1 "He thinks I'm lyin', Jim."
An uneven, but very funny film with some spectacular laughs. "Used Cars" emerges as the best of the big budget, overblown comedies that had run rampet in the late 70's/early 80's ("1941" stands as the ultimate budget-breaker of the time).
Kurt Russell is dead-on perfect as Rudy Russo, used car dealer and wannabbe local politician. His effort to raise $60,000 to "buy" a seat on the city council seems in peril when his boss (Jack Warden) unexpectedly (but hilariously) dies of a heart attack. The boss's no-good evil twin brother (also Warden) plots to take over the car lot. So Russell and his rag-tag bunch proceed to hide the body of the boss and made outrageous tv commercials in order to raise the money and save the lot.
The supporting characters range from underused (SCTV's Joe Flaherty as a lawyer) to drop-dead funny (Frank McRae as the oversized, single-minded Jim the Mechanic). But Gerrit Graham shines as the nuerotic Jeff whose phobias (such as his avoidence of the color red) are very funny indeed.
The funniest parts of the film deal with the three tv commercials Russell and crew produce. The first one takes place during a football game when Jeff discovers the car he's selling is red. The second one uses strippers and a "disco" theme which must've seemed quite odd to those watching the film at theaters since disco itself had "died" a year earlier. Still, it's pretty funny stuff.
The third one, perhaps the most hilarious single scene ever filmed (well, that's a bit much, but still...), takes place during President Carter's address to the nation. In it, Jeff proceeds to destroy the evil brother's cars as Marshall Lucky. As testiment to how funny this scene is, I've seen no fewer that ten people actually drop to the floor and pound the carpet with their fist in histerics...and that includes my mother.
"Used Cars" also has countless great lines, a wonderful turn by "The Munsters" Al Lewis as an honest, if tough judge, and the beautiful Deborah Harmon as the boss's daughter who unexpectedly shows up and throws a kink into Russell's plans.
The only problem with the film, and it's a fairly big one, is the final twenty minutes which dissolves into an uninspired car chase across the desert and a tacked on "happy" ending. Still, "Used Cars" is really funny and for those of you over 18 (this is not for the kids), a really enjoyable experience.
Note: Look for a scene in which Kurt Russell gets out of bed to answer his phone (the first time, after the "disco" commercial). He points "Elvis-like" to a cheap, two-foot statue of Elvis that he has on his headboard. Kurt Russell played Elvis just two years before on network tv.
2 Great movie and great commentary!!
One of the funniest movies I ever seen. Its too bad back in 1980 this movie was overshadowed by Airplane, which was also a great movie. The studio should have released Used Cars later in the year. The commentary with Kurt, Bob Gale, and Zemeckis is hilarious! They give detailed insight about the actors and what went on during the making of the movie.
3 Lost Gem
Zemeckis' second film really embodies those gas guzzling films from the late 70s (i.e. Smokey and the Bandit; The Gumball Rally; Freebie and the Bean, etc). No, its not a Merchant-Ivory film, BUT far more enjoyable. The secondary roles are the glue that holds Used Cars together (particularly the guys from Laverne and Shirley, and ridiculously superstitious character). Although now extremely dated - one can watch it now to have reveries of the inflation/gas shortage era.
4 A gut busting classic!
BEHOLD! PERHAPS THE GREATEST COMEDY EVER MADE,USED CARS IS A MUST HAVE ON DVD.I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THE BONUS FEATURES ARE NOT LISTED ABOVE SO HERE THEY GO:VINTAGE ADVERTISING GALLERY,AUDIO COMMENTARY:ZEMECKIS,GALE,RUSSELL, OUTTAKES,RADIO @ TV PROMOS,PRODUCTION NOTES AND A COOL THING FOR TRUE FANS OF RUSSELL,A TV AD FOR THE ACTUAL CAR LOT,WITH THE REAL OWNER INTRODUCING RUSSELL WHO THEN GIVES A SALES PITCH FOR A CAR ON THE LOT!
5 one of my favorite movies
"well i don't wanna look inside". "ohhh, just get in the motherf_ckin car". i lose it everytime that part comes on. this movie is such a riot. if you havent seen it, check it out.
6 Hilarious Movie - Great DVD
Where do I start? "Used Cars" is one of those "movies for guys who love movies". I have watched it who knows how many times, but I still get a kick out of certain scenes almost 25 years later. But there is an added bonus now if you buy the DVD, an hilarious commentary track with director Bob Zemeckis and actor Kurt Russell along with Bob Gale, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zemeckis.
The movie features Russell as Rudy Russo, a used car salesman with absolutely no morals (OK, most used car salesman don't have morals, but Russo takes it to another level). Jack Warden takes on dual roles as twin brothers trying to win the battle of used car lots at the same corner. Garret Graham plays Russell's sidekick Jeff who tries to help Rudy move the cars through illegal television commercials, which are absolutely hilarious. Other performances of note are those of Deborah Harmon, the daughter of one of the twins who wins Rudy's heart, Joe Flaherty from Second City as an unscrupulous lawyer and Michael McKean and David Lander (of Lenny and Squiggy fame) as techno wizards who assists Russell and Graham in their illegal activities.
All of the above are great, but the two who steal this movie are Frank McRae, who plays Jim the Mechanic and Toby the Beagle. McRae may say less than 200 words in the whole movie, but he may have the highest laughter to words ratio in movie history. Toby pulls off some funny stunts as well and is a memorable dog in movie history as well.
