Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) would like nothing better than to spend a quiet week's vacation in his suburban home, drinking beer and watching TV. But, spurred on by his two friends' spinning of boyish paranoid fantasies about their reclusive neighbors, the Klopeks, the usually down-to-earth Ray begins to suspect his idyllic neighborhood has been invaded by an evil force, to the point where he and his friends become psychotically nosey. You see where this is going, and you see it from a mile off. Only the general surface-thin plot is somewhat offset by director Joe Dante's fine sense of the absurd, and a host of engagingly played neighbor-types, namely Rick Ducommun as Ray's best friend who's always proposing bad ideas, and Bruce Dern as a sometimes wild-eyed ex-vet who'd love some action. Dante and crew seem to have a knack for keeping these broad characterizations light enough that you don't mind their superficiality. But the best jokes in this unprepossessing film come from composer Jerry Goldsmith's score; Bruce Dern's presence, for instance, is announced by the theme from
Patton, and the boys' first approach to the Klopeks' for a meet-and-greet is buttressed by classic strains from Sergio Leone spaghetti Westerns. Kudos to the Klopeks, for their evil ways are ably embodied by Henry Gibson, Courtney Gains, and Brother Theodore. In particular, any suburb that finds it's inhabited by the likes of Brother Theodore is in dire need of new zoning laws. But Carrie Fisher's role as Ray's amiably long-suffering wife is thankless, and she deserves better.
--Jim Gay
1 One of my absolute favorites!
It's not hysterical, but is more a feel-good comedy -about three very different neighbors uniting against the new "unseen" neighbor, so anynomous and strange that the entire neighborhood becomes paranoid. And all the peculiar noises coming from the house at night doesn't help their anxiousity. It looks something like a "ghost house", and so different than the rest of the houses/gardens down the street. The theme of these three neighbors, and the actors of course, works perfect. It hadn't been as funny without Hanks and Dern and "the fat guy" (Art in the movie). I have no idea how many times I've watched "The Burbs", but it's many -and in its' simplicity it appeals to you as a movie to relax to, and to be honest; these are the neighbors you'd love to live next to.
God, I love that street!
2 Beware of the Klopeks!
The Burbs was one of my favorite movies as a child and I was so thrilled when I finally found it on DVD! It is extremely an late 80's film but it still has magic that will always be with this movie! Tom Hanks is the star in this movie. Basically he is vacation when he notices that his new neighbors are fishy to say the least. Him and his two neighbors decide to investigate. They try to get information many different comical ways-and in the end they end up even in the Klopek's house (the weird neighbors). When in the house they end up hitting a gas line and blowing up the house when this happens they are set to be arrested but something will turn up to prove the Klopek's were not who they acted like they were. This movie is filled with humor and is an over all good time. But to those it is 80's acting and it is 80's looking. Which I personally like but some may not enjoy. If you love 80's flicks this is one to add to your list!
3 Comedy Classic
The 'Burbs is one of my all-time favorite movies. Like wine or cheese, this movie gets better with age and multiple viewings. It just gets funnier and funnier as jokes and gags you did not notice the first time reveal themselves. No matter what kind of a day you had, or how you are feeling, The 'Burbs will cheer you up.
Tom Hanks is so funny in his over-the-top performance as Ray Peterson, the suburbanite whose week-long summer vacation is interrupted by strange goings on in his suburban neighborhood. A strange family has been living next door for a month. Strange sounds are issuing out of this family's basement. Figures are seen digging in the backyard. Ray's friends, immature Art and ex-Vietnam vet Rumsfeld decide to spy on the neighbors. Ray's and Rumsfeld's wives are the voice of reason, sure that the neighbors are just a little odd.
When the family makes its appearance, it is worth the wait. A great cast was assembled to play the strange Klopeks. My favorite is Henry Gibson from Martin and Rowan's Laugh In as Dr. Werner Klopek.
Who says suburban life is boring?
4 Your neighbors are like a box of chocolates....
You never know what they're doing!
The Burbs is one the box-office flop comedies Tom Hanks did before his breakthrough performance in "BIG". While the movie has its flaws there are some hilarious moments.
Tom Hanks plays a man on vacation at home. He and his friends are out to get to the bottom of the mystery and their quest to find the truth about a missing neighbor. A plot full of funny twists and turns, Hanks is solid here showing us his future greatness. The movie is definitely worth a rental.
5 Funny suburban humor
My husband and I rented this film as a joke after moving from the city to the suburbs, and it really cracked us up. We could see things in the movie that we were beginning to do ourselves (like keeping tabs on who just got the new TV delivered down the street, who needs to water their lawn, etc). Recommended viewing for others who have made a similar transition.
6 THIS MOVIE IS JUST SRAIGHT UP FUNNY!!!!
THIS MOVIE IS HYSTERRICAL AND I LOVED IT, BUY IT AND YOU WOULD ENJOY IT.
7 Sub-'Burbs
While I found the humor of `The `Burbs' kinda cute and occasionally giggle-inducing, it wasn't really all that funny to me. Ya got Tom Hanks in the usual `reluctant-hero-caught-in-the-middle-of-it-all' role he usually played back in the mid-to-late 80s, with his trademark expression of outraged incredulity poppin' up when he's been pushed just a bit too far by his odd neighbors. Throw in the quasi-psychotic weirdness of Bruce Dern's character, and the cool-dudeness of then-teen-heartthrob Corey Feldman, and you've got a little something that's fun to watch, but ends up well short of being a bona fide laugh riot. Which was pretty much par for the course for most of Hanks' 80s comedies following `Bachelor Party'.
Ah well, there's always `Forrest Gump' if I ever feel the need to watch a truly funny Tom Hanks flick...
`Late
8 Watch Out In Your Neighborhood For The Reclusive Families!
As Art Weingartner says "I'm telling you these people are Satanists. As I sit here, they are Satanists. Look... look, the world is full of these kind of things; black masses, mutilations. Mutilations! The incubus, the succubus - I'm tellin' you, Walter was a human sacrifice."
Such is the hysterical dialog between Art (Rick Ducommun) and Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) when they discover, along with some other people in their suburban subdivision, their elderly neighbor, Walter Seznick (Gale Gordon) is missing in action.
Other neighbor buddy, Vietnam Vet, Mark Rumsfeld (Bruce Dern) decides to help Ray and Art to find out what happened to Walter. They all three are SURE that the weirdo reclusive new neighbors, The Klopek family, comprised of Dr. Werner Klopek (Henry Gibson), Uncle Reuben Klopek (Brother Theodore) and shy Hans Klopek (Courtney Gains)have something to do with the old man's disappearance.
So...complete with night vision goggles, credit cards to slide in the Klopek's doorlocks to break in and various other spy equipment furnished by Mr. Rumsfeld, they start their little spying games.
Men and their wives even plan a little friendly "welcome wagon" visit to the Klopeks (one of the funniest scenes in the movie!)
Corey Feldman as young neighbor teen Ricky Butler, Carrie Fisher as Carol Peterson, & Wendy Schaal as Bonnie Rumsfeld ALL turn in great performances.
Even Nicky Katt from Boston Public plays Ricky's young friend Steve Kuntz!
What happened to Walter? Did the Klopek's have anything to do with the disappearance? WATCH THIS VERY ENTERTAINING MOVIE and find out for yourself!
Happy Watching!
9 RAY YOU'RE NEIGHBORS ARE MURDERING PEOPLE!!!
This is the greatest comedy of all time,second is Clue. It has a whole bunch of great lines and an outstanding score by Jerry Goldsmith (Patton). Even though Tom Hanks is really, really funny, the best character in this is Art, played outstandingly by Rick Duccomon. You have to add this to your comedy collection. The movie itself is about three men (Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Rick Duccomon) who get obssesed with what is going on in Tom Hanks' neighbors house. Art thinks that the neighbors are killing the other people who used to live there. But he can't be right. Can He? This is a must have for people who love comedy and mysteries. The lesson: Don't judge a person by his cover....... but don't be too careful.
