1 One of John Candy's Finer Roles
After "Only the Lonely"(DVD release, please!) this is probably one of the late, great John Candy's finer screen moments. Credit has to go to director-screenwriter John Hughes for presenting a full-bodied portrait of an adult male adolescent who through circumstance is forced to grow up and take responsibility. In a way this film kind of explores themes that writer Nick Hornby assayed years later. Not to say that there aren't moments of enjoyable broad comedy but a nice balance is on display here with the more serious themes and the humor. The humor is not over-the-top and it is grounded in reality. Candy shows tremendous range here. It's a known fact that he was a master comedian but here he flexes some dramatic muscles and makes Buck one of his more indelible characters. Jean Kelly is equally impressive as Tia the sullen, rebellious teenage girl in Buck's charge. This character could have been insufferable but Kelly hits all the right buttons and gives an accurate account of teen angst. The two younger children played by Macauley Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann come off as normal and unaffected. Not only is this one of Candy's better projects but Hughes' as well.
2 Every family has an Uncle Buck don't they?
This is funny stuff. I've heard some critics bag this because of it's shallow silliness but that's what gives Candy his laughs.
John Candy belongs in movies like this. "Summer Rental" and "The great Outdoors" are others where his comedy rocks. I think directors know Candy's talents shine where family issues with kids are involved. Uncle Buck is John Candy's best film. I love his no shockers bouncing car with an on time BANG upon stopping.
Heartfelt moments melded with great laughs make this essential to all Candy fans
3 John Candy at his finest
Uncle Buck is Da man. John Candy is perfect as Buck Russel, the irresponsible misfit of his family. The late John Candy's comic timing and execution of his jokes are perfect and he gives the best performance of his career in this wonderful movie.
Called to watch three children during a family emergency, Buck wants to prove to his girlfriend he can be responsible. As a guardian, he clashes with Tia, the rebellious teenage daughter and bonds with two smaller kids who can't get enough of the loveable lout. Look for a great Macaulay Culkin and the girl from Sleepless in Seattle as the younger kids Buck takes care of. Candy has great chemistry with the smaller kids. Also look for Laurie Metcalf from Roseanne in a hilarious cameo as a wacky neighbor.
While Buck has trouble in the beginning, he soon starts handling business. Great scenes include him making huge pancakes for Mac's birthday party, punching out a drunken clown, taking on a nasty school principal, and embarrassing Tia's punk boyfriend Bug. (The scene at the party with the power drill on the bedroom door is great, but the hatchet scene is a classic!) By the end of the movie Uncle Buck is Da man proving he's responsible and showing his girl a new side of him.
The acting in this movie is top notch and Hughes direction is solid. I love the cinematography; Hughes makes some beautiful pictures to tell his great story. I love the shot of the car driving away from the high school! I see this film as the one where Hughes transitioned from angst filled teen movies to slapstick filled comedies like "Home Alone". An early scene in this movie no doubt inspired John Hughes' 1990 masterpiece "Home Alone", Where Buck leaves the kids "Home Alone". Buy this movie cause you will not be disappointed.
4 Typical John Hughes
Director/writer John Hughes is one of those Hollywood success stories who has left in his wake a heap of popular and often entertaining films, leaving an indelible stamp on motion picture history. He may not have won a ton of awards, but the regular folks (as opposed to film snobs) love his work and have made him a very wealthy man. A list of his better known films would have to start with "Home Alone" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and would continue with "The Breakfast Club," "Pretty in Pink," "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles," and "Sixteen Candles," as well as many others.
This particular John Hughes film stars John Candy as Uncle Buck, the kind of character Candy specialized in. He's a middle-aged kid who can't seem to find a good reason to accept any responsibility in life. As he says in one scene, "People used to say to me, 'Buck, you've got it made. You've got no kids, no wife, no office, no desk, no boss, nothing to tie you down. You've really got it made.' Well, they don't say that to me any more."
Among Hughes's "coming of age" pictures, this one is unique. The coming of age is usually a teen or preteen. Here's it's Uncle Buck who is coming of age. His brother and sister-in-law have to leave town for a few days to tend his brother's ailing father-in-law, and they are absolutely devoid of babysitters...except for Uncle Buck, the embarrassing relation they have chosen to avoid until now. Their three kids include 15-year-old Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly, now seen on TV's "Yes, Dear," in her film debut), 8-year-old Miles (Macaulay Culkin, his first major film role and the one that inspired Hughes to give him his next major role in a little something called "Home Alone"), and 6-year-old Gaby Hoffman (shortly before she played the child lead in "Sleepless in Seattle").
You can practically write the film yourself from there, to a point. Buck has to be responsible for the kids, falls in love with them, is a far better (and much, much funnier) surrogate dad than anyone could have guessed, and by film's end things have all changed for the better. Sure, it's a little too much of a happy Hollywood ending to be true (OK, way much too much), but one doesn't expect Shakespeare here, just good, solid, entertaining comedy with a heart. That's typical John Hughes, and since he gives us so many good laughs we forgive him if it doesn't always completely ring true. "Uncle Buck" may be underrated among Hughes's films, but it's well worth remembering.
