One of television's most-beloved and unforgettable cartoon characters, Mr. Magoo, is now on the big screen, courtesy of the same-titled 1997 live-action Walt Disney Pictures comedy. Leslie Nielsen is surprisingly effective and convincing with his portrayal of the eccentric, myopic millionaire, a role originally voiced by Jim Backus.
The well-intentioned but clueless Magoo unknowingly assists thieves during a museum robbery by inadvertently pocketing the priceless gem the evildoers (led by the always splendid Malcolm McDowell) were after. Through a series of misunderstandings, crossed signals and Magoo's inimitable near-sighted style, Magoo leads the would-be thieves on a merry international chase, which also now includes federal agents who have been led to believe its Magoo who is the actual criminal.
Besides Nielsen and McDowell, the relatively standout cast includes Kelly Lynch, Matt Keeslar, Stephen Tobolowsky, Jennifer Garner and Miguel Ferrer.
Filmed in Brazil and Canada, Mr. Magoo is notable for being director Stanley Tong's first English-language effort.