10 FUUNIEST FILM
THIS IS THE FUNNIEST TOM HANKS FILM IVE EVER SEEN. EXCELLENT. MUST SEE. TOM HANKS IS BRILLIANT
11 Tom Hanks at his funniest
This is a very excellent film. Tom Hanks is halirously funny in this film. Very crazy antics and it will keep you glued to your seat. Co-stars are just as crazy as Tom Hanks is. One to definately add to your comedy/mystery collection.
12 An Oldie But Goodie
Have you seen a movie with Tom Hanks as star that wasn't outstanding? Well, I have not, and this movie is no different.
Tom, playing Ray Peterson just wants to have a quiet weeks vacation but that isn't in the cards. His neighbor and his friend aren't about to let that happen. It seems there is a new family on the block, and a strange one at that. Why would they be digging up their back yard in the middle of the night? Just who were these people? Tom and his group go on a hunt to try and find out leading to some outrageous adventures and a giggle a minute. I really liked this movie, I give it a thumbs up.
13 Suburban Paranoia is Halarious
After hearing strange noises coming from the house next door, Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) becomes suspicious of his new neighbors. His best friend (Rick Ducommon) and a close neighbor (Bruce Dern) begin to investigate the disappearance of an old man (Gale Gordon) that lives down the street. They think the new neighbor (Henry Gibson), with the help of his two relatives, may have killed the old man and buried him somewhere on their property. Ricky (Corey Feldman), a teenager on the block, watches the antics of the men for entertainment and invites his friends to watch as well. There is never a dull moment in this movie and there is one laugh after another. Carrie Fisher, Wendy Schaal, and Cortney Gains also deliver great performances. Joe Dante directs this wonderful comedy about normal people becoming paranoid in the suburbs. This is one of those movies that you will remember and laugh about for years.
14 Classic
This flick sucks me in everytime. The army vet playing war and calling that guy "Rubes". The bees. "The doctor!" The fat guy chanting "I wanna kill everyone. Satan is good, satan is our pal." There are just so many great scenes and yet I haven't seen it in probably a decade. Can't wait to pick up the DVD.
15 When good neighbors go bad.
Tom Hanks and one half of the 'Corey' phenomenon. Pure gold. I loved this movie when I was around 10 years old and I never looked back. This is a typical, 'Neighborhood sanctity is breached when weird and murderess neighbors movie in.' In no way is this supposed to be classified as a horror flick. I mean, it's COMEDY. Some people just can't grasp that. I don't want to give anything away for anyone who hasn't seen this movie, but my favorite character in it has to be Ricky. (Corey Feldman) He plays the teenage neighbor boy who eggs on both sides when it comes to finding the truth about the "murderess neighbors." Late night parties, killer bees, gas pipes, and a hair piece are just a few of the laughs in the movie.
16 Awsome!
The 'Burbs is an extremely funny movie movie with an A+ cast and plot. New neibhors move in to a house and nobody ever sees them but one time they saw them digging in their backyard like gravediggers!
17 Is suburbia the problem, or foreigners?
I saw the Burbs first in middle school in the early 1990's with a group of male friends in small-town Missouri. It was one of our favorites. I recently bought it on VHS, which is fine for this type of movie, and so I view it with nostalgia and with a more mature perspective at the same time. It's got greath physical comedy, from the sound Tom Hanks makes when he bites into the sardine, to Bruce Dern falling off the roof and shooting a hole through the window of the car. There is also a sense of suburbia being a safe and insular enclave where you know all your neighbors. Maybe this fantasy is comforting, because many people had isolating suburban upbringings that contrast with this depiction. Tom Hanks impassioned speech towards the end of the film gets at one of the themes of the movie. He says, "We're the monsters. It's us, Art, us." He explains that the very closed off nature of the suburb makes them into xenophobic monsters who fear outsiders. This is a profound theme hidden in a comedy. Minutes after, it turns out the the new, vaguely Eastern European ("What's that, Slavic?") new neighbors do really kill people, ruining the earlier point about not fearing outsiders. You shouldn't try to get a clear theme out of this movie, that has to come from thinking about the movie critically. Despite all this, it's still very funny and the plot rarely slows.
18 hilarious
I remember being scared of this movie when I was younger, and have since been afraid to watch it. Finally I got up the nerve to rent it and was pleasantly suprised. Upon watching it, I found it to be one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. It's one of those movies that you would want to watch with your family. It's hilarious how they make Tom Hanks out to be a mock hero, and the vetran Lt. and the other anoying neighbor will crack you up. There are no words to describe how funny this trio is together, "the men who represent the street." I would highly reccomend this movie to anyone who is looking for a good laugh and a good feel. Great movie, enjoy!
19 Forgotten Quotes
This is my favorite movie of all time. We owned a vhs copy recorded from televison and just recently my husband was shopping around and found a DVD copy for me and I was surprised how much the television cut out of it, the dvd also has an alternant ending. I have watched it so many times my husband now loves it. A wonderful movie that never leaves the neighborhood. Staring Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson, Carrie Fisher as Carol, Bruce Dern as Mark Rumsfield (my favorite), Wendy Schall as Bonnie, Rick Ducommun as Art Winegardner, and Cory Feldman as Ricky Buttler. I was reading all the quote lines and would like to add some not previously listed:
*carol says: "he cant come out until he resembles that man that I married", Art:"carol, we don't have that kind of time!"
*"I'm going over the fence and i'm not coming back til I find a dead body"
*"thats one thing about these cul de sacs, only one way in and the people are kinda strange"
*"Art's got a Gun!"
*"What is that infered night vision..."
*"smells like they're cookin a godd*mn cat over there"
*"they keep a horse in the basement"
*"A femor just happens to be a human thigh bone, you think this came off some kind of chicken"
*"I've never seen that before, they drive their trash out to the street and bang the h*ll out of it with a stick"
*"Hey Pinoccio where do you think your going"
*"I think we flushed em out,Rumsfield and I, we wrote a note and slipped it under the door we rang the bell then we ran"
Well I could keep going and going, love this movie. Definately reccomend at least watching it once, but to catch all the lines I suggest multiple viewings.
20 My favorite line
Yeah, I love this movie. I didn't care for it that much the first time I saw it. Now I watch it often and I still see or hear something new every time! My favorite quotes are the one about stapling the dogs ass shut and when Klopec is asked if that is Slovic and he says NO! and they say "bout' a 9 on the tension scale there Rube!" I love this movie. Watch it again and again and learn more and more.
21 "What's that, Rubes?"
Finally I now have seen this great movie with good quality vision, after watching old rental copies on vhs, the dvd is so much better. The transfer is pretty crisp and the sound is good too.
The alternate ending is a good extra feature, the same with the prodction notes.
Easily the funniest dialogue in the movie is between Bruce Dern and Brother Theodore inside the Klopek house.
22 One of the greatest OVERLOOKED comedies ever!
I can't add much more than the previous reviewers already said. But what I can say is that, amazingly, many people have never seen this movie which should already be considered a "comedy classic". I feel that everyone acts their respective parts to absolute excellence. If you already know the line, "red rover, red rover let Art go on over.", then you probably already know the movie and love it. If not, give this gem a try. If you or someone you know loves to laugh, I'm sure that at worst, you or they will enjoy this movie.
23 Terror in the cul-de-sac!!
I've just recently treated myself to this film once again and had truly forgotten what an under-rated classic it really is. The characters are absolutely unforgettable, ranging from the skeptic Hanks character, to the duo of Dern and Ducummon, and of course Brother Theodore.
