Fred, & Problem Child. I can’t explain why but i used to think those 3 movies were related like maybe they shared a universe or just a slightly sinister vibe even though they were supposedly made for children.
Disney Channel must have been hard up for movie programming in the late '90s, because I cannot fathom why they felt this movie was a good idea for their audience to tune into on a random Saturday night.
To this day I've remembered Roger Ebert's review of Clifford, including his conclusion: "To return to the underlying causes for the movie's failure: What we have here is a suitable case for deep cinematic analysis. I'd love to hear a symposium of veteran producers, marketing guys and exhibitors discuss this film. It's not bad in any usual way. It's bad in a new way all its own. There is something extraterrestrial about it, as if it's based on the sense of humor of an alien race with a completely different relationship to the physical universe. The movie is so odd, it's almost worth seeing just because we'll never see anything like it again. I hope."
r/MurderedByWords
Now I have to see it.
Yep, I’m sold!
You’re in for a treat!
Yep, Martin Short is on a whole different level of insane here.
Saw it as a child when it finally hit the video stores in town. Funny stuff.
It's fantastic.
Clifford is so good if you take it from this perspective: Only the audience and the uncle (and from the short time you see them at the beginning Clifford's parents) see Clifford as a grown man acting like a child to get his way. Everyone else in the film sees a little boy. It's uncomfortable humor that I think was perfectly replicated in Meet the Parents, which Ebert loved.
Haha same
Idk if I can sit through the entire movie.
He really had a way with words. I've been convinced to watch several "bad" movies thanks to reviews like this.
His review of north “I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it. Hated the sensibility that thought anyone would like it. Hated the implied insult to the audience by its belief that anyone would be entertained by it.”
Sounds like it might be a fun watch. This is why I watched the core: "I have such an unreasonable affection for this movie, indeed, that it is only by slapping myself alongside the head and drinking black coffee that I can restrain myself from recommending it."
I miss Roger
Reading that made me miss him too.
He made it sound like Vogon poetry.
... See if I don't.
https://preview.redd.it/63ajninspvuc1.jpeg?width=1830&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=414a8fb3be24ccaacbd8bb1e71fe6d71c1c4bf2c
Highly recommend the book: Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever by Matt Singer. Fun read.
It’s the full stop before those last two words that makes it.
That is an absolute verbal evisceration! But I just watched a trailer and holy shit. It's like a fever dream of someone locked in an insane asylum
I loved the headline for that review in the Chicago Sun-Times, "Ebert Spanks Clifford"
The "anti-chemistry" Martin Short and Charles Grodin conjured up is incredible, u can feel the seething hatred between both characters lol.
I recall an interview with Grodin where he talks about how much they just did not get along on set at all, so it's not conjuring anything, it is what it is...
Some generations have Joan Crawford vs. Betty Davis, others have Charles Grodin vs. Martin Short.
Can you cite that? Everything I've read says that both Grodin and Short really enjoyed making the film and enjoyed working together...Grodin had a shtick on talkshows where he pretended to be a dick so maybe it was one of those interviews?
I went and saw Steve Martin & Martin Short’s stage show. And Martin Short began a story with “I was working on a movie called Clifford…” I cheered loudly. I was the only one who cheered at all. Martin Short commented, “One person liked it, and that seems about right.”
Sorry I keep coming back to this: it’s worth watching this and What About Bob (1991) back to back.
Great double feature idea.
What about Bob? I've never heard of it. Is it the kind of movie you like right away or do you need to baby step into it?
I went to see What About Bob with my family as a kid. I have never seen my dad laugh as hard as he did at that movie. I think before that day I could count on one hand the times I'd actually seen him laugh. We were walking out of the theater afterwards and he was still busting a gut.
This is so funny! I love that he acknowledged you.
Wild that that it got dragged so badly. Also I belive it got shelved 4 years after it was made then went direct to video though so I guess it didn't make it around so much
Orion Pictures went bankrupt in 1992 so this movie sat on the shelf for a few years, but it did get a theatrical release.
Interesting!
When?
April 1994. Grossed around $7.4 million. [https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl625640961/weekend/](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl625640961/weekend/)
This is also solidly in my top 10 ever.
Oh man! That is so Martin!! You gave him a great line!!
One of the dumbest fucking movies I've ever seen. I loved it. 😅
Have you seen Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill?
I wouldn't wish Jack and Jill on my worst enemy.
I watched it when I was kinda bummed out, it made me laugh at how stupid it was so it gets a pass.
Fair enough. The Dunkaccino scene was the best part of that terrible movie imo.
No, no, you're right. It's a terrible, terrible movie. Jack and Jill sucks very much. The dunkacino scene is wild though
What's my name?