5 Uncle Buck(1989)****JOHN CANDY IS THE MAN!!
Ahh, the great comedy "Uncle Buck", staring the great John Candy.This a great comedy for the family. When Buck's brother in Chicago suddenly calls him to watch out for there kids while they are away because his wife's father has been having some heart problems, he kindly accepts(even though the family is not crazy about him in the first place becaus he is a slob and an embarasment).When he gets there, he has to deal with these three kids who where alot crazier than he had planned.But he most trouble he has is with the oldest, who completely hates him. But in end the they gain a mutual respect for each other, and Buck is now respected by the family. DEFINETLY SEE THIS MOVIE
Good scene:1 When Buck makes giant pancakes and toast for his nephews birthday
2 When Buck completely shuts down his neices principle
6 Too funny
I miss John Candy. He was one of my favorite comedic actors in the '80s. Some of my favorite movies stars John Candy like "The Great Outdoors" and "Spaceballs". "Uncle Buck" is another hilarious movie John starred in. He plays a happy-go-lucky bachelor named Buck who is a bit of a slob and not very responsible either. He gets a call from his brother in Chicago asking him to babysit his children while he and his wife go take care of his wife's father who had fallen ill. Buck agrees and goes to his brother's house, not knowing what was in store for him. Buck has to contend with two precocious children (one of them played by then unknown Macaulay Culkin)and one angst-riddled teenager named Tia. Tia gives Buck a run for his money with her teenage angst. This leads to a lot of conflict between the two especially when it concerned Tia's boyfriend. The two younger siblings Maisy and Miles are simply a handful and enjoys Buck's company. I particularly loved the scene when Buck is making pancakes and flips an enormous pancake with a shovel. Another hilarious moment is when the nosy neighbor played by the hysterically funny Laurie Metcalfe meets Uncle Buck. "Uncle Buck" is a good mix of comedy and a little drama (towards the end of the film). I thought John Candy put in one of his best performances ever with "Uncle Buck".
7 Uncle Buck (1989)
This film is one of John Candy's best movies ever made. The film is about this suburban couple go through the daily trouble of raising two little energetic tykes and one spiteful teenage girl until they find out that the grandparents died. However, to make a long story short they turn to the only person they can trust or should I say the only person they could get at such short notice, Uncle Buck (John Candy), to watch their children while they go to the funeral. Sparks fly as you'll be laughing at some of John's antics in this film. With great scenes like when John punches a clown or when he scares the hell out of the teen girl's boyfriend, you'll be laughing histarically. Overall, despite a lot obvious cliches, though, it's still one hell of a funny film to enjoy.
8 Light Hearted Amusement
Uncle Buck succedes as a light hearted comedy. John Candy plays his role well as a manchild trying to babysit is nephew and nieces while his brother and sister in law are away tending an ailing family member. The clash is greatest with teenager Tia and Buck.
Its interesting how Buck tries to guide these children right from wrong yet he fails in many ways to take responsibilities for his own life. Although you cannot take the movie too seriously, the lesson learned is that blood is thicker than water and an adult will go to the ends of the earth to protect a child relative from unsavory activity.
Candy's comedic lines are certainly worth a viewing if nothing else. The man was a talent and its a shame his life was so short.
9 Another great John Candy comedy
Director: John Hughes
Format: Color
Studio: Universal Studios
Video Release Date: January 19, 1999
Cast:
John Candy ... Buck Russell
Jean Louisa Kelly ... Tia Russell
Gaby Hoffmann ... Maisy Russell
Macaulay Culkin ... Miles Russell
Amy Madigan ... Chanice Kobolowski
Elaine Bromka ... Cindy Russell
Garrett M. Brown ... Bob Russell
Laurie Metcalf ... Marcie Dahlgren-Frost
Jay Underwood ... Bug
Brian Tarantina ... E. Roger Coswell
Mike Starr ... Pooter-the-Clown
Suzanne Shepherd ... Mrs. Hogarth
William Windom ... Mr. Hatfield
Dennis Cockrum ... Pal
Joel Robinson ... Miles' Friend #1
Colin Baumgartner ... Miles' Friend #2
Erik Whipple ... Miles' Friend #3
Mark Rosenthal ... Party Boy #1
Doug von Nessen ... Party Boy #2
Wayne Kneeland ... Party Boy #3
Gigi Casler ... Party Girl in Bedroom
LaVerne Anderson ... Party Girl #1
Gina Doctor ... Party Girl #2
Rachel Thompson Perrine ... Party Girl #3
Ron Payne ... Maisy's Teacher
Jane Vickerilla ... Teacher #1
Kyle Lewis Eastman ... School Child
Dana Taylor ... School Child
Jennifer Kane ... School Child
Christen Loftis ... School Child
Genae Affrunti ... School Child
Anna Chlumsky ... School Child
Betsy Bottando ... Woman in Car
Julia Morgan ... Additional Voices
Granville Ames ... Additional Voices
Ramey Ellis ... Additional Voices
Leigh French ... Additional Voices
Patricia Arquette ... Additional Voices
Laura Jacoby ... Additional Voices
Devon Odessa ... Additional Voices
Arnold F. Turner ... Additional Voices
Garin Bouble ... Additional Voices
Tim Hoskins ... Additional Voices
Julie Payne ... Additional Voices
Jack Blessing ... Additional Voices
Todd Larson ... Additional Voices
Michael Berkowitz ... Student
Ryan Todd ... School Child
The Russell's have to go to Indianapolis because Cindy's (Elaine Bromka) father has had a heart attack. They can't find anyone to watch their three children while they are gone except batchelor uncle Buck (John Candy), Bob's brother (Garrett M. Brown). The little kid's, Maisy and Miles (Gaby Hoffman and Macaulay Culkin) are no great problem, with the exception of the teenage girl, Tia, (Jean Louisa Kelly), who is a pouting, angry, snotty, rebellious little jerk. She treats her mother disrespectfully, is self-centered, and carries that attitude on to Buck, who is trying to do the right things by the kids, In other words, she is playing the part of an ordinary 15-year-old who has never been properly disciplined by her parents.
