The Birdcage [M]

All they want to do is have their son's fiancé's parents to dinner. Is that really so much to ask? But everything that can go wrong will go wrong... and more.

Here we go people. We're getting into personal top 5 favourites. I just finished watching The Birdcage, which I haven't seen for quite some time, but I've recently had certain scenes from it going through my mind as though on a continuous loop.

Based on the stage play La Cage Aux Folles, this movie is a classic comedy where everything that can go wrong does go wrong.

Val, a 20-year-old college student has decided that he wants to get married. After getting the blessings of his parents, Val then tells them that his fiance and her parents will be joining them for dinner so everyone can get to know one another. Sounds fine doesn't it? The only problem is that her parents are right-wing conservatives and Val's parents are a gay couple who own a drag club. Can they play it straight and keep their secret for the entire dinner? You'll have to watch the movie to find out.

Robin Williams stars as Armand Goldman, Val's father. Possibly one the most gorgeous performances I've seen from him. I notice in many films, Robin tends to be a little larger than life. Albeit very very funny, sometimes he can get a little tiring. Not in this flick. He plays a calm and stylish lover. He's not overly flamboyant or too camp, which is something many people become when they play gay or slightly eccentric characters. He was truly the star of the movie. Robin, I salute you.

Nathan Lane plays Val's mother and Robin's partner in life and love. Absolutely hysterical. He brought a healthy balance to the relationship by contrasting Robin's sedateness. He doesn't over-do it though. Nathan knows exactly how far to push it in this movie and he pushes it gloriously. Between the bouts of shrieking and sobbing, he keeps us all sane with a little heartfelt chatter and he has such chemistry with Robin, it would almost bring a tear to your eye.

Gene Hackman plays Senator Keeley, Barbra's father. Sensational. A stubborn and severe right-wing conservative, who can be quite dense when he sets his mind to it. Gene plays the part perfectly. I guess he's the character you love to hate. Because while you're completely in love with Nathan and Robin's characters, you do understand and even laugh at Gene's character's lack of perspective. He was brilliant.

Dianne Wiest plays Barbra's mother and she's lovely. Almost as conservative as her husband, she makes her way through the movie making uplifting and dramatised speeches about pretty much anything...

"Love and optimism versus cynicism and sex. It would be an affirmation."

You do hear a lot of long words coming out of her mouth, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

Featuring other familiar faces such as Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski, Calista Flockhart and Dan Futterman, The Birdcage is a classic comedy that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next, and everything else in between. A simple and classic story where the characters try to plan a simple event, but everything that could possibly go wrong does go wrong. It gets me every time. Definitely has a spot in my top 5 favourite films!