The strongest point of this film is that it has not, and will never age even slightly. Keep in mind the boldness of this statement as the film does afterall co-star Corey Feldman. Without knowledge of Hanks' later career (Saving Private Ryan, Castaway, etc.), and excluding the 80s staple presence of Feldman, a viewer could never guess this film is quickly rounding the corner of being 15 years old.
Jerry Goldsmith's score is completely inventive and essential to the film's pace. The movie would not be the same without it.
Though I'm more sober than the last reviewer, I will gladly agree that "The 'Burbs" strongly ranks as one of my favorite films of all time.
24 Ridiculous but fun
THe movie is lame, yet fun, and the universe in our cul-de-sac theme works here. Campy and fun, with some well known, if not altogether talented actors. Sometimes, the comedy theme works for actors that cannot act.
25 Fantastically Funny
Tom Hanks is a superb actor I have always enjoyed his acting. The star line-up in this film meshed well with Tom Hanks. This writer/director knew what he was doing when he produced this film! It is quite entertaining, never a dull moment!! I have watched "The Burbs" a dozen times and I am never bored with it.
26 Great movie, good laughs
I love this movie. It makes me laugh so much. The characters are hilarious and all of the trouble they get into is incredible. I definately reccomend this movie to anyone looking for a great saturday night movie to watch with friends.
27 Better than Howard the Duck
This screen gem ranks among the most underrated films of all time, in my humble, if not a bit drunk, opinion.
While not the funniest movie ever (although there are certainly some pants peeing moments and a plethora of quotable lines)nor the scariest ever, it's just got a great feel to it.
Not only is Tom Hanks in top form, but all of the supporting cast gives some of the best performances captured on film since the Charlie Chaplin era of silent film. Bruce Dern is brilliant. If I were a director I would cast this grizzled vetran in every movie ever made, including teen comedies, soft core skin flicks, and inner-city documentaries.
This movie is one of my Top 5 ever. Take that to the bank. Owwwwwww baby!!!!
28 See it again and again!
I have seen this movie more times then I can remember, but if I am channel surfing and come upon it by chance, I will most likely see it again. I rate this movie a high five because just like "The Blues Brothers", "Airplane" and "Ferris Beullers Day off", It is not only well written and has a great cast, but is a story within a story, doesn't slow down for a minute and finishes with a great surprise ending. If you haven't seen this movie yet, I highly recommend it.
29 So, how well do you know your neighbors?
Have you ever had those neighbors that you just weren't sure about? All Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) wants to do is enjoy his weekend off, but when the new creepy neighbors show up they become the subject of the neighborhood. While Ray tries to escape the mystery surrounding the Klopeks, his friends on the block continue to pester him about the new people. And, when one of the neighbors disappears, even Ray begins to have suspicions. Welcome to Suburbia!
The Burbs, probably a movie you would not notice in a video store, is a great summer comedy because of its originality and darkness. With Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher (as his wife), Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman, this movie asks the question: How well do you really know your neighbors? (Which begs the second question: How much do you really want to know?)
Ray and his neighbor chums begin to look around and discover, little by little, what could be the breakthrough to their answers. The only question is how far will they dig and how far will they go before they find the answer (...or how far before they get caught). The zaniness and slapstick type of humor is great in this movie, and the movie certainly asserts a message about privacy (of lack thereof) when dealing with neighbors.
Best lines:
Ray Peterson: " I've never seen that. Ive never seen anyone drive their garbage to the street and bang the hell out of it with a stick."
Uncle Reuben Klopek: "NO!"
Mark Rumsfield: "About a nine on the tension scale, Rube."
I recommend this movie for anyone. It didn't get much attention, and their isn't much of a plot, but this is just good humor.
30 Great Lines - Great Laughs
Tom Hanks is the every day suburbanite home on vacation. He doesn't want to fight holiday traffic to go to the lake so he is going to 'pad around the house' for a few days relaxation and maybe do so home projects. His plans begin to go awry when his neighbor, Art, puts him up to finding out about the new neighbors who have moved in next door to him. In the midst of lush green lawns, they have let all the grass and trees die in theirs, the house is showing signs of disrepair and there is this unbelievable sound coming from their basement. After the old man at the end of the cul-de-sac disappears, all eyes turn to the new neighbors. Tom Hanks as the realist, Art as the conspiracy theorist and the gung ho weapons dealer across the street come together to make a comic trio as they try to get to the bottom of the noise in the basement.
This is a bundle of laughs, great one liners and Tom Hanks has a wonderful 'speech' at the end. And Amazon has the best price I have seen on it.
31 Terrible attempt at a comedy
This movie is not funny but scary. I watched it when I was a little kid and it gave me nightmares. It should be classified as a horror movie. Well, I've rewatched it since then and have not changed my mind. Though it did not give me nightmares, I will always be afraid to go near such a horrible film again. The bad acting, bad script, and overall bad plot makes for a frighteningly bad evening of movie viewing.
32 THE BURBS
This a movie that you watch over and over again. It has a great bunch of terrific actors, and Tom Hanks blends in well with them all. I have watched this movies so many times, when I need a good laugh, this does it for me. I will not go into details, but if love comedy, this is Soooo funny, you will not get tired of watching it, and everytime you watch it, I promise, you'll laugh so much, you'll have tears in your eyes. Everytime we go to our vacation home, this movies is on our list to go. My husband and I are kind of middle aged so to speak, but everyone who sees this movies loved it. It is a keeper for sure. If you own it, you'll never part with it, if you don't own it, buy it, you be glad you did. Wait till you see the cast, they are all just great in this, what I term as a one of the geatest comedies we've watched.
33 Repeat value
The 'Burbs isn't one of those movies you'd see being drooled over by film critics or even audiences, but it is one of those movies that if you saw it on TV every couple of months, you'd watch it.
Joe Dante's weird sense of humor shines on this movie even more than the Gremlins movies. It also offers a cast of characters that are as much relatable as they are crazy. Everyone has weird neighbors, right?
Tom Hanks is in top comedic form in this one offering classic lines like "I've never seen anyone drive their garbage to the street and bang the hell out of it with a stick." Then you have the hilarious neighbor Rick Ducommunn who I feel should have had a better career after this film. Corey Feldman (always a treat) plays the irresponsible teen and Bruce Dern is brilliant as the crazy military reject.
All these characters mixed up in a bizzare murder mystery is pure magic. But what makes this movie have replay value is the little things that you don't necessarily catch while watching for the first time. For example, when Rick Ducommunn comes over to visit Tom Hanks and eats nearly everything in his refrigerator while the audience is engrossed with his tales of terror. Or just the body movement of Hanks when he observes the weirdness of his neighborhood throughout the film. Hilarious.
I may be looked upon as weird for giving this movie 5 stars, but it is one I can always rely on for a good laugh and good quotes.
"NO!" "About a 9 on the tension scale, Rube."
"I want to kill everyone. Satan is good. Satan is our pal."
"Red rover red rover let Ray go over."
"I've been blown up! Take me to the hospital, I'm sick."
Watch this movie and you too will quote these lines forever.
34 Too real
A mysterious family moves into an old fixer-upper in the neighborhood. Strange comings, goings, and sounds are heard in the night. Add to this a bone that the dog has recovered from their recently spaded back yard.
Naturally the neighbors must face up to the challenge and prove or disprove roomers about another missing neighbor.
As much as the mystery it is the interaction among the neighbors that make this film. You are introduced to a cast of characters that if you live in the burbs you could easily identify with.