This was a great movie. I particularly enjoyed the parts where Buck was threatening Tia's boyfriend, Bug (Jay Underwood), who has dishonorable designs on the girl. Buck's threatening attitude was delicious, and my appreciation no doubt reflects my own dislike of teenaged boys, the same feelings as any man who has had teenaged daughters to raise. Namely: that they should all be imprisoned until they are at least 40-years-old and rendered eunuchs, and the girls' fathers need to be well armed at all times with shotguns, and the boys in question should be left with absolutely no doubt as to the fathers' willingness--even eagerness--to use them with the intent to emasculate the culprits who dare to even think about touching their daughter.
Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books
10 Uncle Buck Is Totally Funny!!!
When I first saw this movie on TV I knew I was going to like this even before I watched it.My favorite part in the movie is Macaulay Culkin who plays Miles Russell asks Buck those personal questions to him that part was just too Cute!!!Macaulay Culkin was such a very Cute Kid in this movie.And I also like John Candy,too.I feel so bad that he's dead now.This movie is the Best,I gotta get This Movie!!!!!!
11 Buck Russell... Best Uncle EVER!
John Candy has his BEST performance EVER in this film by John Hughes. "Uncle" Buck Russell (Candy) is a perpetual screw-up who HAS to get his act together enough to watch over his older brother's three kids & dog, Tia, Miles, Maisy and puppy, Parsey since his sister-in-law's father had a heart attack.
The cast includes Mac Culkin as Miles, Gaby Hoffman as Maisy, Amy Madigan as Buck's girlfriend, Chanice Kobolowski, & Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne's sister, Jackie) as the crazy neighbor lady, Marcie Dahlgren-Frost. Also billed in small parts are Anna Chlumsky (My Girl), Patricia Arquette, and Devon Odessa (My So-Called Life).
This film is totally hilarious but also has those wonderful John Candy touching/sentimental moments.
A wonderful family film that can be watched over and over again!
Happy Watching!
12 A funny family man
The late great John Candy performs superbly in another hit film of his,UNCLE BUCK. This film reunites Candy with director John Hughes who earlier directed Candy and Steve Martin in PLANES,TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES. Candy,as the title character,sub-lives in his brother's family's home while the brother and his wife getaway for a while. This film marks the debut of MacCaulay Culkin who would later become famous for his starring role in HOME ALONE and HOME ALONE 2. Amy Madigan plays Candy's girlfriend who later catches him dancing with another woman,thus ending her relationship with Buck. She later agrees to help Buck get his nieces and nephews out of their resprective distresses. Candy would have a cameo in HOME ALONE,another John Hughes film.
13 Still can't believe he's gone
John Candy was a one of a kind. A comedian that appealed to bith men and women, yet he steered clear of all Hollywood gossip and wrong-doings. He's very much missed. Uncle Buck is one of his finest performances, right along side Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Who's Harry Crumb.
The plot is simple enough, the black sheep goof of the family (Candy) is called upon as a last resort to babysit his brother's kids. His sister-in -law's father had a heart attack. Buck moves in and suburban life will never be the same. The two younger children love him at first sight. And who wouldn't when he makes a pancake the size of a kitchen table? The oldest, teenage daughter Tia however has her own agenda.
She's a 16 year old girl with the usual hangups, trying to fit in, rebellion, etc. Her and Buck crash heads, but after she learns her lesson the hard way. Everything gets all lovey-dovey.
Great cameo too by the neighbor (the woman who played Rosanne's sister on her show, her name escapes me right now). And if you're a drunken clown, you might as well get back in your mouse and go home.
14 A Different Side!
In this movie we see a slightly different side of the acting of the great John Candy. Asked to watch his brother's children during a crisis, Uncle Buck (John Candy) is thrown into a situation that isn't all fun and games.
The younger children adore him, while the teenage niece is determined to do all she can to destroy this man she feels is standing in the way of her 'good' times. Add with that a girlfriend who is waiting for Uncle Buck to wed her and you have quite a time.
Don't worry, John does not disappoint his fans, you will still get many giggles out of this movie, but you will also see Uncle Buck turning life around for those who are in his charge.
This was a very good movie and I believe you will enjoy it.
15 I want an Uncle Buck!
Uncle Buck is not your everyday sort of hero. He doesn't look like a hero, and he doesn't act much like a hero. But in his own strange, bizarre way, he comes into the life of his brother's family and fixes all the problems, just like a hero would.
He's really loveable, even in all his rudeness.
This is a really funny movie. We all love it, from the younger kids to the adults in the family.
16 A likeable character and movie!!
What do you say about John Candy, other than he's had some of the most interesting roles in recent times, and Uncle Buck is no exception.
No one likes this guy, and he's recruited to watch his nephew and nieces during a family crisis. Candy plays it to the hilt, as this fun-loving Uncle, although his carefree style doesn't impress everybody, including his teenage niece, who tries to get him in trouble, to his impatient girlfriend, who really wants him to get married to her.
His unorthodox ways are charming, to say the least, and when he sets out on a mission, you can only guess what the end results will be - strange, but sure, in the Uncle Buck way.
If you like John Candy, this has to be on of his best. And I recommend it for the laughs.
17 Great John Candy Flick
After over 10 years, I still never get tired of watching this movie and this is one of the few movies that me and my family talk about, the movie is about Cindy's aunt calling her in the middle of the night saying that her father suffered a heart attack so they need to leave for an emergency, but there's a problem, they don't have anybody to watch the kids, Cindy's husband Bob suggested Marcie who lives across the street but Cindy refused and decides that the Nevilles should take care of the kids, but the Nevilles weren't available then they decide to get Bob's brother Buck (the titled character and Cindy actually refused cause she didn't like Buck's carefree lifestyle of partying and gambling).