The movie is great and the DVD commentary of the three principal parties is hysterically funny. I think the three must have stopped at the local brewpub before the taping and slammed a few because they are giddy, but they let you in on on some interesting facts about the movie. There are also some outtakes as well as a real used car lot commercial that Russell shot in Arizona in Russo character.
Rent it or buy it, you won't be sorry. As Rudy Russo would say "Trust Me!"
7 If you love old cars...you'll LOVE this!!
This film gave me an appreciation for the cars of the 1970s... I was just a kid when I first saw Used Cars, and I'll never forget the first time I saw the film because I had never seen cars like these before! For some reason, most of the '70s cars were long gone by the mid 1990s when I first saw this.
Although most of the cars in the film are junkers, they are still cool! You will see an amazing lime green 1973 Lincoln Continental in one scene, and an awesome '74 Mercury Montego that jumps a ramp over a moving train and still runs with big chrome '70s bumper intact! Then you we see a remarkable car chase that involves about 300 classic cars, ranging from old Lincolns and Chryslers, etc.
Beyond the cars, this is also an extremely funny movie! I have seen Used Cars at least 10 times and every time it gets better! There is a nice love story and great acting, especially by Kurt Russell and Deborah Harmon (I think this was her only film, but she is memorable). If you appreciate '70s cruisers, Pintos, Edsels, and everything else you'll love this! Back when the used car lots actually had cool cars..
8 Throw away your VHS copy and Get the DVD!
If you've only seen this very funny movie on VHS, you're in for a real treat! The DVD, although not perfect, boasts far superior picture and audio.
9 A waste of money and time and electricity
Don't spend you money on this dud. I bought I watched it and then trashed it. No plot, no acting, now I do take that back the dog was a very good actor.
10 Sublime Insanity in a Used Car Lot!
USED CARS was director Robert Zemeckis' follow-up to the sweet, sentimental I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND, and, as he joked in his audio commentary, he wanted to cut loose, swear, and do something supremely tasteless as a follow-up. He succeeded magnificently!
This is a wild tribute to corruption, deceit, and dishonesty, in a field second only to politics in tarnished reputations! Kurt Russell is the crooked head salesman in a broken-down car lot, saving money to buy a seat in Congress "where the really BIG kickback money is". His boss, sweet-natured Luke Fuchs (Jack Warden), has a bad heart and a twin brother, truly nasty Roy Fuchs (also Warden, who is wonderful in the dual roles) running a competing used car lot across the highway. Evil Fuchs NEEDS his brother's dealership, as a state highway is about to be built over his lot, so he has an employee pose as a customer, and 'try out' one of Luke's cars with the old man in the car. After the test drive from Hell, Luke stumbles inside his trailer, and dies from a heart attack.
Russell realizes any hope to raise enough cash to run for office would be shattered with Fuch's death, so he and his fellow employees bury the old man and his car in the lot, and fibs that Fuchs had left town on vacation. Then Fuchs' daughter, Barbara (Deborah Harmon) arrives, and things get sticky!
The film becomes a live-action Warner Bros. cartoon, as 'good guy' Russell and 'bad guy' Warden try scheme after scheme to ruin the other...Warden offers a carnival in his lot, Russell offers strippers...Warden does TV commercials, Russell brings in two disreputable cable guys ('Lenny and Squiggy' Michael McKean and David L. Lander) to break into a Presidential address with an 'R'-rated ad that would leave the FCC in apoplexy! This insanity builds to an epic climax, as hundreds of junkyard cars, driven by Driver's Ed students, race to fill Russell's car lot, and prevent a court-ruled closing.
The cast is matchless; in addition to Russell, Warden, and Harmon, outrageous humor is provided by Gerrit Graham (who gleefully shotguns Warden's cars in another 'illegal' TV spot), and Frank McRae, as a mechanic you DON'T want to disagree with. And don't forget a certain dog, who outperforms nearly everyone in the cast!
This is the ONLY 'R'-rated film Zemeckis has ever directed (the BACK TO THE FUTURE trilogy and FORREST GUMP are among his later triumphs), yet USED CARS was a commercial failure when first released, despite rave reviews. AIRPLANE! came out at the same time, and, unfortunately, the public wasn't interested in watching TWO 'over-the-top' comedies. So USED CARS languished, until video and dvd reintroduced it to a new generation.
It's growing status a a cult classic is perhaps the BEST proof the "Crime Pays" in USED CARS!
11 This film is a classic of humor!
This movie is a riot. Although it does contain some vulgar language and partial nudity, such is well within the context of the film and is essential (in my opinion) to the humorous "punch" that the film delivers. The movie is definitely *not* for young children, but I personally regard it OK for most kids over age 12, considering the social maturity of today's teens.
You're in for a treat if you have not already viewed "Used Cars". Otherwise, you'll enjoy seeing it again... & again.
12 This is one of my top ten favorites but
I love this movie, but it is not family friendly! It contains fowl language, simulated sex and nudity.
Russell is a car salesman that has to take over the store when his boss dies and the bosses twin brother (a bad guy) wants to take over. Turns out that the boss had a daughter who just shows up and the fun begins. Take out the nudity and sex, and this has all the look and feel of a Herbie the Love Bug type of Disney movie that would have found an audience for those seeking family friendly offerings.
A 5 star movie if edited, down-graded to 4 stars as is.
