The Birdcage (1996)

(dir. Mike Nichols) This is an almost flawless comedy. Robin Williams restrains his excess and provides pathos, Nathan Lane is outrageous but finally sympathetic, Hank Azaria scene-steals as Agador the houseboy, and even Gene Hackman’s comedy timing is surprisingly strong. Its setting in South Beach also provides a now nostalgic 1990s dayglo seminude rollerblading backdrop to the story. ★★★★★