35 Funny non-stop with hilarious espionage skits
This is another 80's comedic classic with a unique event unwinding in a regular suburbanite neighbourhood and a few dumb people trying to get to the bottom of the eerie events taking place at the house where the 'freaks' moved in. If you were into that eighties vibe type of movie with a potency of hilarity then you should atleast see this one once!
36 Hilarious!!!!
I absolutely love the movie "The 'Burbs"! Although it wasn't the biggest hit when it was released - I never even knew the movie existed until I saw it on television one day - it has become one of the most loved, yet still underappreciated, movies!
The story revolves around a strange family, the Klopeks, who move into a suburban town. The Klopeks spark the interest and curiosity of all of the "normal" residents on the street. The movie follows the characters through their adventures in trying to prove that the Klopeks are crazy murderers.
This is one of the funniest movies, and became a favorite of mine in college. If you want a good laugh from a little-known Tom Hanks film, buy this movie!!!
37 This movie was fantastic!
I personally think this movie was great not only because it gets you on the edge of your seat, but because the characters are all hilarious! If you like mysteries, than you'll love The Burbs!
38 The Burbs: Best movie of all time
The best movie i have ever seen. Great use of humour, great acting, and the little scenes and funny things in the burbs make it stand out from the rest.
Also, great music that compliments the movie.
Tom Hanks' Best movie, and truly my favourite, just like many others who would agree with me there.
Overall: *****/5
Music: *****/5
Quality of scenes: ****+/5
Humour: *****/5
Overall: 5/5
Darko Petrovic
39 A classic
One of Hank's best movies. He is hilarious in this moive about a suspicous family. The Supportign cast and Hanks make this movie a "keeper."
40 Ever wonder what your neighbors are really up to?
Every suburban neighborhood has a story of an average guy on the block who mowed his lawn for the 800th time and finally snapped, committing some horrible crime that made him a local legend. In Ray Peterson's neighborhood that guy was a local soda jerk who murdered his own family one unusually hot summer, many years ago. Well, it's an unusually hot summer again, a new and reclusive family has moved into the neighborhood, and Ray and his friends' imaginations are running wild.
Tom Hanks plays Ray Peterson, who is extremely curious about the secretive new people next door, the Klopeks. His imagination is fueled not just by their strange habits, which include driving their garbage out from their garage to their curb and digging huge holes in their backyard, but also by the crazy ideas of his fellow neighbors, trouble instigator Art (Rick Ducommun), arms dealer Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), and teenager Ricky (Corey Feldman). They are convinced that the Klopeks murdered the family that lived in their house before them, and that they've hidden the bodies somewhere on the property. When another neighbor turns up missing, Ray and his friends naturally assume the elderly man has been added to the Klopeks' body-count. Their suspicions quickly come to a boil, and the group decides to plan a thorough hunt for the bodies as soon as possible. When Ray's cute but nagging wife, played by Carrie Fisher, takes their son away for the weekend, the boys decide it's time to strike! Armed with walkie talkies, shovels, and other gear, the 3 adults take over the temporarily abandoned house and yard, while Ricky gathers his teenage friends in his own yard to watch "the show."
Dark comedies may not be all that popular with the majority of the public, but The 'Burbs is definitely one of the funniest movies out there! Tom Hanks was always wonderful in comedy, lest we forget, and the supporting cast is equally hilarious! Bruce Dern's military nut character is unforgettable, Rick Ducommon's Art brings back so many memories of kids we used to know, Corey Feldman's Ricky gets laugh after laugh with his great lines, Wendy Schaal is cute as a button as Bruce's wife Bonnie, and the spaghetti western ending really is the icing on the cake! But what really hits the mark with this movie is how well we can see ourselves reflected in it. Those of us who live in the suburbs anyway. Now, before I go, here are just a few of my favorite lines from the film to listen for as you watch it: "It came with the frame," "Hey, Pinocchio!", and "My wife is home?!!"
41 Watch it when you've got the giggles
This movie is not for serious people. However if you have even the slightest sense of humor, you're going to adore this movie. The plot is about a few neighbors who believe that their new neighbors are psycho killers. While the second half of the movie is undeniably corny, it'll certainly give you a good laugh. You get really wrapped up into the characters. The acting is comical and well done. My only complaint is that they could have thought up of a better ending. Oh well. It's still worth 5 stars. Nothing is better than a good laugh.
42 The most hilarious movie ever!!!
The Burbs is just one of those movies everyone should see. It hits on the everyday suburbanite ways with a exaggerated twist. I reccommend this movie for anyone, especially for my fellow suburbanites.
43 "These Old Guys Never Go Anywhere Without Their Hair."
Once Upon A Less-Enlightened Time (the 1980's, of course), Tom Hanks was regarded as a comedic actor...and despite the universal acclaim (and the Oscars) he's received since making "Big" a far more serious film than surely it was intended to be, I STILL think he has betrayed his true talent.
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This movie, as well as "Bachelor Party", "The Money Pit" and the role he had as Dan Aykroyd's co-star in "Dragnet" confirm just how talented Hanks was as a comic actor (you can include "Stand-Up", if you want...but that was really more of a tragic role); I wish he still made movies like this.
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Soapbox rantings aside, this movie is hilarious...I think about it every time I mow my yard for the 10,000th time and see someone new moving into the neighborhood. Think of every suburban cliche' you've ever heard of...it's in this movie somewhere. The Supporting cast, as mentioned in other reviews, is also incredibly engaging...even Corey Feldman is good (when's the last time you ever heard someone say that? He wasn't even good in "The Lost Boys"), and Bruce Dern is terrific in the role that might well have gone to Christopher Walken had he been just a bit older at the time. Rick Ducommun ("Art's got a gun") must have been the role model for a particular softball-playing boss I worked for a few years ago, and Carrie Fisher is perfect as Hanks' long-suffering wife.
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In short, this is great 1980's comedy fare from the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" portion of the decade...don't take it too seriously, but by all means see this movie (particularly if you live "outside the perimeter").
44 Buy This DVD!
This movie is a good old classic. This DVD is hard to find in your local store. I bought this movie without even seeing the whole thing and let me tell you it is a very good movie about his freaky neighbors who don't come out often. This movie is worth buying even though it doesn't have a lot of special features. But the other ending in the special features is not very good. But in the movie it has a very good ending. This is a funny movie from the director of Gremlins, Innerspace, Small Soldiers, and more. This movie shows little by little clips from old horror movies when Tom Hanks is flipping through channels on his tube. This movie is a must buy and see movie and it will not dissapoint you...So what are you waiting for get The Burbs right now on DVD.
45 "Honey, I think we should move"
The Burbs' is simple, pretty short, and to say the least, marvelous. This is one of the best movies that I've seen in a long time. What's so great about The Burbs's is the fact that you can watch it over and over and over. It stars Tom Hanks as a well-mannered surburbian named Ray Peterson. He lives with his wife Carol(Carrie Fisher) and son. He has decided to take a week off from work to sit at home and relax. The only problem is his mysterious new neighbors seem to keep Ray from enjoying his time off. Whether it be digging in their back yard in the middle of the night, or causing ear shattering sounds from their basement, the Klopeks won't let Ray relax. Ray begins to forget about these things until an old man named Walter suddenly disappears. Together with best friend Art (Rick Ducommun) and army vet Lt. Rumsfield(Bruce Dern), Ray begins investigating around the neighborhood. Although this movie may not seem very interesting from description it is. The characters in it are some of the best that I've ever seen in a movie. I suggest buying the DVD since you get an alternate ending which is very funny. If you're not sure about buying The Burbs' I recommend that you go rent it and fall in love with it first.
46 "I Hit the Gas Line Art Run!!!!"