13 That movie is SO AWESOME!!!
Kurt Russell stars in the movie as Rudy Russo, who is Luke's ace salesman, meanwhile Luke (Jack Warden) competes with his younger brother Roy (also by Jack Warden) who is a nasty creep and Roy is trying to take over Luke's car lot but Rudy won't let that happen, and by the way, Luke has a heart condition and he takes pills for it. Later that night Roy sends a young friend of his named Mickey who works for the demolition derby and he goes out on a test drive in a '57 Chevy with Luke in the front seat and Mickey is driving insane and Luke loses his pills and Mickey winds up destroying the '57 Chevy and Luke died of a heart attack which was set up by his younger brother Roy, then Rudy and his co-workers Jeff and mechanic Jim ended up burying him inside a '58 Edsel and Rudy winds up taking over the car lot, later on in the movie Luke's daughter Barbara shows up the car lot and she is looking for her father but Rudy lies to Barbara by telling her that Luke went to Miami then the two ended up going out on a date and later she finds out that Luke is dead but the boys got the Edsel out of the ground and a dead Luke ends up driving the Edsel which ended up crashing into a electricity system and Barbara ends up taking over the car, meanwhile at a commercial Barbara tells the cameraman that she has a style of cars to choose from but Roy and his friends ended up putting in mile so she can get in trouble for false advertisement and she ended up in court for it, and the Judge tells Barbara that she has up until 2:45 to have a mile of cars or she loses the lot, but Roy doesn't want that to happen and they have a bunch of high schoolers to test drive the cars (sometimes I wish that they still made cars like that today instead of those import cars like Honda and Toyota) and they ended up having a mile of cars and Barbara ends up taking over the car lot.
14 Incredibly crass, and very funny
This movie isn't gross; it's not overly concerned with bodily fluids (although there is a urine joke.) It's crass in the extreme, though. Strippers, property damage, and easily one of the sickest death jokes ever uttered all populate this movie.
Oh, it's also amazingly funny. I bought it two days ago, have seen it twice, and nearly busted a gut laughing both times!
It won't make you the classiest person around, but if you're looking for some definite low humor, this'll do you!
15 Very Funny yet typical stereotype of car salesmen.
Though I'd like to see the stereotype of car sales people change I dont believe that will happen any time soon. It is nice to continue to find humor in their behaviors on screen and off. Curt Russell is "laugh yourself silly" with his big hair and fun clothes. I would recommend this movie to everyone and encourage (if you like stronger language) both "Suckers" on DVD and "Cars and People, pissing at 60 miles an hour" by Anthony Ziegler a novella.
16 Classic Americana
People who don't understand used cars don't understand America. Those people probably won't like this movie. This movie is the very best kind of low grade humor. Excellent.
17 so funny it's laughable
one of the best comedies made in the last 40 years. admittedly not a lot of critics think so, but just even thinking about incidents in this movie make me laugh today. kurt russell was never better, much better than his dreary tough guy roles. in this movie he seemed totally true to himself. also magnificent is Frank McCrae and Jack Warden, plus Tobey the dog and Russell's sidekick. in its own way it's quite perfect.
18 Zemeckis Lite
Who would have guessed that the director of this piece of low humor would go on to direct Forrest Gump and Cast Away (although the wild humor was his specialty in the pre-Gump era)? Kurt Russell stars as Rudy Russo, used car salesman for Luke Fuchs, in competition with Roy Fuchs, across the street.
The bulk of the film is taken up with the competition between the two lots and the sabotaging of the other lot's sales opportunities. The humor is involved in the drastic measures used to sell used cars. Freddie and Eddie (David L. Lander and Michael McKean) are communications experts that Rudy uses to interrupt via satellite both the Super Bowl and the State of the Union Address to broadcast their cheesy commercials involving gunfire and women in various stages of undress.
The jokes come fast and furious, but if you like your comedy sophisticated, you'd best stay away. This is for fans of simple car-crash flick like Smokey and the Bandit. The climax involves having 250 used cars driven by student drivers. Jack Warden gives a two terrific performances as the Fuchs brothers, co-seller Jeff's (Gerrit Graham) superstitions are also good for several belly laughs, and Russel makes Rudy a surprisingly sympathetic character (considering he's an "uncompromising" salesman).
This is the perfect film for when you've had a rough day and are just looking for some mind-numbing way to kill a couple of hours. Car crashes, naked women, false advertising, this movie has it all.
19 Get their friendship, get their confidence,get their trust..
...then get their money! This movie is the funniest movie about the people that everyone loves to hate...USED CAR SALESMEN!
There are so many one-liners, and situations that make you laugh out loud in this movie. After getting reactions from people from this movie, I've come to realize people either get the jokes or they do not. I saw it in the theater when it came out, and I have never heard as much sustained laughter in any movie since then ( ok, maybe in "Office Space" ), especially during the Carter speech commercial: New Deal Used Cars! Did you hear what I said?!" . Almost 5 minutes of laughter after the scene ended!
I really think this was Kurt Russel's best role he has ever played, which is just too bad for him. But he plays the PERFECT
sleazy used car salesman, and it seems like the role he was born to play. Jack Warden's dual starring role as the twin brothers who are so different really showed what a great under-rated actor he was ( especially as Roy )! The back end of the movie dragged a bit in it's pacing, when they are driving the caravan of cars, but all in all the movie ends up well. ITS A RED CAR!
