Buster Keaton running for his life – “Seven Chances” Review

Alright, let’s talk about “Seven Chances” from 1925, yeah that’s almost a hundred years ago. Some films, they age like old cheese left out in the sun, but this one’s like my grandma’s sourdough Hönökaka – odd, a bit dry, but actually weirdly satisfying. Directed by Keaton himself (I mean, come on, that stony face!), you know you’re in for something… unique.

You’ve got Buster Keaton, the OG of deadpan, as Jimmie Shannon. He’s gotta get married before 7pm to inherit a fortune, and obviously, things spiral out of hand. The most bonkers part? That avalanche of women in wedding dresses chasing him across golf courses and half of downtown. Can’t stop laughing just thinking about it – I swear, it’s proper physical comedy chaos.

There’s Joseph M. Schenck, the big shot producer from back in the day. Don’t see too many like him anymore. I guess studios don’t really let the weirdos take over projects the way they did in the 20s.

You know, I remember watching this with my pappa, must’ve been late October back in the 90s – right after moose hunting when everyone would cram into the living room, the fire going, smelling of wet socks and coffee. We had this scratchy VHS tape, Swedish subtitles flickering every now and then. My cousin just could not wrap his head around what was so funny about running away from 500 brides. Honestly, neither could I at first. Maybe it’s something that sneaks up on you, like när kapten Haddock gets stuck with a goat. Utterly silly but kind of lovable.

Some bits drag, the love story is like, barely there, and sometimes the gags feel… well, a bit too oldschool maybe? But then again, sometimes that’s exactly why these films work. There’s just this warmth, kind of like an old coffee thermos from the 70s – a bit clunky but it still does the job.

I dunno, “Seven Chances” might not make you cry, but I promise you’ll at least grin weirdly. Maybe that’s enough?

watch the full movie on Mavshack Movies on YouTube

please note that there may be geographical blocking implemented.