The ‘Burbs (1989) Review

Posted on the 10 May 2017 by Caz @LetsGoToTheMov7

Ray Peterson and his neighbours grow very curious to who the new comers in the estate are, convincing themselves that they are part of a murderous satanic cult!

I must start by stating the obvious that Tom Hanks (and Carrie Fisher) were the reasons I decided to watch this film, as reading the basic plot is certainly not going to make you want to watch this one. Something I will say about the film is that it is a total late 80s comedy that you will find has a certain amount of charm.

Don’t get me wrong though it is silly and stupid from start to finish, giving some slapstick moments that will make you laugh out loud and some silly jokes to go along with it. Finding the balance with moments to make you feel on edge and agree with the residents that something very strange is going on in that house, with some very odd men living in it. The women are not huge characters in the film though, but certainly offer some decent moments.

I guess it really does make you wonder and think about your neighbours although I think this is something that has disappeared in the past 20/30 years, do you really have any idea about the people who live in your street? As I really don’t for mine, and I probably knew a lot more many years ago.

It is interesting to think that this film was around the time Tom Hanks was really starting to breakout in film. The previous year he was in Big which was when people started taking notice of him, I imagine that this film did ok because of that. It does show that he really can lead the line and worked well with Carrie Fisher along with Bruce Dern and Rick Ducommun. The three men really showing why women need to give advice during times that men really lose it! Corey Feldman was very popular as well around this time and plays his part very well.

The film attempts to shock as it moves towards the end and we will eventually find out what the creepy family have been up to in the house. The tension is built-in a funny way which really does mean that the film is harmless, you probably won’t be missing anything whether you decide to watch it or not. I do like finding this type of film on Netflix though as it really is funny to look back at a comedy from the 80s and see where this type of film would sit now.

If you are a huge fan of Tom Hanks I am sure that you will find some enjoyment in this film. If you have seen this one though I am very curious if you liked it at all? At least the running time is not huge so if you don’t have a lot of time to focus and concentrate on a film then you never know this might just be the right film for you to watch on Netflix.

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