20 "Bill & Hillary: the Early Years"
USED CARS was called a "sleeper hit" in the summer of 1980, but you'll understand why it never broke out when you listen to the interesting commentary by the filmmakers (a bungled ad campaign looks like the main culprit since the movie overcame it to achieve its "sleeper" or cult status). Kurt Russell also joins in on the commentary and I thought it was funny how he kept constantly comparing his character--the amoral car huckster Rudy Russo--to a young Bill Clinton.
This DVD is definitely worth it for the commentary alone, but the movie is still hilarious. One thing I have noticed introducing it to people now: our society hears so much profanity these days on cable TV and music and movies that the film's funniest scenes--when the car dealers hack renegade commercials into football games and the president's address--lose some of their punch.
21 A twisted & funny movie
I hadn't seen this movie in a few years when I decided to pick up a copy of the video. I had forgotten how funny it is, and how twisted too. The plot involved twin brothers (played by Jack Warden) who own competing car lots across the street from each other. One brother, Roy L. Fuchs, learns that a highway will soon be constructed where his lot stands. So he plots and schemes to gain control of his brother's lot so he can make lots of money. Enter Kurt Russell who is a slick, quick-witted con-artist (whose dream is to be a politician) working for the "good" brother. He sets events in motion to prevent Roy L. Fuchs from achieving his goal. This leads to a variety of riotous situations. The film can be a bit uneven at times but it's quirky appeal more than makes up for it.
22 the car is you
Not only does Used Cars capture the wicked vein running through the U.C. salesman, but it is perfect Zeitgeist (like Jake and Elwood's Bluesmoble) documenting the end of a crazy one-shot period, the insane '70s, the obnoxious gas guzzler- the all-or-nothing attitude or lets run for the '80s. Yea Jack Warden and Kurt Russell weren'nt acting, Russell just having expired from a Disney contract, Warden SIMPLY GREAT. All the dialogue is laced with little white lies driven ineluctably toward not one truth. My favorite is the scene after Luke is run out of town (hahahha) with the three salesmen and the dog: "I'd like to talk to my brother.""Well your gonna have to talk a little louder, uh, he's not here." Gerrit Graham, Grandpa, Jim and cameos from Lenny and Squiggy add perfect rhythm to the support. This film is one of the great ones, a bit obscure, but who cares, 50 bucks never killed anybody.
23 the car is you
Not only does Used Cars capture the wicked vein running through the U.C. salesman, but it is perfect Zeitgeist (like Jake and Elwood's Bluesmoble) documenting a generation the only way it could be documented; the end of the crazy 70s and its reckless gas guzzler, the all-or-nothing attitude or lets run for the 80's. Yea Jack Warden and Kurt Russell were'nt acting; Russell having just expired from a Disney contract, Warden simply GREAT. Every line is permeated with little white lies in a dialogue driven toward not one truth. My favorite is the exchange the morning after Luke was run out of town (hahaha) between the three salesman and the dog. "Well your gonna have to talk a little louder, uh, he's not here." Yea Russell's Earp falls short. Garrett Graham and the rest of the characters are almost better in support. If you have even the barest sense of humor, this baby revs. Also, lets not forget the cameo by Lenny and Sqiggy. This film is one of the great ones. And remember 50 bucks never killed anyone.
24 used cars reviw by ed peaslee
A great comedy. Aused car salesman thought he would be more respected as a state senator.
25 A "Real Life" Comedy Classic
Having been raised on a used car lot, buy an actual honest dealer, my dad, I must say this is more than a comedy it's a documentary. I have met these guys, they are still out there, watch this movie before you buy any car.
26 It's used cars, you need it.
There are so many great lines in this movie it deserves the cult classic status it enjoys. Watch it. A beer or two helps. So many classics, super funny. Great for the kids too. (Just skip the stripper scene which is pretty tame anyway...)
27 HILARIOUS!!!!!
Ok, this movie was released when I was about four years old, and I just saw it two days ago for the first time. This is one of the funniest movies noone has ever heard about. Two competing used car salesmen work across the busy four-lane boulevard from each other. You can see the possibilities, the test drive of the 57 Chevy, the black guy with the best one-liners (movies today are too PC to even think of putting blacks in truly funny roles-- it would be construed as "intolerant" or other such nonsense). You gotta love the leisure suits and the hot strippers-- this movie has it all, and it is funny! GREAT MOVIE
28 They Say [Money] Never Killed Anyone, but You'll Die Laughing...
...when you listen to the audio commentary by Robert Zemeckis, Kurt Russell and Bob Gale!
This movie has such little redeeming social qualities, one is almost tempted to never acknowledge having seen it, must less acknowledge that you laughed yourself silly when you saw it in 1980, but I've got to confess. Not only did I enjoy it the first 10 times I saw it, but now with the audio commentary by Zemeckis, Russell and Gale you will have your sides hurting from all your laughing.
While Kurt Russell is the star of the movie and he gives a memorable performance, it's Jack Warden in the duo role of competing auto car dealership owners who steals it. I've never seen Warden give a bad performance, and in this movie you get two great performances. However, he's not the only actor who gives an over-the-top performance:
Gerrit Graham as the suspicious co-conspirator/salesman is about as disrespectable a salesman as one would ever find, with a libido that would make one hesitant about introducing him to ones sister.
Frank McRae plays Jim the mechanic, who along with the beagle that plays Toby, rounds out a cast of true misfits
This DVD normally would be rated 4 stars, but with the audio commentary by Kemeckis, Russell and Gale you can multiply those by a 1.25 factor for a full 5 stars.