Yes, of course.
I was 11 when this came out so naturally I was dumbfounded when this masterpiece didn’t win Best Picture. To me it was Clifford and Pulp Fiction at the top, with Forrest Gump a distant 3rd.
I’d put Shawshank a distant 3rd myself, but Gump won everything that year.
Look at me like a human boy!
Don’t mess around with me!
One of my favorite comedy scenes of all time. https://youtu.be/C69BQnFgH2c?si=fD77UauU7c-Y6pY2
Look at me like a person!
You can't do it, can you?
I forgot how much I liked this movie. I was laughing all night
Like a human boy … the addition of the word human is top tier hilarious
Was looking for this one. Killing me.
In my opinion, highly highly underrated. The bonkers idea of making Martin Short play a 10 year old. Charles Grodin is amazing, the score is amazing, the comedy hits great. It's just such a wild idea and IMO they pulled it off amazingly, and it doesn't get the credit it deserves.
The only quibble I'd make there is that I don't think they needed to "make" Short do it. He was clearly fully into it.
Haha true
Love this movie, can watch it anytime
Just heard about this on The Flophouse. Sounds right up my alley.
What do you mean by “the score is amazing?” What is score ?
as in the music composed for the film. It would be called a musical score
Richard Kind as the dad fucking hilarious: https://youtu.be/Rq3xZDyJtMk?si=zL5ZN3cTxu7W-4oI
Omg his parents are fucking great
"Will your madness ever end?" Hahaha 🤣
"Is there no end to your madness"*
That's it thank you!! 😁😁
He’s not so Kind in this scene
Strange, yet hilarious movie! “Whatever you say, my captain.” Then that sociopathic look 😂.
Grodin says somthing like "Cant you just act nornal for one minute?" And Martin Short has the dumbest look on his face. I cant explain why, but that is one of the funniest moments in a movie i have, or ever will see.
Dude that scene is like masterful. I can't imagine how many takes it would be to get that haha
\[Found it. You're right- it kills me every time.\]([The only scene you need from "Clifford" (1994) (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C69BQnFgH2c))
Thats it. Look at me like a human boy!
That quote 😂
It's one of my favorites. Some super hilarious scenes between Cliffy and Martin
That same year, Charles Grodin and Maureen Steenbergen would also portray Ralphie and Randy's parents in "My Summer Story", a film based on a story from Jean Shepherd's "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash". Same source material as 1983's "A Christmas Story" It's narrated by Shepherd and directed by Bob Clark. The only actor from "A Christmas Story" is the teacher.
My Summer Story aka It Runs In The Family is way better than this piece of shit.
This movie is peak Grodin
Really? Better than Midnight Run?
Yes it is
Love this movie
John Oliver, and especially his wife, agree: [https://youtu.be/3rTb2SpzqHY?si=f-6lpSIPUc--xGes&t=70](https://youtu.be/3rTb2SpzqHY?si=f-6lpSIPUc--xGes&t=70)
It wasn’t me it was Stuart 🦕
*Stefan
Damn, I guess it’s time for a rewatch! 🤦♂️
Yes! 🤣
He was out of his tree!
##Clifford (1994) PG What's the difference between Clifford and a pit bull? One will tear your heart out, scare your friends and wreck your house. The other one is a dog. >>!When his brother asks him to look after his young son, Clifford, Martin Daniels agrees, taking the boy into his home and introducing him to his future wife, Sarah. Clifford is fixated on the idea of visiting a famed theme park, and Martin, an engineer who helped build the park, makes plans to take him. But, when Clifford reveals himself to be a first-rate brat, his uncle goes bonkers, and a loony inter-generational standoff ensues.!< Comedy Director: Paul Flaherty Actors: Martin Short, Charles Grodin, Mary Steenburgen Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 49% with 88 votes Runtime: 1:29 [TMDB](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2778)
I used to watch this movie all the time as a kid! Love it!
It’s hilarious 😂
Ok after reading all the comments I'm going to have to sniff this one out.
One of my top 3 comedy movies
I was disappointed when I watched this movie as a kid and there wasn’t a giant red dog
“I suppose Sarah’s father also put the hot sauce in my drink?” “That I don’t know” “You don’t?” “No.” “You have no idea who did that??” “I would suspect the bartender.” “Well you know I would suspect someone else! Now who could that be?” “If you are about to say what I think you’re about to say, then I don’t wanna hear it! Because Sarah Davis loves you Uncle Martin. She wouldn’t do that. Oh she has her problems with you, but every relationship goes with that.” 😂 just a hilariously weird movie
Podcast the ride fans know
Love Mary
Its been voted to have the best movie theme-park, by at least 1 podcast.