I have a bunch of neices and nefews I showed this movie to last October around Halloween, Im always looking for an excuse to show it to someone so I can watch it too. Tom Hanks' raspy, unmistakeable frantic screaming voice takes center stage in this Joe Dante original as Art, Ray and Rumsfeld (No, Not Donnie) loom around strange new neighbors in their "Happy-Ville" sunshine suburban dead-end street. One thing I loved about this movie was the musical score by Jerry Goldsmith, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on a limited CD original copy at auction. All I know is if you're looking at buying 'Turner and Hooch' or 'Big' or even 'The Money Pit', you should add this DVD along with it. Out of several this has to be my favorite cult-comedy of all time. The best part of the movie is 'Ray Peterson, Neighbor from Hell' which brought a fiery end to the ratty Klopek house and brought roasted Ray Peterson to his senses...a one-time filming grab that made Joe Dante such a cool director.
47 Love Thy Neighbor
Tom Hanks is Ray Petersen, a man who just wants to relax and have a peaceful vacation. But, there's one thing stopping him from lounging out on a fold-out chair and drinking some beer. His next door neighbor. The Klopeks only come out at night and have been seen digging in their backyard. Petersen's neighbors are all curious about the mystery people and think they're a part of a dark conspiracy. Art (Rick Ducommun), Rumsfield (Bruce Dern) and Ricky (Corey Feldman) talk about ghoulish happenings and they start to investigate the Klopeks. What ghastly fun this movie is! Petersen tries to be conservative, while his friends just want to play spy. The Klopeks drive out of their garage and beats their garbage bag into the can with a stick! Sadistic! Then an old man disappears and they snoop around his place. A plate of cookies goes to waste, then the neighborhood decides to introduce themselves to the Klopeks and what a shocker! Rumsfeld drops his complimentary browies and says, 'forget the GD brownies!'. It was lordage. Hans (the geeky red-headed boy answers the door and tries to swat at flies buzzing around his head). Comical. Then an old Klopek who has the deepest voice in the world yells, 'NO!'. It was sheer delight. Then another Klopek who happens to be a doctor, has blood on his hands! Vile! In the end, the Klopeks leave their house for a day field trip and then Rumsfeld brought out his military gear! Ray and Art dig in the Klopek's backyard and find nothing and then break into their house find some bodies. There in the basement, they hit something. You'll have to see the ending to believe it. It's dynamite! Everybody delivers an under-rated performance and Art eats way too much food. Ray yells way too much. Dog poo galore! This movie has everything and it's definitely Tom Hanks' best comedy ever. Joe Dante does a great job of directing this eerie, dark comedy.
48 Character-Based Fun!!!!!!!!!!!
OK...the plot is thin...the movie walks the line between horror and comedy and fails in both regards..and yet...IT ROCKS!!!!!!!! This movie is about CHARACTERS!!!! They are a zany bunch of weirdos, and they are types to which we can all relate...we all know a fat slob who talks a big talk, a loser teenager, a grumpy old man, a guy with war stories and a hunger for action...the characters are types you would like to know in real life, if not to be neighbors with...that is the charm of this movie...it draws you into the little cul de sac and keeps you there for 90 minutes...No, hearing Bruce Dern get hit in the head by a shovel tossed carelessly over a fence is not the pinnicle of humor, but seeing these guys and gals interact is a ton of fun...the movie does touch on some social commentary...ie how well do you really know anybody these days and can you trust anyone in this world??? You can echange greeting with someone over the fence for years and then you read that they have been arrested for being a serial killer or child molester or god knows what....we have all had a friend or relationship turn out to be a real psycho..
Anyway...don't expect a great plot from this one.....just immerse yourself in the characters and the ATMOSPHERE of this one and you will end up echoing Corey "Where is he Now???" Feldman's character Ricky. "God I LOVE this neigborhood!!!!!"
49 Worthless Trash
This has to be the worst movie ever made. It is boring, wierd, annoying. I can't believe how anyone would laugh at this worthless trash. And for those of you who say it is your favorite movie and have seen it tons of times, i feel sorry for you. What a piece.
50 A great odd 80's movie for your DVD collection
This movie is one of my favorites. I just rediscovered it after seeing it about a few months back. The memory of seeing it before was pretty good but seeing the whole movie for a second viewing made me like it even more. It is one of those quirky 80's movies that feels alot like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Goonies, or Ghostbusters. Anyone who is a fan of Tom Hanks, or goofy original comedies should pick this DVD up. The only downside is a lack of special features. There are cast bios, the trailer, subtitles, and a different ending. Its also a good ol movie for halloween film fests!
51 Very Funny
If you watch the Burbs, it's impossible not to laugh! Tom Hanks is perfect in his role as Ray Peterson, a man who suspects that his odd neighbors (the Klopeks) are murderers. Each scene of this movie is hilarious, especially the part where the Petersons and their friends go over to visit the Klopeks for the first time. Pick this one up!
52 Awesome!
this is one of my top favorite movies! it's truly the best. it will make you laugh forever with the great casting of Tom Hanks. And not to mention Corey Feldman...he's so hot in this movie! I love it. You won't be sorry.
53 THIS FILM IS THE BEST
I love this movie and have seen it about 1000 times and will still watch it for years to come.
Tom Hanks shines as he dose in every film.
Bruce Dern is very entertaining.
I will never get tired of this film,as it is my all time
favorite.
Keep watching "THE BURBS"
54 There go the GodDamn Brownies!
This movie is a classic. From the very beginning when Hanks is sipping his orange juice, you just know that suburban life cannot get any more boring. Then something interesting happens. Hanks' next door neighbor were digging in their backyard during a thunderstorm... Why?
If these classic quotes do not convince you to buy this movie, nothing will!
"It came with the frame"
"Sardine?"
"The Pizza Dude!"
"Hey, Pinocchio, where'r you goin'?"
"Satan is good, Satan is your pal"
"NO!... About a nine on the tension scale their Klopek."
"That old fart, he's got the best lawn on the block..."
"Klopek, what is that, Slavic?"
"Listen up Mr., that piece of scum barking rat of yours..."
"Ray, this is Walter!"
"They're daring each other to ring the doorbell"
55 Tom Please Make #2
Simply the best cast. Well written. I'm still waiting for the sequel.
56 "People In Cul - De Sac's Are Strange...."
This 1989 black comedy starring Tom Hanks, and directed by Joe Dante(Gremlins, Matinee, Gremlins 2, Small Soldiers), might not be to everyone's taste. I think it's a silly, fun, entertaining little movie. Hanks stars as an everyday, all American type of guy, who is on vacation from work. He, and the rest of his friends in the cul- de sac they live in, are suspicious of their weird new neighbors. They hear and see weird things going on there. Since he's off work, and has a lot of time on his hands, Hanks gets roped into finding out the mystery of these interesting new additions to the street. Comedian Rick Duccommun plays Hanks' best friend Art. Bruce Dern is their marine-like neighbor across the street. Carrie Fisher plays Hanks' wife. The weirdo family is headed by Henry Gibson. The movie has a number of goofy and funny scenes. One wishes the movie was even darker and went a bit further with some of the stuff, but oh well. The climax is a big, all out there surprise. Okay, maybe not really big, but fun. Corey Feldman co-stars. This isn't great art people, but it's fun escapism.
57 Extremely Amusing
This is one of my all time favorites. I don't intend to cover the plot in this review as you can pretty much guess it from previous reviews. What I will say is that this is definately one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. A Classic!
58 So-so comedy
A strange and weird movie that I saw a couple of times and still can't quite remember what was so good about it. I do recall that it wasn't bad, so if that is a recommendation, take it for what it is. A semi dark comedy, it has some laughs and some decent acting but it is hardly a 5 star movie. Hanks is worth watching and can even deliver when the script or story line is less than wonderful, a mild recommendation.