One note: DO NOT TRY TO EAT OR DRINK WHILE LISTENING TO THE AUDIO COMMENTARY, cause you'll be laughing so hard you might accidentally choke on your food.
29 A Sidesplitter!!!
I can remember seeing USED CARS in its original theatrical run, and I can remember laughing at the assortment of characters that Robert Zemickis and Bob Gale (the uberlords behind BACK TO THE FUTURE and the writers of the vastly underappreciated 1941) somehow managed to create and gel into such a riotious romp. Kurt Russell is brilliant as Rudy Russo, the car salesman politician wannabe who manages to steal your heart while reaching for your wallet. Jack Warden, in two roles as twin brothers, is absolutely hilarious.
If you look closely, you'll also see some familiar faces that sprinkled the silver screen in 1941 and the BACK TO THE FUTURE trilogy.
As for the disc's quality, the digital transfer to widescreen preservation is nicely done, as are some of the extras. The outtakes are jumbled, however, with absolutely no introductions, explanations, or humor. We've all seen funnier outtakes at the end of Jackie Chan pictures or on 'America's Funniest Adlibs.'
But, the entertainment factor remains high on this picture, despite the fact that it's 20 years old!
The only disappointment is that it was Dolby 2.0 mastered, so there are some snippets of dialogue that don't come through as clearly as more current DVD releases.
30 Shameless.
This movie is shameless, amoral, in bad taste, and by far the funniest movie I have ever seen. It has to be viewed more than once to catch all the lines, and gags going on in the background. Used Cars and S.O.B. are the two most under-rated comedies ever produced.
31 Yellow primer?
Buy it, rent it, but don't miss it. This is bar none, the funniest movie I have ever seen. I saw it 20 years ago in the theater, and after probably 100 times now, it remains as hilarious as ever. Yeah the language is bad, but used car salesmen are not exactly choir boys. SO many great scenes and so many great lines that it still amazes me when I watch it today. I won't go in to detail because I couldn't begin to do this movie justice. You'll just have to trust all of us, and see it for yourself. I lent mine to a friend and never got it back; a great excuse to pick up the DVD and watch the movie again.
32 A MILE of Cars?!
I was 21 years old when this movie played at the local drive-in. (Remember those?) My buddy and I arrived at the theater to see the OTHER movie that was showing with it. I asked my friend, "What's this 'Used Cars' movie about?" He didn't know and we assumed we would be bored sitting through 'Used Cars' just waiting for the main feature. Wow - we were so wrong! Used Cars literally had us laughing so hard we couldn't catch our breath. My buddy and I had a job working on a lot, and this movie was kinda like seeing ourselves on the screen!
Every character in this movie is memorable. It's a feel-good movie, but that's not to say it's for everybody. There are many things about this movie that make it unsuitable for children, not the least of which is the bad language (when has Jack Warden ever been able to do a part without considerable profanity?). Kurt Russell really established himself as a grown-up actor with this flick (after having done many childhood Disney films).
There are many laughs to be had and if you can stand the cussing, you'll love this movie.
33 Used Cars is excellent!
In my opinion, Used Cars is great because the humor is so strong. The characters sink to extreme lows to con people into buying their cars, and it's very interesting to see what's next. The actors seem to really have fun with what they're doing, and Jack Warden does a great job of playing both of two extremely opposite brothers. At the very least a FUN movie. Not for everyone, especially those who don't appreciate bad taste, but one that everyone should see at least some of. An underappreciated title that will hopefully get a wider audience on DVD than it did on tape.
34 Art imitates life...
I originally saw this movie years ago and it gets funnier and funnier each time I revisit it. Gerrit Graham as Jim the mechanic and Jack Warden as the Fuchs brothers are particularly hilarious. However, I don't think anyone who has never worked in automotive sales can truly appreciate this movie. I worked for a year for a chain of car dealerships (a fact I don't talk about much due to the stigma which the position carries) and "Used Cars" could have been used as a training film for new salespeople.
35 Unforgettable
Basically, here is a movie I have not seen in 12 years, but it was so funny, I have never forgotten it. Glad to see it coming out on dvd. I won't bother with the plot(don't you hate reviews that tell you everything about the movie?)but I will say that this is one movie that kept the laughs coming. God bless Al Lewis, Jack Warden, Kurt Russell, and the many others that did such a great job. Unforgettably a GREAT MOVIE.
36 Funniest movie I have ever seen, hands down!
Just about every single clichˇ about used car dealers is witnessed here -- and then some. There are so many absolutely hilarious moments, be prepared to have stomach pains from laughing uncontrollably. Kurt Russell is the protagonist, complete w/cheesy plaid sports jacket and short, wide tie. He works on a car lot owned by Luke Fuchs, whose nasty twin brother Roy has a rival lot across the street (both are played by Jack Warden). The story is really about the battle between these two lots, with the conniving Roy having to deal with slick Russell (who plays Rudy Russo), Gerrit Graham (Jeff), and Jim (Frank McRae).
Possibly the two single most unbelievably funny moments are when electronics geniuses Freddy and Eddie (David Lander and Michael McKean, better known as Lenny and Squiggy from "Laverne and Shirley" fame) first break into the programming of a local football game to broadcast a commercial for Russo and Co.'s lot. But even better is when they cut into a NATIONAL address by President Carter to do the same thing!! I almost could not recover from my laughing after these two incidents!
