The 'Burbs Reviews
As much as we think of Tom Hanks as a serious dramatic actor nowadays, he actually spent much of his early career in comedy, utilising his excellent timing and willingness to look like a fool in films like Dragnet, Big & The Money Pit among others. True, his often shouty delivery and over animation was annoying at times, but his affable charm and screen presence always made his work bearable if nothing else. The Burbs is a thoroughly tongue in cheek look at the life of middle class suburbanites, the kind of people who have nothing better to do than spy on and subsequently cast aspersions on their neighbours because their lawn hasn’t been cut in a week, or their hedges are unruly, or they’ve chosen an ugly design for their curtains, or any other number of mundane gripes that most people wouldn’t spend 2 second fretting over. A writers strike at the time meant the ending couldn’t be fully realised, and it really shows. It’s like 3 completely separate idea were slammed together, and a film ending on a bum note can really kill the experience. Thankfully, all the zany shenanigans, over the top characters and practical stunt work make the film an amusing diversion that manages to make the most of its setting and scenario. Not the finest work from those involved, but a fun time nonetheless.
A wonderfully underated comedy from Hanks early days. A cult classic for sure. Must watch
One of the most underrated dark comedy's in history. An unsung hero of the 80' s. A movie you can watch over and over.
I absolutely love this movie. The burbs is wonderful for a movie that came out in 1989. Most of the critics have this scored totally wrong. If you’re looking to find a movie that has humor dark comedy and is somewhat of a mystery. This is the movie for you especially since a lot of the stuff that comes out now is pure garbage. I wish Tom Hanks would do comedies again because this is classic Tom Hanks comedy with a dark edge. This movie is so unique, which is why I think many of the critics gave it a bad score. But in my opinion, they’re absolutely wrong. This is one of my top five favorite movies.
If you just allow yourself to sit back relax and except this movie for what it is there is not one better. Pull the stick out don't judge and just enjoy. Greatest flick of all time!!!
This is a fairly empty comedy. There are a few bits here and there that I enjoyed, but overall, I can't give it much of a recommendation. While Tom Hanks handles his part with ease, it isn't much of a role in the first place. Some highlights: 1) It's always nice to see Carrie Fisher. 2) Ditto for Bruce Dern. 3) And most of all, it's great to see Henry Gibson, who brings his usual quiet and soft comedy self to his role.
My favorite movie of all time. I love all the characters, especially Ruben. The perfect blend of cheesy, funny, scary and nostalgic. A great soundtrack and a true cult classic!
One of the funniest horror comedies I've ever seen
An absolute classic that rewards multiple viewings. A must-see for a Joe Dante fan. This gem was under appreciated in its time, likely due to marketing. If audiences went in expecting another over-the-top Hanks performance a la “Big” or “Money Pit”, they were likely disappointed. What you get instead is an eerie suburban mystery on par with “the Twilight Zone” series mixed with B-movie charm and humor. Watch it with those expectations and prepare for belly laughs intertwined w genuine scares. Dante brings such a level a creepy unease w the “neighbors from hell” , you’d think you were watching some forgotten Vincent Price / Roger Corman drive-in feature.
Had a few weak spots with the story, but show what can be done when you have a great cast.
an underrated film, yeah its a little quirky but it's still enjoyable as the neighbors want to find out more about the reclusive new neighbors who moved in and do a few weird things, its good to see it all unfold
Loved its quirkiness.
Tom Hanks gives another spirited performance, but The 'Burbs' slow simmer of a plot doesn't yield many laughs or a satisfying payoff.
Dumb fun. 7/10 - Good.
It was funny and silly -- something to cheer you up on a gloomy day.
One of my all time favourite Tom Hanks movie. 10/10
good movie best performance by tom hanks the movie was so funny the cast is great.
This cast is awesome. The film is hilarious. There is nuance in the characters that gets a little outshines by some of the goofiness. This is 80s cinema at its finest. Continuity issues not withstanding.
A 80's cult classic .