59 Wonderful!!!
I can't get enough of this film. Although tom hanks does great in his role I think that corey makes this movie. He only has a few lines but he plays the dope head part so well. This movie only gets better with each viewing. i want to live on this street!
"Burbs" is very funny but there definitely times when the movie can make you feel chills, in a fun way. It's like an old comedy-detective story like "Murder by Death" or "The cheap detective".
In three words: Wonderful, Hilarious, Totally awesome dude!
60 Hanks' Best of A Decade of Lost Movies...
Tom Hanks made so many movies of this sort in the 80s, you would never believe it. Most of these low-budget films fell on deaf ears to begin with, but I think 'Big' and 1989's 'The Burbs' got him ready for his award winning 90s'. 'The Burbs' takes place on a dead end street in a suburb, a scene clasicly stereotyped where everybody knows everybody else, you could set your watch by daily events and lawnmowers are no bigger than a red wagon. When strange foreign neighbors move nextdoor though, thoughts and suspisions arise rapidly among suburbanites who have nothing better to do. Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks), is enjoying a relaxing week off at home with his overwieght, annoying neighbor Art...and a mis-cast Bruce Dern who poorly portrays a rough-edged ex-soldier (But still cracks me up). The three become obsessed with odd noises and smells from the grotesque house, believing that the new neighbors are murderers. Hanks makes the script work perfectly with his mild insanity and inability to handle stress, I think a blind person could watch the movie and know it was Hanks just by hearing him rant and rave. Unlike Hanks' movies in the years before 'The Burbs', director Joe Dante adds a great story and more than suitable music to connect with Hanks' talent and make this movie explode. With Halloween coming up this movie makes a great buy at a great price, some inappropriate language...but thats all. One of Tom Hanks' best pre-Oscar rolls, a great way to see his early talents.
61 Classic!
How could you not like this movie?! I mean, really, what's wrong with it? It's a classic! It's got all the qualities of a great movie--an original and interesting concept that is funny and well told, classic scenes, and an outstanding cast! I read one review that said the plot "goes nowhere". Okay...please tell me you're kidding! Personally, I found it quite nice to finaly see a movie that didn't disappoint me at the end! Predictable? Who cares?! It's a comedy! It's not a Hitchock film! Perhaps I'm a little byist because I fell in love with this movie at a young age. But I know a good movie when I see one. This is a GREAT movie and anyone who doesn't think so it CRAZY. Or maybe you're just trying to sound real sophisticated so you say things like "this movie goes nowhere" or "the actors talents are waisted"! Maybe you're just too stuck up to enjoy a COMEDY!
62 Low Key Dark Humor in Suburbia America
A little bit of life comes to a rather mundane suburban neighborhood thanks to director Joe Dante. Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern and others get obsessed with the strange goings on with their new neighbors (Henry Gibson and his strange looking family) that move in to their average American neighborhood. Gibson's relatives look like a barrel full of weirdoes to say the least. They were really a product of great casting. Corey Feldman is excellent as a teenage neighbor observer who sits on his porch and invites his friends over to watch the would-be commandos (Dern and Hanks) in action as they attempt to unravel and protect the neighborhood from Gibson's strange goings-on. Jerry Goldsmith composed a very good score that is in touch with his subject and keeps the pace of the film moving. His score also includes a very catchy end title for this bizarre little film. In fact Jerry Goldsmith's Dolby Digital 5.1 score is one of the best attractions on this DVD. I found this movie to be very amusing containing some real gut wrenching laughs along the way. Highly recommended viewing.
63 In South East Asia we called this sort of thing a classic!
A very good cast including Hank's before he became a total megastar, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher and Corey Feldman really perform well in this lighthearted black comedy. Although slated on its original release this movie typifies a fun, untaxing and seriously funny genre of American comedy. Easy to miss it also features through director Joe Dante's techniques a distinct underlying element of clever humour. The story centres around the everyday Ray Peterson (Hanks), embarking on a mission with other concerned neigbours to uncover the truth about a strange family down their street who have just moved in. Hilarious scenes of normal everyday people snooping around in their dressing gowns at night in order to spy on their neigbours, really has got to tickle you. There a many memorable moments in the film that are well scripted and do geniunely make you laugh out loud, not to mention seriously corny lines said by most noticeably Dern that work really well, 'That kids a meatball'. All in all this is a film you cannot take seriously at all and is in my opinion the king of all the goofy comedies of the eighties. Its a must see, and a fantastic addition to any comedy fans collection.
64 A Great Movie!!! Four Stars****!!!!
The critics are totally wrong about The Burbs. This is a very clever and funny movie. When Tom Hanks and a couple of his neighbors become suspicious about the new folks next door, the adventure is on! Great performances all around and some very sly, clever direction from Joe Dante make this a comedy not to be missed. The scene where Hanks, Bruce Dern, & their wives go over & meet the strange, new neighbors is one of the funniest scenes I've ever witnessed. Do yourself a favor and come on out to The Burbs!
65 Better after repeated viewings-satire, not reality
This satire, taking place entirely inside an upscale cul-de-sac, relies on it's setting and subject matter to drive it's points home.
I think it does the job fairly well, with amusing characters, jabbing at life in suburbia in a way that rings true to reality and offering a huge dose of ridiculous comic relief that makes for an enjoyable, fun movie.
If you take the movie for what it is, you can be entertained and even amused by the sly, serious points it attempts to make, amid some improbable clutter!
66 A Rare Treasure ? A Black Comedy for the Whole Family.
Joe Dante is Without a Doubt the most Underrated Director in Hollywood. After Directing such Classics as "Gremlins", "Gremlins 2", "Innerspace" and "Small Soldiers", he has Yet to become a Household name. If I had My way, that would surely change, as "The Burbs" is one my All Time Favourite Films. It is So Cleverly Written, So Well Performed... It's an Absolute Pleasure to watch, Over and Over again.
Tom Hanks give his Funniest Performance as Ray Peterson; a Quiet Suburbanite who's Tranquillity is Shattered by the thought that his New Neighbours may be Murderers. His Wacky Neighbour, Art (Rick Domecian), planted the Thought in his head. They, along with Ex-Military Neighbour, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern) set about uncovering some Evidence of Foul Play.
Carrie Fisher and Corey Feldman round out the cast as Rays Ever-Patient wife Carol, and Another Nosey Neighbour Ricky. Every Performance is Spot on and not one of them feels out of place or underwritten.
Joe Dante's Direction is Appropriately Quirky, akin to Barry Sonnenfeld. Like "Gremlins" and "Small Soldiers", "The `Burbs" is a Family film with a Dark Side; but it's a Dark Side that the Whole Family can Enjoy.
67 one of my favorites
this is a classic. one of my favorite comedies next to young frankenstien, robin hood: men in tights, and monty python and the holy grail. the gags in the film are hilarious, like the quick zoom in and out when two of the characters scream after finding a femur in the back yard. also, there are tons of classic one liners, 'hans, good christian name, hans christian anderson!' its played up to be a real suspense thriller and the absurd way it comes out makes it HILARIOUS. i love it, and if you dont, then your....i dunno, a geek.
68 one of my favorites
this is a classic. one of my favorite comedies next to young frankenstien, robin hood: men in tights, and monty python and the holy grail. the gags in the film are hilarious, like the quick zoom in and out when two of the characters scream after finding a femur in the back yard. also, there are tons of classic one liners, 'hans, good christian name, hans christian anderson!' its played up to be a real suspense thriller and the absurd way it comes out makes it HILARIOUS. i love it, and if you dont, then your....i dunno, a geek.