Then Uncle Buck gets woken up by the phone call and Bob tells Buck that they need somebody to watch the kids then Buck is honored to do so, there's a hilarious scene when Uncle Buck knocks on their door but it turns out to be the house across the street and the neighbor gets woken up, the parents leave is Uncle Buck checks out the antique plates and accidentally drops one but it didn't break but he bangs it on the piano but it breaks!!
There's a hilarious scene when Uncle Buck was cooking breakfast and singing 'Tweedle Dee' and his rebelious teenage niece Tia shows up in a bad mood and she despises Uncle Buck but Miles and Maizy (Tia's younger brother and sister) likes him and he takes the kids to school and the car backfires, later on there's a hilarious scene when Uncle Buck picks up Tia, Tia is hanging out with her womanizing boyfriend Bug and the car again backfires, Bug askes Uncle Buck 'You ever hear of a tune-up, hee hee hee' Buck: 'Hee Hee Hee, you ever hear of a ritual killing, hee hee hee' Bug: 'I don't get it' Buck: 'You ever gnaw on her face like that again and you'll be one, hee hee hee' and takes off with the door open with Bug nearby.
There's another classic scene during Miles's birthday when Uncle Buck makes them a giant pancake and the children's mother orders a clown to show up at Mile's birthday party but the clown shows up dead drunk and Uncle Buck wasn't happy about it and tells him to leave but the clown cusses at Uncle Buck and he punches the clown in the nose.
Then Uncle Buck goes out and picks up Tia and tries to scare Bug with an ax is another scene, 'Wait a minute, Bug, Gnat, is there a similararity going on around here, whoo I guess there is'.
Then Uncle Buck goes to Maizy's conference (which was scheduled with the mother) and the assistant principal has a huge wart on her nose and she introduces her, Buck: Buck's Wart Russell, not the wart, I'm the wart and the assistant principal claims that she sees a bad egg when she looks at Maizy and Uncle Buck gets onto her by telling her that she's so mean to everybody and gets onto to her and she feels hurt by it, another classic moment.
Later on that night, Uncle Buck's girlfriend Chanice calls and askes for Buck but Tia lied to Chanice by telling her that Uncle Buck was cheating on her then the next morning, Marcie shows up at the rescidence wanting to dance with Uncle Buck then Chanice shows up and she thinks that Uncle Buck is cheating on her and cusses him out.
Then Uncle Buck announces that he's going to the racetrack the following day but ends up not going cause Tia was going to Bug's party but Uncle Buck refused to let Tia go to it so he needed to find her, at Bug's house Uncle Buck walks on the stairs with a bunch of people around it and only to find that the girl that was in Bug's room wasn't Tia then Uncle Buck finds Tia all heartbroken and she apologizes Uncle Buck for all the pain she put him through and he forgives her and Tia askes Uncle Buck if he did anything to Bug, sure enough he put Bug inside the trunk and Uncle Buck askes Bug to apologize and Bug cusses at Uncle Buck and he tells Bug that he is an amatuer dentist and they leave Bug stranded and again, he cusses at Bug and he got what was coming to him, another classic scene and to bad that network television had to edit out that part.
Then Tia now respects Uncle Buck and Chanice gave Uncle Buck another chance cause Tia confessed to what she told Chanice and Mom and Dad came home and Cindy's father survived the heart attack and they became a better family from that point on.
I think that Uncle Buck is one of the best comedies of all time and it's especially one of John Candy's best performances and my only gripe about this movie is the constant swearing (for a PG movie, it should've been PG-13 and some of the sexual content like that one scene they showed inside the school when a guy grabs a girl's buttocks or when Bug was down on that other girl) but overall it's a classic movie and it's better than half of the comedies that's around today.
18 An absolute, hilarious, joyous film....
This is one of my personal favorites; and John Candy was a terrific comedian. There are so many funny scenes in this movie, every other minute you're sure to be laughing. From the moment he arrives, the intro to the kids, handling drunk clowns, bitter school officials, preying punks descending upon his oldest niece, LARGE birthday breakfast for Culkin's character, et al...this is just a heartwarming, family fun flick to view. I've seen this countless times; and it never grows dull. Was a success at the box office; as one sees this for their 1st time, they'll know why. Highly recommended, and sad that John Candy passed away too young, and we being robbed of this man's fine talent.
19 Gut-bustingly funny!
Candy was either hilarious in a movie or terribly miscast. "Uncle Buck" is an example of perfect casting and absolutely hilarious delivery by the portly actor.
As the unflappable Uncle to three kids he's almost never seen, Candy makes his Uncle Buck a sympathetic, lovable dolt who seems to bring misery onto himself and dole out mischevious lessons as well.
The eldest child doesn't want anything to do with this babysitting uncle who rains on her parade. The little tykes (including Macauley Culkin in one of his first - and finest - performances) love Uncle Buck. When Candy visits one child's school for a conference with the vice principal, I defy you to not cry laughing! When Buck brings in the family cat and gets a visit from the neighbor while doing laundry, you'll need Depends to contain yourself!
John Hughes knows how to write and direct funny stuff. This is Hughes and Candy at their best.
Buy, rent, or borrow this film!