Also be sure to listen to Jim the Mechanic's one-liners, as well as watch how Russo and Co. fool the police into believing dead Luke Fuchs "was merely on vacation in Florida." Some of the funniest spots in movies I've ever seen.
I'd compare the humor in this to "Animal House," but "Used Cars" is even funnier.
37 One of the all time classics.
I laughed so hard that I was in tears.
38 Classic Comedy
This is one of the classic comedies that are there JUST to make you laugh. When a poor car dealer dies his evil twin brother tries to take over his lot with kurt russel in opposition and hilarity ensues!
39 easily amused
If you liked this movie then I can only say one thing and that is you are easily amused. At best this is a mediocre flick.
40 You Can Stop Now
You can now stop looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud no matter how many times you've seen it. Used Cars is the movie, believe me. I bought it on video in BETA format about 20 years ago, when VHS and BETA were competing to be the dominant format. Since then, I have seen some great comedies, but none has been as much fun as Used Cars. My respect for Kurt Russell began with this movie and he has never disappointed me. When my boss is talking to me about some trivial work thing he thinks is important, but I couldn't care less about, it feels so good to remember some of the scenes in this movie and carry a smile in myself again.
41 "Used Cars" gives sleaze a good name.
"Used Cars" is so raucous and vulgar--at times resembling a Three Stooges movie as rewritten by Martin Lawrence--that some people will be turned off at once, not seeing either the brilliance of the satire or the hilariousness of the physical jokes. The movie exists in a world so corrupt that the only real fight is between evil con men and good-hearted con men; there is only one moral person in the entire movie, and she has to learn to lie or else become a lamb to the slaughter. Jack Warden plays Roy L. Fuchs, an evil used-car dealer who has brought about the death of his brother (also played by Warden) to gain control of his car lot; Kurt Russell plays Rudy Russo, the dead brother's chief salesman, who must hide the brother's body to keep Roy from seizing the lot. Complicating matters is Deborah Harmon as Barbara, the dead brother's daughter, who--knowing nothing of her father's death--believes the car lot can be run on the principles of fair dealing and trusting one's neighbors. As the original ad campaign said, "She's Got a Lot to Learn." Among the people who teach her this lesson are Gerrit Graham as Russell's partner in sleaze; Michael McKean and David L. Lander (aka Lenny and Squiggy) as electronics whizzes who help Russell and Graham jam TV broadcasts with illegal commercials; Joe Flaherty of SCTV as a corrupt district attorney on Warden's payroll; and Al "Grandpa Munster" Lewis as a judge so sadistic that he keeps a toy guillotine on his bench. Of course, Russell and Harmon fall in love, and it's a case of Boy Meets Girl, Boy Loses Girl, Boy and Girl Scam Little Old Ladies. Obviously, this movie won't attract people who can't stand a little cynicism about human nature, and it's as garish as Russell's polyester plaid coat. But most of the gags (particularly the long final sequence, a hilarious sendup of Western epics) are very funny, and Russell gives one of the great comic performances of the 1980s. Allow me to repeat this: KURT RUSSELL, IN "USED CARS," GIVES ONE OF THE GREAT COMIC PERFORMANCES OF THE 1980s. This movie serves as a vital corrective to those who think there is nothing in Russell's career between "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" and "Tango and Cash."
42 A Very Entertaining Movie!
This was a hoot of a movie. Humor at it's very best. Kurt Russell has never been better. Jack Warden was outstanding playing two brother who are in the car business competing with each other.One of the brothers dies and a fake wreck is staged by Russell. In the mean time every kind of sales trick that you can think of is tried by the competing car dealers. Kurt Russell even manages to cut into a prime time football game with a television ad. The results are hilarious.This movie takes car salesmen to a new level. The actors are good and the plot is good. Buy this movie. You will not be dissapointed.
43 The best comedy ever made!
This is the funniest movie I've ever seen. By far. In it, Kurt Russell elevates sleaze to an art form. The other actors, especially Jack Warden, turn in maybe the best performances of their careers. But what really separates this movie from the pack is the quality of the writing--way, way better than what you see in even above-average comedies. The jokes are set up with care and precision, and the punch lines always score a perfect "10". The sub-plots all get tied together. The characters are well drawn. There's a perfect mix of physical and verbal humor, of wit and profanity. Certain scenes, like the patched-in commercials, should have you laughing for days. And even though the movie goes back to the Carter administration...it's fresh. All this is testimony to a great script, perfectly executed with first class acting and direction. Warning: it drags a little at the end, but you won't mind, because you'll be laughing so hard at that point you won't really be paying attention. Please, drop whatever you're doing and go rent this.
44 Trust Me, It's Great
"Used Cars" may not have won Robert Zemeckis any oscars, but it did win him a job directing "Romancing the Stone" since Michael Douglas was apparently a HUGE fan of this film and it's easy to see why. The movie is not only funny, but extremely well made. Steve Martin once said Comedy is not Pretty, but Used Cars is an exception. The direction, photography, editing are seamless. Still holds up after 20 years (Where's the DVD???) and an early obvious sign of Zemeckis' vast talent.
45 Sir. This Buick is you!
Watching Used Cars is like watching a crazed loon trying to stuff a sqaure peg in a round hole...and suceeding. It is a tastless, vulgar, inane, unredeemable and nasty piece of heartless, cruel and unrenlentingly cyinical humour. That ofcourse is why I liked it.
