The Milky Way

Harold Lloyd's 'The Milky Way' mixes boxing with comedy, an unlikely combo that offers mild amusement. Lloyd's shift from silent slapstick to a talking role shows versatility but doesn’t hit the heights of his classic works. It’s a charming yet underexploited concept, making for a light, easy watch. An alright choice at 63/100 for a laid-back viewing.

Viewed February 1, 2021. McCarey incorporates Lloyd's physicality throughout the film without making slapstick the focus in any individual scene. Instead, Lloyd's unexpected agility, nervous movements, and wild door-slamming are all merely one way that McCarey constructs a propulsive energy throughout.

The Milky Way was Lloyd's second attempt to move out of his wheelhouse, but it was a complete misfire, even with McCarey at the helm. It would have made a great silent film: just the thought of Lloyd in a boxing ring tomfooling around is fraught with great comic potential. Unfortunately McCarey couldn't do much with this script, which, unlike The Cat's Paw, aims low and is poorly plotted. The pace is lethargic and Lloyd is too stiff to produce many real laughs. A missed opportunity.

not a single laugh, but nearly every joke was extremely amusing. this is my first introduction to harold lloyd--and thus far i'm not impressed, although he did seem to be the most out of breath person i've ever heard speak.