20 Another John Candy Masterpiece!
This is another one of his grand masterpieces. John Candy has one of his finest opportunities in this film by John Hughes about a perpetual screw-up who gets his act together enough to watch over his brother's kids effectively. He does so effectively in this 1989 film, and is considered by me to be one of the funniest movies ever made! Hughes's direction is not as focused as it was only a few years before, but there's no mistaking his touch. I've yet to see a bad Candy movie, They are all outstanding, and Uncle Buck is one of his best. My personal favorite Candy movie is Who's Hharry Crumb? which I also recommend you checking out. Macaulay Culkin is in it, and if you haven't heard, he is acting again. Unfortuneately Candy passed away, and it is ashamed, because he is the only actor in movie history who was never in a bad movie. Buy this now along with Who's Harry Crumb?, you won't regret it!
21 Uncle Buck
One of the funniest movies I've ever seen!!! Great Movie!!!
22 Everyone's favorite Uncle
Everyone has that one relative that they love most of all, who lets them stay up past their bedtime and eat whatever they want, but can also be the bad guy. In this movie, John Candy is the last resort babysitter for his nieces and nephew when his brother and sister-in-law suddenly have to go out of state for a medical emergency on her side of the family. He sort of fumbles a bit at the beginning, but he learns quickly how much he cares about the kids he barely knows and what extremes he will go to just to protect them (especially from mean principals and boyfriends named "Bug"). In the end he changes his own ways, realizing how he has been alienating those he loves with his reckless gambling.
Macaulay Culkin is memorable as Buck's nephew Myles and Laurie Metcalf as the wacky neighbor Marcie. This is a funny movie, but also has some touching moments. Truly a gem for the whole family to enjoy.
23 FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY
This is one of my all time favorite movies. Poor Buck...he is such a messup yet so love-able. John Candy's largeness (sadly what helped lead to his death), just makes his presence funny alone...without any words spoken.
Suprisingly there are quite a few risque' moments and swear words...might wanna be careful for young kids. Still a very funny movie with a nice, touching ending.
24 Good Movie! >> Lousy DVD!
This is a funny movie, with John Candy as a irresponsible brother in-law who is called to watch his brother's kids, it turns out that he is a caring & lovable uncle who helps his teenage niece who is going through adolesent confusion come to terms with her own identity, the jokes are a riot as he intimidates her using boyfriend, punches a clown that shows up drunk to entertain his younger nephew(Maculey Culkin before "Home Alone"), or his fixing gigantic pancakes for breakfast, John Candy was at his best here, my only real complaint is the DVD itself, Widescreen Review gave it a 4 in picture quality, it is more like a 2, the fleshtones are so off, it isn't even funny, it looked better on video or the USA Network, but for some reason it is grainy on DVD, which is very disappointing to say the least, on video or T.V., the fleshtones are accurate, on DVD they are not!
25 Don't let Uncle Buck into your home
I don't like this silly ole movie,even though I think Candy is a good comedian.And they play dorky music in it as well.
26 Creepy uncle.
The movie that effectively finished John Hughes as an A-list director. Looking at the mostly positive reviews below mine makes me ponder how weird you all must be. *Uncle Buck* rightly tanked at the box office back in 1989; there's certainly no reason to apply a revisionist brush now, unless maybe you're an uptight moralist who would enjoy watching an uncle spend an entire movie's duration serving as a wet blanket to his teenaged niece's dirty, dirty lust. And that's what the movie's about. Needless to say, this essentially creepy plot device clashes mightily with the film's sitcom trappings. One hates to spend time on a synopsis, but this movie's so bad that a set-up seems required to do it justice in a review. . . . A well-to-do family has a crisis. The parents are called away, leaving the 3 kids at the mercy of Uncle Buck (John Candy), whose slatternly, slobby presentation is a flimsy cover for the self-righteous prig within. He finds himself immediately at odds with the oldest child, a sullen 15-year-old girl who has apparently spent her life getting away with murder under the noses of her ineffectual parents. Well, not so under the new regime of Uncle Buck: he watches over her like a hawk, taking her to and picking her up from school, setting curfews, demanding to know where the parties are and who she's going with, and all in all "ruining her life". This sounds like quite admirable guardianship, but the way that it's presented is awfully disturbing. I'll pass by the many details that savor of violence (axes and other sharp objects are brandished). It culminates in Uncle Buck fetching the girl from a party where her boyfriend nearly rapes her. The crazy uncle then binds and gags the jerk boyfriend and throws him in the trunk of a car. One is inclined to speculate that John Hughes was having problems with a teenage daughter of his own, and *Uncle Buck* was his way of venting his frustrations. It's puzzling. Hughes had always LIKED teenagers. They were always purer than the corrupted, compromised adults in his earlier movies. Something obviously changed his outlook -- I suspect it was personal. The movie is a 100-minute moralizing screed, hectoring, baleful, ugly, creepy in its obsession with the teenaged heroine's maidenhead (whenever she gets close to 2nd base, up pops Uncle Buck, wielding a letter-opener or something like it), and finally unendurable... Speaking of..., John Candy was grievously overweight here: it's hardly surprising that the poor guy passed away not long after this. Also sad is that the self-righteous script doesn't permit him to earn any substantial laughs. There's a funny bit when he can't a word in edgewise with his angry girlfriend on the phone, but that's it.
27 Deceptively clever
I found that this movie managed to "slip in" tenderness and integrity cloaked in poop jokes and John Candy's trademark silliness. There is a moment (don't want to spoil it for you) when John Candy gets a simple piece of evidence about how much his family discounts and dislikes him that, to anyone who has experienced any kind of estrangement or divorce, can rip you up before you even know what is happening. It passes quickly though and the movie's essential mode returns with straight up "Self absorbed bachelor meets cute and manipulating youngsters" jokes and gags. I personally love John Candy's work and thought it a crime that he left the world so young. I would place this in the same emotional impact category as "Say Anything" which had a wonderfully silly side but some strong roots in everyday/every family problems and resolution. Delightful all the way around.
