The 'Burbs
The 'Burbs is a 1989 American comedy film directed by Joe Dante starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Wendy Schaal, and Henry Gibson. The film was written by Dana Olsen, who also has a cameo in the movie. The film pokes fun at suburban environments and their eccentric dwellers.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the closed doors of your next door neighbour? Those innocent creatures by day may just prove to be naughty nasties by night… or worse – they could turn out to be the notorious Klopeks! Take a wicked trip to the dark side with director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling) as he explores the twisted secrets of American suburbia in the outrageous cult comedy The 'Burbs. Ray Peterson (Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump, Castaway) is currently a man of leisure. But his is not the holiday away from home that normal folk take – no far off lands, tropical islands or caravan parks.
To the disappointment of wife Carol (Carrie Fisher, Star Wars Episodes IV-VI), Ray decides to spend a relaxing week at home in his slippers and dressing gown, but soon finds himself embroiled in a suburban conspiracy of the most bizarre order. Teaming up with nosy neighbour Art (Ric Ducommun, Groundhog Day), old-school ex-soldier Mark (Academy Award® nominee Bruce Dern, Nebraska) and laid-back teenager Ricky (Corey Feldman, The Goonies), Ray becomes the unlikely leader of a clandestine operation to investigate the background of their mysterious new neighbours the Klopeks.
Convinced there is more to the Klopeks than meets the eye – Ray and his band of bumbling brothers manage to turn the otherwise quiet cul de sac upside-down in the process – watch out pizza dude, there goes the neighbourhood!
Critic Reviews:
- " It is a superbly inventive, insightful and funny black comedy. " – Dave Kehr
- " One of the greatest comedies ever made. A sharp satire of American life in the '80s, when people were becoming disillusioned all over again after the '70s. " – C.H. Newell
- " Presents suburban expansion as a cheerier version of manifest destiny. " – Josh Larsen