Review: The Burbs

The movie "The Burbs" is a good obscure movie for the great Tom Hanks.Cory Feldman is enjoyably hilarious in this movie, he almost comes across as narrating the movie to you as you watch this real to life adventure of life in the suburbs. Most people would refer to these characters as nosey neighbors. This movie is a good popcorn, bubblegum, candy movie for the Tom Hanks lover.

Video: The Burbs Trailer

Review: The Burbs

This is a better movie than I remember. I can't remember the last time I actually watched it, but it was pretty close to 1989. I don't think I really got the dark humor and the small comedic bits seemingly improvised by Rick Ducommun (Art) back when I first saw it. I think maybe I was a moron back then because they're glaringly obvious now and might even qualify as genius (the dark tone as well as Art's improv).

You might be able to argue that The Burbs doesn't really qualify as an Obscure Movie because of all the big name stars and the initial publicity the film received, but it did really dismal business at the box office and most of the people of the world haven't watched it (though they may still be aware of it on some level).

I accept it as an Obscure Movie because it has what qualifies as a "cult following" and any time you have a cult following you, it's a good thing. Right?

Movie 002: The Burbs (1989)

Picked By: Buffzilla
Connection: Ennio Morricone score from My Name is Nobody is used prominently in one scene to humorous effect.

From Wikipedia:
The 'Burbs is a 1989 black comedy directed by Joe Dante, starring, amongst others, Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Corey Feldman, and Bruce Dern, and written by Dana Olsen The film pokes fun at suburban environments (particularly in the US), and their eccentric dwellers.

In his typical "good guy" mode, Hanks plays Ray Peterson, a loving family-man with an ordinary life. This changes when a mysterious family, the Klopeks, move in next door. Ray's two neighbors (work-shy slacker Art and paramilitary nut Rumsfield) believe the Klopeks are actually a family of murderers who killed Walter, the old man in the next house over. Ray and the other two turn detective to solve the mystery.

The film was one of the few starring Tom Hanks that failed at the box office. However, it did establish a large cult following that still exists.

Review: My Name is Nobody

The movie "MyName is Nobody" is a great comedy western for it's time. The soundtrack is seamingly endearing to the feel of each character as they come on screen. Especially in the case of Terence Hill's character "Nobody", his facial expressions, personality, and no fear attitude comes across as kickass. Henry Fonda does a great job as "Jack Beauregard", the over aged gunslinger ready to go out with a bang to leave a name for himself. A must see for the obscure comedy western lover.

Video: My Name is Nobody Trailer

Review: My Name is Nobody

So bad it's good definitely applies here. The cinematography is shaky & scattered, the dubbing is horrendous (which lends a really kickass early 70s feel to the whole thing) and the plot is practically unfollowable. Is that a word? I guess it is now.

I became a fan of Henry Fonda because of this movie. In fact, I just watched On Golden Pond because of this movie. I'm now looking for some Terence Hill movies. Hell, I might even look up a few Sergio Leone movies just for good measure.

Where have spaghetti Westerns been all my life??

Movie 001: My Name is Nobody (1973)

Picked by: PhatSmacker

From Wikipedia:
My Name is Nobody (also known as Il mio nome è Nessuno and Lonesome Gun) is a 1973 spaghetti western comedy film. The film was directed by Tonino Valerii and, in some scenes, by Sergio Leone. It was written by Sergio Leone, Fulvio Morsella and Ernesto Gastaldi. The cast includes Terence Hill, Henry Fonda, and Jean Martin. While Leone was officially only the producer, his directorial hand is seen in many moving shots and action sequences, and the style of the production is pure Sergio Leone but with a twist--this one's a comedy.