Alright fellow tapeheads, pull up a beanbag chair and adjust the tracking on this one. Sometimes, digging through the stacks at the old video store unearthed pure gold. Other times... well, other times you found something like Another You (1991). Seeing Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor together again on a VHS cover was an instant grab – how could it not be? Their chemistry in classics like Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980) was lightning in a bottle. The hope, the need, for one more blast of that manic, perfectly mismatched energy was palpable. But this final cinematic reunion carries a different kind of weight, a bittersweet quality that hangs over the entire film.
The Last Dance for a Legendary Duo
The premise itself feels like classic screwball fodder, perfectly suited for the Wilder/Pryor dynamic. Gene Wilder plays George, a recently released mental patient and pathological liar trying desperately to go straight. His court-appointed companion is Eddie Dash, played by Richard Pryor, a street-smart con artist tasked with keeping George on the level. Naturally, things go spectacularly sideways almost immediately. Mistaken identity hijinks ensue when George is mistaken for a missing millionaire brewery heir, Abe Fielding, plunging the mismatched pair into a web of corporate intrigue, greedy relatives, and potential murder.
It sounds like a recipe for comedic chaos, the kind these two masters could spin into gold. And there are flashes, moments where that old spark flickers. Wilder gets to unleash his patented brand of escalating panic, his wide eyes conveying sheer terror and bewilderment as the lies pile up. Pryor, though visibly hampered by the effects of Multiple Sclerosis which he was battling during production, still possesses that innate charisma and sharp timing in his line delivery, even if his physical energy is understandably diminished. Watching him here is poignant; you see the genius still present, grappling with the physical toll of his illness. It’s a retro fun fact that’s hard to ignore and adds a layer of unavoidable sadness to the viewing experience.
Trouble Behind the Camera
The film’s unevenness isn't just down to Pryor's health struggles, however. Another You had a notoriously troubled production. Acclaimed director Peter Bogdanovich (The Last Picture Show, Paper Moon) was initially at the helm but was fired several weeks into shooting, reportedly due to creative differences and concerns over the pacing. Maurice Phillips stepped in to finish the film, and while reshoots and directorial changes aren't uncommon, you can feel the disjointedness here. Some scenes crackle with potential, while others fall strangely flat, lacking the tight comedic rhythm that defined Wilder and Pryor’s earlier collaborations. The script, penned by Ziggy Steinberg (who, ironically, also wrote the much sharper mistaken-identity comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), often feels underdeveloped, relying more on the concept than on genuinely funny situations or dialogue.
Despite the choppy waters, there are supporting players who make an impression. Mercedes Ruehl, fresh off her powerhouse, Oscar-winning performance in The Fisher King (which also came out in 1991 – talk about a contrast!), plays Elaine, the scheming wife of the real Abe Fielding. She brings a welcome dose of sly energy to her scenes, clearly having fun with the femme fatale archetype. Stephen Lang also pops up as the villainous Rupert Dibbs, chewing the scenery with appropriate menace.
That 90s Comedy Feel
Watching Another You today definitely transports you back to the early 90s comedy landscape. The pacing feels leisurely compared to modern comedies, and the humor relies heavily on situational absurdity rather than rapid-fire jokes. There aren't huge, practical-effects-driven set pieces like in their action-comedy hybrids, but the physical comedy attempts feel... well, like they belong to a different era. It lacks the kinetic punch of Stir Crazy or the charming suspense of Silver Streak.
The film ultimately struggled to find an audience, becoming a critical and commercial disappointment. It reportedly grossed only around $7.6 million against an $18 million budget, a sad footnote for such a beloved pairing. It wasn't the triumphant final bow fans had hoped for. I remember renting this tape back in the day, maybe catching it late one Friday night, the anticipation high. The feeling wasn't quite disappointment, more a quiet melancholy, realizing this was likely the last time we'd see these two comedic giants share the screen.
Final Rewind
So, is Another You a hidden gem? Honestly, no. It's a flawed film, hampered by production issues and the unavoidable reality of Pryor's declining health. The script doesn't give the stars enough strong material to work with, and the direction feels inconsistent.
However, for die-hard fans of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, it holds a certain undeniable, if somber, nostalgic value. Seeing them together one last time, even in a less-than-perfect vehicle, is strangely compelling. There are moments, glimpses of the magic that made them legends. It’s worth watching perhaps once, primarily as a historical curiosity and a tribute to the end of a remarkable comedic partnership.
VHS Heaven Rating: 4/10
(Rating Explained: The low score reflects the film's significant flaws – weak script, uneven pacing, troubled production evident on screen. However, it avoids lower scores out of respect for the legendary stars and the poignant nature of their final collaboration. The presence of Wilder and Pryor, plus a decent turn from Ruehl, elevates it slightly above true bottom-of-the-barrel fare.)
Final Thought: It wasn't the grand finale they deserved, but Another You remains a bittersweet flicker on the screen – a reminder of comedy titans nearing the end of their reign, captured forever on tape.