An action-packed slog

An absolute waste of money

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Here we have what might be seen as the Russian equivalent of the American "sixties beach comedy" genre -- in that it's a comedy that was made in the sixties and is set on a beach. I don't exactly how similar it is otherwise because it's not an American genre I've watched very much of. But I think Tri Plyus Dva differs in containing only one song (a nice one at the end) and in focusing more on basically one location and a rather small set of characters. And it's well served by that. But it's still very light, escapist stuff that only aims to entertain, and in that it's a success. It's never boring. And it seems to exist in a sort of ideal world where our five protagonists have real jobs, but are never pressed for time or means to relax at a resort for a significant portion of the year. The premise is extremely simple -- a group of three young men squared off a group of two young women for the same plot of idyllic desolate beach. And it doesn't pretend to be anything but extremely predictable, so the fun comes mainly from the characters' amusing character quirks, childishness, and some amusing gags (many of which involve some fun stop-motion animation and insertion of film clips). There's a definite sense that it was made in a fun atmosphere and that comes across. It's a fun way to spend its running time with a bunch of pleasant characters, and it could do worse than that.

Three guys, three best friends, the veterinarian, the diplomat, and the scientist (Doctor in Physics and Math) decided to spend their vacation on the deserted sea coast, away from civilization, like the savages - sleeping in the car, cooking on open fire, no shaving, no smoking or drinking, and NO girls. Their paradise came to the abrupt end when two young, pretty and self-assured girls, the blonde who is a young movie actress and the brunette, a tamer of the tigers and lions, show up and declared their rights to the beautiful spot stating that they have spent their vacations for five years there and as the proof they dig out the empty Champagne bottle with the note inside. Neither party wants to give up the territory, thus they decided to make each other lives miserable. The war of wills and wits has begun. As you have guessed already, it would lead to funny misunderstandings, mistaken assumptions, and finally to falling in love and possibility of living happily ever after. It does not sound like something extra-ordinary in writing, just another chick flick romantic comedy only set back in 1962 during the short period of "thawing" in the USSR. But this little comedy has became a cult and otherwise favorite during the first year upon release when 35 million people saw it and fell in love with it, and it has been one of the favorite Russian comedies since. Three guys and two girls are truly likable funny characters, especially three guys and their humorous but warm making fun of each other, their jokes, and witty exchanges that are still funny after all these years. The proof? Earlier this evening, my husband and I re-watched the comedy in the company of our friends. Even though, we know the plot by heart, and were prepared for our favorite scenes, we laughed so hard and so happily just like we did when we saw the film in our childhood many - many years ago. My husband said that he had not laughed so much for long long time. You may say that this is mostly the sentimental feeling of returning back to when and where we were young and happy. Well, I have re-watched many films from my youth that used to be favorites but as the time passed, they lost some of their appeal. Three Plus Two is different - it seems even better - brighter, sunnier, funnier, sweeter with every re-watching. If that's not the sign of movie magic, I don't know which one is.

I don't see how this movie can get such a low rating. I've must have watched this movie 3, 4 dozen times. Its very fun to watch. 3 friends set out to camp for a week at an unoccupied beach only to get their short lived vacation ruined by 2 young ladies who claim that this is their spot. Havoc and funny uncomfortable situations follow especially after "the guys" stumble on photos of one of the young ladies in police uniform. Guys being guys try to smooth things out with the ladies. But their every attempt is rejected and thrown back in their face. Can they become friends before the vacation is over? Watch this great movie and find out. 9/10 (movie is old school, young generation might find it too , well you know, but being part of young generation i found this movie just splendid to watch)