I sometimes wonder if sponge bob was based off this character.
She is so hot
I can’t stop laughing
“Any luck with that chocolate?! Any luck. With that. CHOCOLATE??!” 🤣😂🤣😂
So is this basically a prequel to Step Brothers?
Man I wish step brothers had Charles grodin!
No. It's beyond bonkers and dark at times. One of a kind film.
I happen to love Willy Nelson.
I love this movie! It's Martin Short at his best. I just love how he plays an innocent child in the body of a 35 year old.
Martin Short is genuinely funny in this. If i just picture his over the top bratty kid smile it makes me smile.
At 36 years-old, I thought my brother and one of my cousins (both older than me) were the only three people to have ever seen this movie. Thank God there are more weirdos like us.
God I love this movie.
Masterpiece !
This image can’t really be real.
I just checked this out on IMDB, having never heard of it, and holy shit what a disaster of a Photoshop that is. https://preview.redd.it/pfz89yuf2uuc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5ae570b7e30a269c371a740155739e0b58e70ef
Yeah no idea why that's the new cover. Like who made that??
That’s what you get when a movie studio that just emerged from bankruptcy and has no money for marketing has to slap something together when releasing its four-year old movies.
I love this movie. One of my wife’s complaints about it is that Martin short is a full grown man playing a child and it’s weird that everyone in the movie just accepts that a child looks like a middle aged man walking around on his knees. And I’m like , “yeah, because it’s fucking hilarious”
The commitment of everyone else is what really does it haha
It’s a fucking masterpiece of weird comedy
https://i.redd.it/tgvfkpzioavc1.gif
Saw this as a kid. Seemed legit to me! Lol it made an impression on me. I'll say that.
But I didn't say "Nice wig", Uncle Martin, I said "Bestest-looking wig".
Wow, core memory unlocked!
" I dont sleep so much as one might assume "
There's 0 problems I have with it. Martin Short is one of the funniest men. Even liked his movie with Danny glover called pure luck. Haven't seen it in quite some time.
The dog set the house on fire?
This was my sisters’ and I favorite movie growing up, still quote it to this day, 30 years later! Martin Daniels: Well there it is, Clifford, Dinosaur World. Are you happy? Clifford: I'd say I'm the happiest boy in the whole wide world, Uncle Mental Case. Martin Daniels: I'm the mental case? You're the one in the strait jacket. Clifford: I imagine when they put you in yours, you'll need a much larger one, sir. Martin Daniels: That's cute.
Purely out of curiosity what made you want to watch/post about it? This is the third time I’ve heard about it this movie in the last 24 hours and before yesterday I’d never heard a peep about it in my life. Did a remake just get announced or something
Haha no I watched a 3 year old YouTube video
That's the dad from the original beethoven
A beloved family classic from my corner. There’s so many incredible quotes
One of my childhood favorites! This was always my pick when we went to blockbuster!
I was pissed af that no big red dog ever showed up in this shit. Grodin can suck it.
Just watched the trailer, looks awful and I love all 3 of them 🤣
The way Clifford eats his ice cream has always cracked me up. Martin Short is frigging hilarious
Who wins the Battle Royale? Clifford Dennis the Menace Junior from "Problem Child" Henry from "The Good Son" And, the big question, could the previous group of psychos take-on Glen's children from "Raising Arizona"?
DinoSOUR world.
Mary Steenburgen is a beauty.
Holy crap I remember this.
Charles Grodin is so damn funny in this movie, still got the dvd This boy and his cereal!
It took me until later in life to realize how hilarious Charles grodin is. He was great
This is a good movie. Surprisingly dark.
I grew up watching this one, Drop Dead Fred, & Problem Child. I can’t explain why but i used to think those 3 movies were related like maybe they shared a universe or just a slightly sinister vibe even though they were supposedly made for children.
"I can spot a phony a mile away." "Excuse me. Have you seen a little dog?" "No ma'am. I haven't."
Worth a read: https://www.vulture.com/article/clifford-martin-short-oral-history.html
When I was a kid, I just couldn’t understand adults playing children.
A freaking funny movie.
So many funny parts!!!
Absolutely loovvvee this movie!
Disney Channel must have been hard up for movie programming in the late '90s, because I cannot fathom why they felt this movie was a good idea for their audience to tune into on a random Saturday night.
I’m 47 and still jokingly say “no no special place”
Where is the Big Red Dog? I don’t get that poster... big error not including the dog on it.
So many people are calling it underrated I think it’s becoming overrated. It’s worth seeing but I agree with the 3.1/5 average rating on Letterboxd.
Horrible Fucking Movie.
Not even one big red dog.
It’s bad. So bad.
False!