28 Growing Up right.
Jean Louisa Kelly did a very good job in this film. Her acting along side John Candy was a pleasure to watch. You can understand why she is the main character in the TV series "YES DEAR".
We need more of these films.
29 Pretty good, but not all there
A John Hughes film about an uncle who is hired to babysit his brother's kids. But things go wrong when his 15 year old niece hates him and his mean girlfriend wants him to work for her. Uncle Buck is a childish man who wants to remain a boy forever. Set back and watch as the big comedian knocks your socks off in this comedy. This is a good film with a bunch of bad language in it. But it is still for kids. If you are into good comedy. This is the movie for you. You are guaranteed to laugh your head off!
30 Buck is.....well, Buck.
John Candy is Uncle Buck. Directed by John Hughes this movie is anything but boring. Buck's sister in law just found out that her father who lives out of town just had a heart attack. Desperately needing a baby sitter for their three young kids, (one of which is Macaulay Culkin from Home Alone), they turn to Buck, a party going guy, who at the age of 40 is still un-employed, un-married and un-knowing in the art of raising children. But "no problem" he thinks...."kids are easy". Wrong, what he finds is a house full of responsibility with a rebellious teen to take care of as well as her younger brother and sister. Meanwhile his girlfriend keeps more pressure on him about the two of them getting married, despite the fact that Buck just doesn't want to settle down. Uncle Buck is a classic comedy thats just plain fun to watch so don't miss it.
I give this movie only 4 stars despite its appeal to me due to the fact that I give only movies that overly hilarious from beginning to end a 5 star rating. Uncle Buck though does have a few parts that are without comic relief, but that doesn't stop the story or that particular part of the movie from being entertaining. Its still a great family comedy classic.
31 You wouldn't believe how influential!
Ok, by now you know this movie kicks butt, but here's how this movie is responsible for 60% of TV movies;
-This movie has a sequence with Macualy Culkin and some intruders which inspired Home ALone which inspires movies today.
Weird!
32 Classic John Candy
One of Candy's best movies. This is a classic Candy film. Directed by John Hughes, Uncle Buck is touching yet stomach- hurting funny! The story of how an older uncle who is as immature as a man gets becomes a responsible man while caring for his neice and nephew over a week. Women, this your dream come true! Funny and touching, a must see Candy film.
33 So Funny!
This movie is Gr8! It stars funny-man John Candy (Uncle Buck)and Its about a teen girl and her 2 younger siblings who have their Uncle Buck who they havent seen in years to come and take care of them while their parents leave town. He makes pancakes, drives a junker and makes sure he ruins the teen's social life!
34 one of the funniest moveis I ever saw
This movie is loads of laughs. It relates to Murphy's Law. If something bad can happen it will. Most of Candy's moves are on that bases. This move is about a single Man where singles rules apply. Stuck, doing a favor for his brother. He must watch three children with no experience. Image a batcher never married, taking care of a 13 year old with an attitude, and an 8 year old with lots to ask and a 7 year old. You cannot beat what this movie has. Also, Check out Planes, Trains Automobiles. Murphy's law applies here to.
Staring John Candy and Steve Martin. These movies can bring a lot of laughter into the home. I would rate this as PG. Excellent, Best that comedy offers.
35 he may be pathetic, but he's family
He may be pathetic, but he's family. Buck Rusell is a laid-back irresponsible bachelor, who's always in between jobs, and in and out of trouble. When his sister and her husband have to leave town for the week to be with an ailing relative, Buck is given the job of looking after their three kids - the adorable Maisy, the inquisitive Miles, and the atagonistic Tia, and as soon as he walks in the door, hilarity ensues. Get ready to laugh every minute as you see Buck Rusell cook, have a parent-teacher conference, deal with the Tia the teenager from hell, and prove to everyone that he's not a complete loser. The plot of this movie is affective, and we can see Tia and Buck develop as the film progresses. This is one of John Hughes's best films, along with Home Alone, and has been tickling funny bones and bring out smiles since it hit theatres in 1989. Although this movie isn't ready for a classics list, it is always fun to watch. This movie never gets tiring because many of its laughs come from physical antics, and not witty dialogue. John Hughes films have always been something special, and are some of the greatest movies of the 1980s and perhaps the entire 20th century. They clearly define the era from 1984-1992, and are still popular in the 21st century. Any John Hughes film is often imitated but never duplicated.
36 Uncle Buck
If you're a John Candy fan, you just have to own this video. If you don't, you'll just keep paying for a rental. John Candy is at his best in this one; I could watch it over and over. And the supporting cast is great, too. Candy's comedic timing is perfect in "Uncle Buck." He left us way too soon.
37 One of the best family comedies ever made
While I was watching "Uncle Buck," I found out that it was a lot funnier and a lot better than I was expecting it to be. First of all, it has John Candy in it as the main star, so I knew it had a good chance of being hilarious. Not only was it hilarious, it was also a good movie.
Buck Russell (John Candy) hasn't ever really been that close to his brother and his family, and he doesn't exactly have the cleanest and richest way of life, but when there's nobody else to turn to, Buck's brother Bob and Bob's wife, just might have to call on Buck to come and babysit their three kids. From there, I'll let you find out the rest on your own, and believe me, it's more than worth it!
There was a lot of parts in "Uncle Buck" that had me laughing nonstop, such as the part where Buck speaks to and makes fun of an assistant principal who has a huge wart on her face. Everything else about "Uncle Buck" goes along with the hilarious antics of John Candy to make this a great movie. It has good acting by everybody, the story is interesting, and I have to say it again, it's HILARIOUS!! If you've ever liked any other John Candy movie or if you like comedy movies at all, especially one the whole family can sit down and have a good time watching, then I recommend purchasing "Uncle Buck."
