The 'Burbs isn't one of the greatest movies ever made, but I think movies like this definitely have a place in the world of film because it's fun. Sure, it's not very sophisticated or artistic, but it wasn't just made to earn a buck, either. I appreciate the time that it took Joe Dante to figure this film out and make it.
The cast is excellent. Tom Hanks is a little underplayed, even though he has his moments of fun. Rick Ducommun is the great boob of a neighbor that resembles a leech more than a man (we all know those kind of people). Finally, Bruce Dern is sweet as the Vietnam vet living out the rest of the war on his front lawn, while eating animal crackers. The other roles are fairly downplayed, not really offering the characteristics or foibles that stand out as much as our three heroes.
The crew is made up of one of my favorite teams: Dante and Goldsmith. Joe Dante directs and Jerry Goldsmith writes music for it. Dante includes all his trademarks in this film: cameos by Dick Miller and Robert "The Doctor" Picardo, numerous homages to other films, and whimsy you can cut with a knife. Goldsmith takes the film to another level beyond the visual elements of the storytelling and adds the musical elements, which subtly shape the feel of the movie. Without the organ motif, the Klopeks wouldn't be as creepy or mysterious. Why would their neighbors suspect them of anything? Without PATTON motif, would Dern's character have been as likable or tough?
Overall, "The 'burbs" inspires me, as a filmmaker (an amateur one at that), to go out and make a whimsical movie that's fun for the audience and shows them a fun time for an hour and a half. I'm inspired by the gags, the eccentric performances, and the music. I recommend everyone see this, just so you don't sound so lame for seeing only the popular movies that all your friends and neighbors have seen. STICK IT TO THE MAN! Oh wait...I'm one of them!
The cast is excellent. Tom Hanks is a little underplayed, even though he has his moments of fun. Rick Ducommun is the great boob of a neighbor that resembles a leech more than a man (we all know those kind of people). Finally, Bruce Dern is sweet as the Vietnam vet living out the rest of the war on his front lawn, while eating animal crackers. The other roles are fairly downplayed, not really offering the characteristics or foibles that stand out as much as our three heroes.
The crew is made up of one of my favorite teams: Dante and Goldsmith. Joe Dante directs and Jerry Goldsmith writes music for it. Dante includes all his trademarks in this film: cameos by Dick Miller and Robert "The Doctor" Picardo, numerous homages to other films, and whimsy you can cut with a knife. Goldsmith takes the film to another level beyond the visual elements of the storytelling and adds the musical elements, which subtly shape the feel of the movie. Without the organ motif, the Klopeks wouldn't be as creepy or mysterious. Why would their neighbors suspect them of anything? Without PATTON motif, would Dern's character have been as likable or tough?
Overall, "The 'burbs" inspires me, as a filmmaker (an amateur one at that), to go out and make a whimsical movie that's fun for the audience and shows them a fun time for an hour and a half. I'm inspired by the gags, the eccentric performances, and the music. I recommend everyone see this, just so you don't sound so lame for seeing only the popular movies that all your friends and neighbors have seen. STICK IT TO THE MAN! Oh wait...I'm one of them!