Nowadays we have the Farrelly brothers brand of crude humour, but their films are about basically good people getting themselves in disgusting situations (usually involving bodily fluids). Preceeding them by over a decade was Robert Zemeckis, who in Used Cars set out to make a comedy without a single sympathetic character. The only reason why we root for the protagonist is because he is more audaciously crooked then everyone else. Infact, the whole film looks in need of an oil change and a good paint job. The direction is clunky, the clothes atrocious and the atmosphere smoggy. But this only adds to the picture's lowlife charm.
As Rudy Russo, Kurt Russel is the most blatantly dis-honest salesman this side of a Glengarry Glen Ross character. His sole ambition in life is to graduate to public service, to become a Senator. For that he needs 60,000 dollars to "buy the election" and he's about 10,000 short. Logic is cheerfully left behind, as Russo and his cronies hide their boss's death(Jack Warden) to prevent his spiteful more successful brother across the street from inheriting the lot(also played by Jack Warden). Now desperate for the money, they employ the most grotesque, deceptive, tastless and frequently illegal marketing techniques in existance. Weather stealing the live feed of a football game or the inturrupting the a presidnetial speech(a scene which had me in a fit of laughter) to air their R-rated ads, their cons are so insane they left me in disbelief. The film is so grounded is small town realism that the contrast with these impossible schemes has an almost surreal effect.
Robert Zemeckis would go on to make more commercial films later. Some were wonderful, others not quite so succesful, but in all his later films(even the dark comedy Death Becomes Her) there is this annoying wholsomeness. Used Cars was his sophmore effort, and its so cheerfully unwholesome it cries out for our shocked attention, it is impposible to resist. It is a slight letdown that after the an hour the film abandons its inspired schemes to persue a silly plot thread involving 250 cars driven by highschool kids through the desert. But the sequence is so beserk, so out there that is becomes impressive, even admirable.
46 A how to manual for used car dealers?
Shot in Mesa Arizona. One of Kurt Russell's (Overboard ASIN: 6304286511) best. And one of Jack Warden's (Death on the Nile ASIN: 6302990114) best. Together with the help of a great supporting cast, including Toby (real name not known), have created the exact used car lot environment. Jack Warden plays brothers that are more believable than, Lindsay Lohan. Throw in Al Lewis as Judge Harrison and approximately a mile of cars, then you have a movie. So get out the popcorn and buckle your seat belt for this smashing vehicle.
47 Classic car movie
This movie was out just about the time that VCRs were becoming a hot item. I was checking it out of the video store for about the third time when a woman in line said ," My husband thinks that's the funniest movie ever made!" Almost twenty years later her husband could still be right. Still waiting for DVD.
48 a comic classic!
If you love caddy shack,the jerk,meatballs , Used Cars is a must.
Kurt Russell at his best IMHO!
49 This movie is hiliarious!
This movie is incredibly funny! It's a movie that pulls no punches, and will hit you square onto your funny bone. Kurt Russell's best role, starring as Rudy Russo, a used car salesmen who's ambition is to run for congress. Rudy works for a guy named Luke Fuchs, who owns the used car lot. His brother, Roy Fuchs, owns another lot directly across the highway. There's one thing Rudy must do before going to the Capitol Building - he first must protect the used car lot he works at before Roy claims the property, which would ultimately be used as part of a new new highway, which would increase business for Roy's lot. Roy will stop at nothing, even murdering his own brother! The script is amazing, the plot is original, and you'll finally know the schemes a used car salesman will employ to get you to buy a total klunker. Toby the dog is a riot! The dog, alone, had me rolling on the floor. Jack Warden puts on a great, great dual-performance as the rival brothers. 'Lenny' and 'Squiggy' from "Laverne & Shirley" star as friends of Rudy's. Al Lewis, the beloved 'Grandpa' from "The Munsters", stars as a mean, tobacco chewing judge. If you are into great movies, don't rent this one... *BUY IT* as part of your video collection!
50 Hiliarous movie!
This movie is incredibly funny! It's a movie that pulls no punches, and will hit you square onto your funny bone. Kurt Russell's best role, starring as Rudy Russo, a used car salesmen who's ambition is to run for congress. Rudy works for a guy named Luke Fuchs, who owns the used car lot. His brother, Roy Fuchs, owns another lot directly across the highway. There's one thing Rudy must do before going to the Capitol Building - he first must protect the used car lot he works at before Roy claims the property, which would ultimately be used as part of a new new highway, which would increase business for Roy's lot. Roy will stop at nothing, even murdering his own brother! The script is amazing, the plot is original, and you'll finally know the schemes a used car salesman will employ to get you to buy a total klunker. Toby the dog is a riot! The dog, alone, had me rolling on the floor. Jack Warden puts on a great, great dual-performance as the rival brothers. 'Lenny' and 'Squiggy' from "Laverne & Shirley" star as friends of Rudy's. Al Lewis, the beloved 'Grandpa' from "The Munsters", stars as a mean, tobacco chewing judge. If you are into great movies, don't rent this one... *BUY IT* as part of your video collection!
51 Tops them all for laughs
I had never even heard of this movie until one day I stumbled accross it on TV. The next day I logged onto good 'ole Amazon and bought it. Why? It provides the most belly laughs of any comedy I have ever seen in my life. Granted, some of the humour might not be to everyones taste (digging up a corpse so as to fake its death) but there are some hiarious moments. The "50 dollars never killed anyone" scene in my opinion is the funniest scene ever put on video. If you think about it, a film about warring used car dealers can't really fail, can it?