69 Satan Is Good, Satan Is Our Pal...
This is one of those movies, that for whatever reason, is difficult to look away from once you begin watching it. Tom Hanks is wonderful as "everyman" Ray Peterson. I think anyone who grew up in (or now lives in) the suburbs will get a real kick out of this film. Every neighborhood in America has a "ghost story" or two about something that happened there many years ago...or a house that seems to be "haunted" because no one mows the lawn or picks up the mail. This movie has a great balance of comedy and mystery to it. Are the Klopeks really killing people and burning them up in their basement? Or have Ray, Art, and Mark let their imaginations get the better of them? The answer is in question until the very end of the movie. If you miss Tom Hanks doing comedies...this is the film to see. Ray crumpling beer cans or screaming in the backyard after finding a femur bone sets me off laughing every time I see this flick. This is great fun for a rainy Saturday afternoon.
70 A very fun ride to take! A Wonderful satire!
I have to admit, The 'Burbs was one of the best satires that I have ever seen. It is the story of Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks), and his two neighbor friends Art and Mark who have reason to believe that their new neighbors are murderers. Not to spoil the ending for people who have not seen it, I will just say that you will love this movie because it is hilarious. Ricky Butler says its hilarious. Oh, Ricky Butler Said. (Inside joke if you have seen the film)
71 Hey Pinnochio!!
This is a great film. Because the plot is great and makes you watch it over and over. I haven't seen a funnier movie than this one.
72 Satan is good, Satan is our pal..... LOVE this movie!!
This is SUCH a fun movie to watch! So many subtly funny things in this movie, you have to watch it a few times to appreciate them all! Rick Ducommun (".... we'll get some holy water - my cousin Jerry's a priest, he can get us a deal!") is hilarious; Tom Hanks is, well, Tom Hanks: fun to watch and goofy; and Bruce Dern is perfect in his role as retired military ("Red Rover, Red Rover, now send RAY over..."). And even tho they are mondo-creepy, ya just gotta love the Klopeks. I highly recommend this movie! One of my favorites!
73 Rick Ducommun=God!
Rick Ducummon is fantastic in this movie! Don't get me wrong, Bruce Dern, Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Dick Miller, Henry Gibson, and Courtney Gains are all great too, but Duccumon so rarely gets a chance to shine. We've seen him as the guy in the manhole("Shut it down now!") in DIE HARD, he's the guy whose pool gets a car crashed into it in THE LAST BOYS SCOUT (plus he starred opposite Brian Bonsall(FAMILY TIES) in Disney's BLANK CHECK). He just is never given an opportunity like he has here and he's great! "The thermostat on a home furnace-is that supposed to go to 5000 degrees d'ya think?" and "My wife is home??!" amongst other classic lines are just pouring out of him here. I can't believe some people don't like this movie. At the very worst it's an innefectual, light comedy. At the very best(my end) it's a Hitchcock inspired, post-modern comic pastiche that also has Corey Feldman in it. This movie is a lot of fun. I've watched it a bunch and it only gets better. One of Tom Hanks later frenitic comedic performances. Dvd includes alternate ending which is nice to see.
74 Great cast, great humour, great movie.
The `Burbs is a classic movie. I always laugh every time I see it. The story follows Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks), taking a relaxing week off from work. Ray and his other neighbours in Mayfield Place, start to become suspicious of their new neighbours, the Klopeks, suspecting them of being murderers. They never see them, they've never had a conversation with them. "I've been watching that house ever since they moved in, no-one goes in, no-one comes out. No visitors. No deliveries. What do you think they're eating over there Ray?" After an old man in the street, Walter, disappears they decide to take matters into their own hands. A very funny movie with a very good cast.
75 not so good
Tom Hanks became a star with the movie SPLASH (after Chevy Chase and Dudley Moore turned down the part). He then made a few good movies that were also hits. Then he went into the gutter with THE MONEY PIT, JOE VS. THE VOLCANO and THE BURBS. If BIG hadn't rescued him from this string of losers, he might be doin TV now. But he was rescued by BIG. Anyway, THE BURBS is a bad movie; the type of movie that makes you scratch your head that it ever got made. Yes there are some funny moments. But overall, this is junk.
76 sometimes it's good to have nosy neighbors
Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, & Rick Ducommun play residents of a suburban neighborhood who become suspicious over the new neighbors and their bizarre night time activities. Imaginations run wild over what's going on in the new neighbors creepy old home. Rick Ducommun gives a supreme performance as the one neighbor (Art Weingartner) who so easily jumps to conlusions it's scary. Scary in that he is like so many people in America whose imaginations cause them to often jump to the wildest conclusions which, in turn, often lead to hysteria. Haven't you ever known someone whose awkward appearances or practices or even perhaps their circumstances cause them to be made the center of the town's wild imaginations? and it's these kind of folks who are often the target for "witch hunts". Anyway, the trio embark on a mission to find out just what's going on behind the closed doors of the haunted looking house, and they use tactic they can think of to do so, which leads them into constant trouble. Bruce Dern gives a hilarious performance as Mark Rumsfield, a military veteran who sometimes acts more like a kid playing war, than a concerned citizen. Actress Carrie Fisher plays Carol Peterson, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) wife who wants her husband to leave with her and spend some time relaxing instead of spending his time becoming obsessed with what the neighbors are doing, but he doesn't listen and pays a heavy price .The trio find out what the neighbors are all about, but quite by accident. So the big question is, are the odd fellows across the street up to no good or what? See the movie and find out. Has light amount of language but that's about it. Comedy, drama, suspense, thrills and chills are just a few of the ingredients of this deliciously produced movie. This is one of those movies where you'd want to watch it at night curled up on a sofa with popcorn and Pepsi, or as with me ,Reese's peanut butter cups and Coca Cola.
77 Absolutely horrific
I like Tom Hanks more now than I used to, but I do like some of his earlier films. This, however, is just a piece of junk. It has an incredibly lame story, good actors (like Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Carrie Fisher) who are wasted, and who look embarassed to be there, and a plot that goes nowhere. Thank goodness Hanks has moved on from this and become one of the best American actors today. While watching this on tape, I found myself fast forwarding through the movie just to get to a scene with any substance. I'm just glad I didn't have to see it in a theater. What a waste.
78 UNDERCOOKED
Although this movie is imaginative and fun it fails to take full advantage of the "zany" set-up it creates so well. I feel as if there are a lot of scenes cut out and the movie was cut down to size in the editing room.
Tom Hanks and his pals get carried away with the idea that their neighbors (The Klopeks) are psychos and they take their suspicions to morbid extremes by spying, nosing around and harassing them. I enjoyed this movie as a kid but it's a bit annoying now.
We never REALLY find out what exactly it is the Klopeks do or who they are. All we know is that they don't mow their front lawn and that's it.
Bruce Dern has a lively role as an old Army Vet, Rick Ducommun is Hanks' scrounger pal, Corey Feldman is a stereotyped "Bill and Ted" stoned teen and Dick Miller makes his obligatory appearance in a Joe Dante movie.
Dante's signature is all over this movie. It's just a shame they decided to cut it down due to running time.
The DVD is in Dolby Surround and is anamorphically enhanced at 1.85:1.
One last thing...on my DVD I have a picture of a bunch of flowers located somewhere on the disc as a hidden feature. How odd!
79 The Best Movie Ever
This movie was the best movie because it makes you think is this movie just like your life or better i think to movie shold have won a least 15 awards and Tom Hanks did his best and so did Bruce Dearn.
80 This movie makes me want to puke.
You might ask why I say that. It because I laugh so hard It hurts my stomach. Hence the want to puke scenario. I seen this movie about 10 years ago for the first time. I have not seen a more funny movie. This is a much watch. I know that if you watched it once you would love this movie as much as I do.
81 Never Trust Your Neighbours
I just love this film, its a classic 80s American comedy. I tend to watch this film at least 5 or 6 times a year its that watchable. Really, really funny.
