The Magic Christian

Watch The Magic Christian

"The Magic Christian is: antiestablishmentarian, antibellum, antitrust, antiseptic, antibiotic, antisocial & antipasto."
  • M/PG
  • 1969
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 5.8  (3,815)
  • 42

The Magic Christian is a satirical comedy movie from 1969, directed by Joseph McGrath and starring Peter Sellers, Ringo Starr, and Isabel Jeans. It is based on the novel of the same name by Terry Southern. The movie is a wild ride and a biting commentary on the excesses of society, capitalism, and human nature. Peter Sellers plays Sir Guy Grand, an eccentric billionaire who adopts a young homeless man named Youngman, played by Ringo Starr. Together, they embark on a series of comical pranks and stunts designed to expose the corruption and greed of society. Their antics include bribing people to do ridiculous things, like diving into a vat of cow manure for money, and offering massive amounts of cash to people who do morally questionable things.

The movie is filled with colorful characters and absurd scenarios. The two main characters participate in a variety of hilarious and over-the-top pranks, such as throwing wads of money out of a hot air balloon and watching as people scramble to grab it. In one particularly memorable scene, Sir Guy Grand and Youngman attend a high-society party and mix up a bowl of punch filled with urine, which the party-goers unknowingly drink.

Throughout the movie, the characters encounter a wide range of people from various walks of life, from a televangelist to a millionaire playboy to a group of punk rockers. Each encounter is a chance for Sir Guy Grand and Youngman to expose the greed and shallowness of those around them. Sellers' portrayal of Sir Guy Grand is particularly noteworthy - he's a larger-than-life character who is simultaneously sympathetic and ridiculous.

While some critics found the movie to be too outrageous and over-the-top, others praised it for its biting satire and social commentary. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there's no denying that The Magic Christian is a unique and memorable movie. It offers a fascinating insight into the excesses and absurdities of society during the late '60s.

The movie's soundtrack, which features songs by Badfinger and Thunderclap Newman, adds to the movie's overall sense of irreverence and rebellion. The music provides the perfect backdrop for Sir Guy Grand and Youngman's antics as they seek to expose the dark underbelly of society.

Overall, The Magic Christian is a wild and entertaining ride that will appeal to fans of satire and irreverent comedy. The movie's cast of colorful characters, absurd situations, and biting social commentary ensure that it remains relevant and entertaining almost 50 years after its initial release.

The Magic Christian is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 42.

The Magic Christian
Description
Where to Watch The Magic Christian
The Magic Christian is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Magic Christian for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1969
  • MPAA Rating
    M/PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.8  (3,815)
  • Metascore
    42
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