52 A Salesman's Must
If you've ever been a salesman, especially a "one-call-close" salesman (e.g. cars, copy machines, etc.), you've GOT to see this movie. I've sat through sales training seminars that preach some of the same "closing techniques" as used by Kurt Russell, only not done nearly as funny. One of my choices for Top-10 all time comedies.
53 A sexy and very funny parody of the used car esxperience
This is a true classic. Jack Ward as the two rival brothers is unforgettable. But the great actor of the film is undoubtedly Toby, the beagle.
54 Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be car salesmen!
A very funny and revealing look at the competitive world of car selling. Kurt Russell stands out in this film which was made while he was in his early manhood. Jack Warden is superlative in his dual role of playing brothers who compete against each other in the business. You may never buy another car again after seeing this film!
55 Could it be a classic?
Yes, but you really have to study the definition of "classic".
When I first saw this thing in 1981 it was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. I told my buddy to watch it on HBO and I had the pleasure of seeing him fall out of his chair laughing. Anyways, I bought the video a couple of years ago and, sure enough, it was still hilarious. Somehow, watching this on broadcast TV just isn't the same as seeing the video.
Rudy Russo (Kurt Russell) is simply outstanding as one of the sleaziest characters ever to sell ...well, anything. Not many steps up the food chain is Roy L. Fuchs (Jack Warden, who also plays his brother Luke Fuchs). Roy will stop at NOTHING to sell more cars than anybody. Come to think of it, neither will Rudy Russo.
In 1999, it looks dated and really tacky. But in 1980, it just looked tacky. But, God, was that funny. "Used Cars" has some of my favorite movie lines. EVER. There are just too many hilarious scenes and lines to list here. They find a way to insult just about everyone and everything that decent people stand for. So if that defines a "classic" movie, this is the one for you.
56 the great mood booster
from beginning to end, everything you ever suspected that was dishonest and underhanded about the used car business is confirmed in Used Cars.Kurt and the delisciously wicked cast force one to laugh as they scheme,conive and physically demonstrate the up-to-date-art of slick,slap-stick; performances that will stay fixed in ones memory and make you chuckle for the rest of your life.Like "Quest For Fire", USED CARS deserves a permanent place in ones home library, even if ones hair isn't the same color as the tires. BOB
57 Fell out of the back seat laughing!
On the one hand _Used Cars_ is nearly 20 years old, and it's chock-full of sleazy humor you wouldn't want to describe around your kids. But those things don't make it a bad movie; if you're in the mood for a fast-paced low comedy, long on gags and short on deep PC messages, this is the one to grab. (Most memorable scene: the commercial that jammed a Presidential address, with Roy dressed as a cowboy and shooting price stickers on the cars. "Is this a 1977 Mercedes 450 SL for TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS?!? That's TOO [bleeping] HIGH!")
58 Buckle up for a great ride down a cheap highway
"Used Cars" is the mother, or ugly stepmother, of great American bathroom humor. Long before the politically-correct craze of "Forrest Gump," director and co-writer Robert Zemeckis spit up "Used Cars" with a little help from executive producer Steven Speilberg. Not quite sweet enough for 'Gump-isms,' "Used Cars" explores the seedy world of the car lot and the stereotypical husslers running the joint. With gags that include strippers atop automobiles, reeling a customer across a busy city street with $20 hooked to a fishing line and a commercial jammed during a presidential address, "Used Cars" rips apart middle America to the tune of 50,000 laughs per second. Kurt Russell shines as the cheeseball in charge in one of his first post-Disney era films. Russell gets plenty of support from an ensemble cast that includes Gerrit Graham, Frank McRae, Joe Flaherty, Deborah Harmon and David L. Lander and Michael McKean (better known in the early 80s as Lennie and Squiggy). However, the real salesman is veteran actor Jack Warden who easily handles a dual role of twin brothers with competing car lots. Although not likely to appear on Zemeckis's or Speilberg's Oscar-winning resumes, "Used Cars" is hilarious, sharp and clever. I consider this vehicle one of the greatest comedic rides ever made. Trust me.
59 Best Comedy Ever
This movie was so funny, when I watched, I was laughing so hard I could hardly breathe. This is the master of all comedies. If you are easily offended by sex jokes, full frontal nudity, every bit of profanity known to mankind, and good old fashioned tasteless humor, this is NOT the movie for you. If you can handle it, prepare to watch the funniest movie you will ever see.
The jokes are perfectly staged, and simply hilarious. This is the only movie I can honestly say is funnier than It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, and that is saying a LOT!
60 Great Fun!
I purchased "Used Cars" after reading an article in the San Francisco Chronicle in which Drew Barrymore ranked it as one of her two favorite pictures of all time, the other being Cocteau's "Beauty and the Beast." It turned out to be a real hoot, with absolutely no other redeeming virtue. Buy it, break out the popcorn, and enjoy.
61 The most fantastic movie ever made.
Non-stop comedy. Often copied never duplicated. Impeccably acted. Language may be a bit rough for prudes. Move over Gone with the Wind. The only reason this movie did not walk away with all the oscars is that it is comedy. Even out does Blazing Saddles. A TRUE CLASSIC.
62 Great entertainment
This was a fun movie or maybe it was just the time. This should be mandatory for every kid taking driver's training. Kurt Russell is cool!
