HOPscotch: Okay, I'm Officially Old Now...

So, I finally got around to watching "Hopscotch" (1980). My dad used to rave about it, said it was the spy movie to watch. I mean, Walter Matthau? Solid. Ned Beatty being wonderfully slimy? Chef's kiss. The whole concept of a disillusioned CIA guy just trolling everyone is pretty appealing, especially now (lol). But... I kinda feel like I missed something? Maybe you really DID have to be there. I enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. Matthau's got that perfect blend of world-weariness and mischievousness. The scenes in Salzburg are gorgeous, and the whole cat-and-mouse thing with Amanda Pays (Isabelle!) is fun, even if it feels a little dated. I did laugh out loud when he's sending his 'tell-all' book chapters to all the major intelligence agencies. That's some next-level pettiness! But there were definitely moments where the pacing felt a little slow, and I found myself wondering what all the fuss was about. Maybe it's because I've seen so many spy thrillers since, or maybe my dad just romanticized it. I think what bothers me the most is that the 'threat' from Myerson (Beatty) just isn't very threatening? He's annoying and power-hungry, sure, but I never really felt Kendig was in serious danger, which kind of dampens the suspense. Overall, it's a fun, light watch but I wouldn't put it up there in the spy-flick hall of fame. Definitely worth a watch for Matthau alone, though. Anyone else feel the same way? Or am I just being a grumpy millennial who doesn't appreciate classic cinema? (Don't answer that last one...)