38 not Candy's best flick but funny in some parts
This movie wasn't exactly what I thought it would be but John Candy did just as good as Spaceballs. It's not as funny as Planes,Trains,& Automobiles but see it at least once.
39 A must have in your family movie collection.
This is a movie that would strike terror in the heart of the confirmed bachelor. John Candy thrown into an unlikely baby-sitting assignment, learns responsibility, maturity and that family trappings aren't all that bad in this delightful, heart warming comedy. Loaded with laughs this is a movie the entire family will enjoy. This movie really allows John Candy to demonstrate his broad range of skills as an actor. It's also a reminder that the world has lost a tremendous talent in this man.
40 A bachelor learns more than he bargined for babysitting
An eccentric bachelor man is called upon to watch his sisters 3 children, one an unmanegeable teen. He is trying to manage his own love life and the teen while juggling taking care of the two younger kids. He comes away with a better understanding of his own girlfriend and kids in general and a better feeling about himself. Lots of laughs. A real feel good movie good for the whole family. John Candy at his best.
41 Parents have to leave to vist a dad in Uncle Buck
Uncle Buck stars the late John Candy. When the movie opens Miles Russell (Macaulay Culkin) comes home. His older sister named Tia (Jean Kelly) and 6-years old sister Maizy (Gaby Hoffman) are allready there.
At dinner, Miles's father says to him, "I guess you don't want a hockey stick for your birthday." His name is Bob Russell (Garret M.Brown). His mother's name is Cindy.
That night Cindy (Elaine Bromka) gets a call from her aunt that her father has had a heart attack. So in the kitchen, Bob and Cindy, look in the phone book to see who to ask to baby-sit the kids. At first the next door neighbor (Laurie Metcalf). Then the Nibbles. Probley thier next door neighbors too. Bob suggestes his brother Buck (John Candy).
So Bob calls the Nibbles but they are out of town. So Bob calls Buck and Buck agrees. When Buck shows up, he goes to the wrong house. Bob calls him, but Buck doesn't relize that Bob is calling from behind Buck. Cindy tells Tia and Miles that they are leaving for a while. But Maizy doesn't know. Tia awakes when her parents are leaving.
Buck is on a 5 year plan. He goes to cigars, then a pipe, then chewing tobaacco, and then on to the nicotine gum. In the morning Tea goes downstairs and pours herself coffee. Miles comes donstairs and says "Who Are You?" and Buck says "I'm Your Uncle Buck." Buck entertains the two younger children. But Tia sure doesn't seem to like this. Tia is a teenager. So here is a movie if you are a comedy fan.
42 Uncle Buck
Hilarious !! I laugh every time I watch it . . . and that's a lot.
43 Down With The Uncle Buck
In this cheerful, lightweight comedy, excruciatingly clumsy, disorganized, and messy Uncle Buck Russell (John Candy) becomes the screens most unlikely babysitter since Clifton Webb in Sitting Pretty. While their parents are away, eight-year old Miles (Macaulay Culkin), six-year old Maizy (Gaby Hoffman) and their teen-aged sister, Tia (Jean Kelly) are left in the care of Buck. Surprisingly, the very inept Uncle Buck entertains the younger children who come to love him and earns the respect of Tia when he rescues her from her worthless boyfriend. However, in doing so, Buck nearly loses his long-time girlfriend Chanice (Amy Madigan). John Candy is delightful in the leading role giving a touching and notable comic performance. Directed by John Hughes in his typical broad style, this youth-oriented comedy is perhaps the best role of John Candy's regrettably brief career.
44 A Master of Comedy
Looking on past movies, I really realize how much of a comic genius John Candy was. This movie really shows it. This movie is the story of Uncle Buck, a bumbling, lazy gambler who is asked to watch his nieces and nephew for a week or so. After he first packs sardines for his newphews lunch, he begins to get the hang of it, but with style. Whether he's making 6 foot pancakes for breakfast or scaring everyone with the backfire on his car, Buck does things in his whole way.
This movie has much of the same type of comedy that you would see in Stripes and Caddyshack. The laughter is nonstop, and it's good for children too because there is nothing vulgar. Built in is a very touching story, but it doesn't come near to overpowering the comic nature of the movie. If you miss the old comedies of people like John Candy, Bill Murray, and Chevy Chase, you'll definately like Uncle Buck.
45 The Whole Charm of John Candy!
When his sister-in-law's father suffers a heart attack and needs to travel, UNCLE BUCK (John Candy ) is called in, the last available person to come and watch the kids. Certainly, an uncle should be able to take off without hitches. But, UNCLE BUCK, is one of those playful adults who has been dances his way out full-time employment and a marital contract with his frustrated girlfriend, Chanice Kobolowski (Amy Madigan). The plot thickens with humor as UNCLE BUCK tries to deal with an snobish teenager trying to undermine every aspect of his life in her home.
This is a comical story and adult guardians and the difficulty of growing up. If you have scene the chopped-up verion on TV, you haven't seen the whole of John Candy. I particularly missed the golf-lessons with Bug.
Look for great performaces by Laurie Metcalf ( Jacky, the sister from ROSEANNE the series), Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin ( from Home Alone. He's about 4 or 5 in this), Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, and Jay Underwood.
46 Uncle Buck
Uncle Buck is a great movie, a comedy which shouldn't be missed. Even if there are some sad moments, they're cheered up with some comedy. Parents: the characters cuss a lot so take caution while your young kids are watching it.
