Reviews

As a small child I would often imagine that I (also named Patrick) would have a fabulous Auntie Mame who would whisk me away on adventures. I loved the film as a kid and have revisited again and again over the years, and I love it even more per each viewing. I had never read the book is was based on and I am so glad I finally did. The Mame Dennis of the original novel is basically there on the screen, but the film doesn't allow her to be as ballsy and outwardly progressive as she is in the novel. Instead of pulling an intentional/unintentional prank on her nephew Patrick's racist/anti-semitic possible future in-laws, she reads them so thoroughly Bianca Del Rio would be proud. The book is also more overt about homosexuality with its references to Fire Island and Mame's own questions about Patrick's sexuality (and there is an inherent queerness/bisexuality to his character in the novel, no wonder considering the books author was also very gay). I love how the book is such a parody and critique of the pretentious and racist upperclass of America, making a complete fool of the Southern family Mame marries into by making the bigoted matriarch a farting, hypocrite and then making the Upsons (the possible future in-laws she tears into) so pretentious and ghastly you're just waiting for them to be taught a lesson. I will say I am sad to notice that the character of Ito and all references to Asian Americans in the book (but even more so in the film) are so dated and racist. Ito in the film is at least played by an Asian actor, but still his character doesn't have any depth and his only purpose is to make offhanded/sometimes creepy jokes and laugh maniacally as he leaves a room. Due to this I have to give the book a 4.5/5 stars. Otherwise it is perfect!

emwerbeach's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

lunarianna's review

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adventurous funny

4.0

maw's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

belanna2's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

jkeonemon's review against another edition

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It had funny moments amd Auntie Mame was certainly a character, but it just felt like a product of its time. I just couldn't get into it the way I thought I would.

samuele_caneschi's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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