Try This One for Size (1989)

Try This One for Size Poster

The story (based on a novel by James Hadley Chase) concerns the efforts of the genial and deceptively tentative Lepski (Michael Brandon), an insurance company detective, to track down a valuable medieval Russian icon, which was stolen by Bradley (David Carradine), a master thief.

Summary of "Try This One for Size"
"Try This One for Size" is a crime-caper film released in 1989, directed by Guy Hamilton and starring Michael Brandon, David Carradine, and Arielle Dombasle. The movie is part of a series that follow the experiences of Brad and Sgt. Dobbs played by Michael Brandon and David Carradine, respectively.

Plot Summary
In "Try This One for Size", the enigmatic and captivating investigator Brad signs up with forces with his acquaintance, the consistent, by-the-books Sgt. Dobbs. They embark on an objective to punish a skillful insurance fraud scheme orchestrated by high-profile crooks.

The plot unfolds as Brad learns of an audacious burglary of a whopping $15 million in diamonds, which was carried out by taking them from a seemingly impenetrable vault in a French Riviera gambling establishment. To achieve this accomplishment, the burglar, Mike Orgodnik, utilized an ingenious laser-cutter that was both sophisticated and unheard of in criminal circles at the time.

Upon learning this, Brad and Dobbs dive deeper into examining the event, hoping to bring the culprits to justice. Another key player in this tale is the strange and appealing Claudia, who is not just Mike's enthusiast however likewise an essential mate in the diamond break-in.

As the story advances, Brad and Dobbs come to understand that there's a lot more to this case than simple theft. The robbery was undoubtedly a setup, part of a convoluted insurance coverage scam with significant implications. The gang had masterminded a strategy to defraud insurance companies by pretending to lose the diamonds to collect the insurance coverage money, all while in fact retaining ownership of the gems.

Character Dynamics
The vibrant in between Brad and Dobbs is defined by contrast and often, comical friction. Brad's suave and unorthodox approaches typically encounter Dobbs' disciplined, no-nonsense approach to law enforcement. In spite of their distinctions, the chemistry in between the 2 leads includes humor to the movie, offering a light-hearted counterbalance to the criminal activity plot.

Claudia's role as the femme fatale brings an extra layer of intricacy to the story. Her charm and intelligence make her a formidable ally to Mike, and her uncertain morality keeps the audience guessing about her real intents throughout the film.

Themes and Style
"Try This One for Size" loads the conventional aspects of a break-in movie, combining it with a sense of experience and witty dialogue. Themes of trust, deceptiveness, and the glitzy, treacherous world of high-stakes criminal activity are checked out. The Riviera functions as a glamorous backdrop, contributing to the film's exotic appeal and supporting the decadent way of life of both the hunters and the hunted within the story.

While it doesn't depart significantly from genre conventions, "Try This One for Size" provides enough twists and charismatic efficiencies to amuse its audience. The film's design echoes the caper movies of the 1970s and 80s, with a pacing and tone that prioritizes enjoyable and intrigue over gritty realism or extreme drama.

Vital Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Try This One for Size" got combined evaluations from critics and audiences alike. Some applauded the film for its entertaining plot and the chemistry between the leads, while others found it forgettable in the middle of the plethora of comparable genre films of the age.

When it comes to its legacy, "Try This One for Size" hasn't stuck out in film history as a landmark title however keeps a place as a little gem for fans of classic caper motion pictures. Its ensemble cast, led by the charismatic efficiencies of Brandon and Carradine, ensures it keeps a procedure of fondness from those who value lighthearted break-ins and the now-retro appeal of 80s movie theater.

Top Cast

  • Michael Brandon (small)
    Michael Brandon
    Tom Lepski
  • David Carradine (small)
    David Carradine
    Bradley
  • Arielle Dombasle (small)
    Arielle Dombasle
    Maggie
  • Guy Marchand (small)
    Guy Marchand
    Ottavioni
  • Mario Adorf (small)
    Mario Adorf
    Radnitz
  • Peter Bowles (small)
    Peter Bowles
    Igor
  • Harold Innocent (small)
    Harold Innocent
    Kendrick
  • Edward Meeks (small)
    Edward Meeks
    Lindsay
  • Valérie Steffen (small)
    Valérie Steffen
    Carol
  • Stéphane Bonnet (small)
    Stéphane Bonnet
    Jacobi
  • Françoise Christophe (small)
    Françoise Christophe
    Jenny