82 Good Saburb!
This movie is a very funny, mysterious, and a sort of a hiper movie! This is one of Tom Hank's best movie's!
83 One of my all-time favorite movies!
The Burbs is a movie i watched as a kid and then refound its excellence in my teens. It is hilarious for the whole family, i've seen it at least 300 times. i no every line.its a great portrayal of life in the suburbs. nobody can just live there life, they always have to know whats going on behind closed doors!
84 let me say funnnnnnnnyyyyyyyy
This is one of those that you can watch consistenly. It has a good soundtrack and all of the characters are enojoyable unlike many other movies. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be Rumsfield, who is the best ex vietnam vet ever. I love how he tells the klopeks right up front that he doesn't like them. The best scene is when they visit the klopeks house, "What do you got in cellar her Klopek"!
85 Completely stupid. I've nearly worn out the machine with it
This movie MIGHT be tacky, the plot might be paper thin, the acting may be reasonably inadequate, but in real life, for reasons I am probably likely to be ashamed of, I have watched this stupid movie over and over and over again, to the point where me and my kids know virtually all the lines off by heart, and we have probably ended up drawn into the Kopek role ourselves.
The next stage will be the design of a van de graaf generator to make loud noises and long sparks from the top of the roof, etc. We CAN do this - we have pulled the plans from the net and have some of it built already.
Our favorite scene BY FAR is the absurdist scene where Hanks begins the long march towards the Kopeks front door... (the POODLE of course makes it all make sense), and of course, the teenager who invites all his friends over just to watch everything....
Buy it! Or actually don't. Become responsible and mature instead. Its your call. I know what I did.
86 DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO SAYS THE 'BURBS ARE BAD!
I cant beleive the nerve of some people. The so called "reviewer" from Reading MA (my hometown) has a horrible sense of well....movie goodness. thhis was the best movie i've ever seen and the viewer from reading should e-mail me! you know my adress. i expect an e-mail! and if anyone else wants to get stumped by 'burbs trivia, e-mail me also ok?
peace out
87 It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
I first saw this movie in 1991, during a free preview of a subscription satellite channel in Japan. Ever since, I've been meaning to buy a copy to replace the dub I made from the broadcast, but never got around to it until now.
Needless to say, the quality of the DVD is a big improvement upon my aging VHS copy, though the picture often seems a little darker than I remember, particularly during the night time scenes. The sound quality is also very good, although the volume is a tad low.
The movie itself is still pretty damn funny, in a skewed sort of way. The plot is not terribly original, but the warped spin on its presentation more than makes up for it, as the neighbors regress to increasingly juvenile tendencies in their quest to find out just what the strange new folks on the block are really up to.
The DVD contains an alternate ending as one of the extra features. Skip it. There are also bios of the actors and the director, plus a trailer for Apollo 13.
88 Watch Your Neighbors!
This movie came out when I was eight years old. After my friends and I saw it, we became convinced our neighbors were also killing people and launched an all out investigation ourselves. When it came out on video, I bought it and my friends and I must have watched it every day for a month. It has no real redeeming cinematic qualities, but it's a hilarious movie featuring Tom Hanks before he started thinking he was a good actor, Bruce Dern as one of the funniest Vietnam Vets ever, and Henry Gibson who gives his usual over the top performance as the evil? doctor. The scene where Dern falls off of his roof still makes me laugh so hard I cry every time I see the movie. Quality camp and humor.
89 YOUR DVD LIVES IN SUBBURBIA
The Burbs is the only movie i can see as many times i want, without ever getting bored. It's even more funnier every time you see it. I love all the characters, the whole idea of the film (playing in one street) is fantastic. Good music by Jerry Goldsmith!
90 Campy, hilarious, gets funnier and every time I watch it!!!!
I first saw this movie in 1989 and loved it. Now, a decade later, I love it a hundred times more. It has attained cult-hit status amongst my friends and we quote "The Burbs" like someone else might quote Oscar Wilde. I have seen it about 60 times and see something new (and downright side-splitting) each time. The performances are perfectly over-the-top, the characters each memorable, and the laughs are constant. This film got dumped on by critics and fans alike, but I think it is brilliant. I find it sad that so few people appreciate this movie. I was very happy to find a web-site devoted to all those who adored this overlooked movie. Tom Hanks is certainly great, but Bruce Dern is truely hilarious. Indeed, all the supporting cast are wonderful characters wonderfully acted. I do not hesitate to give this film 5 stars. If there was a bonus star awarded for movies you can watch 50 times and never get tired of - The Burbs would get an extra star for sure. A COMEDIC MASTERPEICE.
91 One of the worst ever...Ever!
This movie is a shame, and was a waste of $5 when it came out ten years ago. The characters are unlikable, the script gives them painfully too little to work with, and the heavy-handed direction squelches even the slapstick humor. Ugh.
92 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!Funny movie,HaHaHa
Hahaha!This movie is the best comedy ever! Tom Hanks is good and the story is good. But Art eats too much.I wish that the Klopek's was my neighbour's.And I hope that they are doing a sequal.A comment from the movie "My brother the Docter".
93 This movie is very funny
This movie is a very active and very fun to watch and get a few laughs out of,except for the story is kinda cheesy. Although Tom Hanks being my fav. actor this is a must have.
94 One of my "top ten" movies
This movie is fantastic! C'mon what's not to like?
I felt that this movie was wonderful! That freaky music and the dialogue, especially Ray Peterson's neighbors-Mark, Art, Walter, Ricky, and of course, the Klopeks. This movie is a winner! If you haven't seen it borrow it from a friend or go rent it now. Trust me, You'll love it!!!
95 A great movie
This is a great movie, its proably the best movie Tom Hanks has ever made, and he has been in alot of good movies, its sooooooo funny, I wish that I lived in this Neighberhood, i know it would be none stop laughs and a fun place to live, if you haven't seen this movie then you don't know what you are missing out on!!
96 The funniest movie ever!
I love the hillbilly in this movie it is cool when he is beating the garbage and how he look is so freeking funny.
97 My Favorite Movie
Tom Hanks, one of the greatest actors of the last two decades proves he can be hilarious in this comedy about odd neighbors. The supporting cast, including Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommmun, Carrie Fisher, and Corey Feldman are all hilarious as well. The story is about a bunch of neighbors who begin to suspect the new neighbors are up to something sinister. Hanks, Dern, and Ducommun get together to try to figure out what is going on by doing everything from vaulting fences, digging through garbage, to breaking and entering. The results are laugh after laugh. I give this movie an A+.
98 Bad idea
What the hell is the idea behind this outre mish mosh? Elements that all seem to be at odds with one another (comedy, mysterious horror, Tom Hanks) make for a truly bizarre film, made for an audience of heaven knows whom.
99 When those neighbors are on the loose... get ready to laugh
Get ready to laugh, because that is exactly what I think director Joe Dante(Explorers, Innerspace, Gremlins, Toy Soldiers...) did that movie for.
Everything starts out by the disappearance of an old couple in the neighborhood, and the arrival of new people in that house. No one saw the old ones leave, no one saw the new ones moving in, all they got to know was that, they were already there.
So Tom Hanks and friends decided to spy-out these newcomers in very funny ways. Once again the miraculous soundtrack of this film is composed by musical wizard composer Jerry Goldsmith and I really recommend it to everyone who can enjoy good movie soundtracks.
100 A plotless and trite comedy
The run-off the mill Haunted House and the nabours investigate plot (or lack of it) is long and lifeless. Hanks manages to save face and the acting of the "Doctor" is rather amusing but the rather pitiful acting of the other cast show how much a waste of time it it. A fine film to watch on TV, but save the money and DON'T buy it.