47 Buck is Funny
One of the late, great John Candy's best! Mccualay Calkin is in this one and he is cute.(he was probable around 4 or 5 when they made this one).You just gotta love Uncle Buck!Funny flick that is designed for more than one screening.Also check out Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
48 funny and touching
One of the late great John Candy's best. This is a funny film and in real life there are relatives just like Uncle Buck. This, I think, is Macauly Culkins first feature film. I recommend this.
49 A Heart Warmer
Well, hate to say it, but the older you are (in baby boomer years)-the better! This movie is a very sweet look at growing up from different perspectives. It also is my personal favourite from John Candy, who I truly miss. Enjoy!
50 "Who are you?... I'm your Uncle Buck!"
One of Candy's two best roles - the other was in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and both of these John Hughes films have a similar bittersweet tone.The film lacks the more emotionally touching elements of PTA but has plenty of one-liners and slapstick to keep it bubbling along. One funny example - Candy: "I stopped smoking cigarettes. I'm on a five year plan. I go first to cigars, then a pipe, then chewing tobacco, then that nicotine gum." The hostility against the older nieces boyfriend is a bit excessive for the young audience the movie was designed for, but there are many elements they should love - Buck's pancake breakfasts, his steaming car and the modern clothes washing techniques. What works for adults in this film is the casual approach with which clever lines are dispensed - "The dog drinks water?..Good, I've been leaving the toilet seats up." Well-cast, with a nice cameo from "Roseanne's" Laurie Metcalf as the tarty neighbour.
51 A movie about relationships.
Buck is an unambitious man who is called upon to babysit his niece and nephews during a family emergency involving his brother. Out of touch with his brother and his brother's family for many years, Buck discovers that his 9-year old niece has become a troubled teenage girl and that she has two siblings whom he has not met. Although he is well liked by the younger niece and nephew, Buck clashes with the teenage girl. Simultaneously, Buck tries to establish a stable life with a woman whom he has been seeing for years. The film's seriousness is complemented by Candy's talent as a comedian.
52 Get ready to laugh!
An outstanding, heart warming comedy about family. A movie that you can watch over and over and still enjoy each time. Highly recommended and hysterical - I laugh so hard each time I see this film that my sides hurt!
53 Hysterical!
Uncle Buck is one of the funniest movies around. Candy's personality is enough to make you laugh even without the jokes. It's been around ten years and were still laughing and watching it all the time. The music suits the movie perfectly. "Don't just stand there, BUST A MOVE"
54 You saw the rest but now see the BEST
I'VE NEVER SEEN ACTOR JOHN CANDY ANY FUNNIER THAN IN CHUNCLE BUCK. AS USUAL CANDY PLAYS THE PART MORE AT GREAT BUT OUTSTANDING FROM THE REST. WATCH CANDY DEBATE IF HE HAS A PROBLEM WITH CHEESE OR WHO IS KEEPER OF THE HOUSE! I PROMISE THAT THIS IS NOT A WASTE OF YOUR MONEY.
55 a viewer from plant city florida!
I think this movie is great. John candy is very funny, I sure wished that he hadn't died so that he could have been in more movies. I reccomend this movie to anyone who wants a good laugh.
56 UncleBuck is one of the all time Great Family stories .
John Candy delivers a heartwarming performance as the black sheep bachelor brother who keeps his cool , saves the family in suburbia , and redeams himself to his true love ( Amy Madigan ).The beautiful Jean Louisa Kelly , Macaulay Culkin , & Gaby Hoffman are precious as the kids . The movie is filled with great visual comedy and tender moments . You need this video for no other reason than to see the birthday pancake breakfast . A must have for Any collection . We love it .
57 Silly and Stupid
Family movies are supposed to be fun. This movie is far from it. I never liked John Candy movies, or what I saw of them. This is the stupidest of them all. With a goofy plot, a stupid script, and horrible acting, this is a movie I wish I missed. True, it has some heart, some wit, but it's all washed away in a garble of trashy scenes, mixed up dialogue, and foolish one-liners. Not only that,the music is horrible. John Candy says something creepy, and suddenly there is this creepy sounding mesh of music--noise--that makes me want to cover my ears. It would be better off with no music--in fact, it would be better off if it didn't exist.
58 I love John Candy
This is my favorite John Candy movie. This is great film making. I have watched this one many times and still laugh at many of the parts. The characters in this film are well developed and you can relate to all of them.
59 Very well acted a good late 80's comedy
This movie was really funny, escpecially how John Candy(uncle buck) handles the eldest child. Very funny i recommend it!
60 Great family movie
Uncle Buck has become a family favorite in our house. John Candy is terrific and Jean Louisa Kelly gives a great performance as a sullen teenager unhappy with her folks and their decision to move to a new town. This is a definite movie to own and watch with your children. My only complaint is that the audio is only two tracks (vs 5.1). It would've received 5 stars otherwise.
61 One of John Candy's BEST!
This film is fun for the whole family. With lots of laughs it is comparable to a Chevy Chase vacation film. John Candy (Uncle Buck) plays the unwanted, "low-life" uncle. But when his brother gets in a pinch and needs a baby-sitter for a week, he ends up with Buck. Great laughs.
62 Silly but hilarious.
This is classic John Candy before the mush. Uncle Buck has the rare mixture of warmth and edge to it. He is the ultimate lovable loser, who enjoys his life. Macully Caulkin is a riot much like watching Home Alone for the first time. The Q&A between Caulkin and Candy is hilarious as anyone with kids can attest to. The antagonistic relationship with the oldest daughter and her "boyfriend" is a great. Uncle Buck is recommended for any night where light-hearted silliness is needed.
