Retro cinema: The ‘Burbs
August 14th, 2008
I liked Tom Hanks before it was cool to do so, or is that before it became uncool to do so? Either way I love Tom Hanks early work, back when he was hilarious, before there was Gump.
The ‘Burbs is one of those films that reminds me of school holidays, it’s summer, you’re on holidays, the characters in the movie are on holidays and they’re all hanging out in the neighbourhood. It was nice to think back then that when you grew up you could still act like kids and hang out with your mates on the holidays.
Of course life doesn’t necessarily work out like that but that’s why we buy these movies on DVD, to recapture that feeling, even in the slightest.
The ‘Burbs tells the story of a quiet street that has its peace and quiet shattered when the spooky Klopeks move in. Tom Hanks plays Ray Peterson, a family man who just wants to chill out around the house for his holidays. Ironically drama and excitement find him as he and the neighbours attempt to get to the bottom of one of the neighbour’s disappearance and the mysterious Klopeks.
The ‘Burbs is put together really well, its timing is generally perfect and I’m pretty certain this was the last film before Carrie Fisher became scary. There are some really nice nods to the horror films of the my youth, the Exorcist and Texas Chainsaw Massacre (I was really obsessed with chainsaws at one stage).
Hanks is just great as every-man, he wants to hang around the house and takes great delight in the happenings of the street. He is joined by his slacker, wife-avoiding next door neighbour and the patriotic, paramilitary crazy from across the street both of which are so funny and brilliantly played by Rick Ducommun and Bruce Dern.
No movie from the 80’s would be complete without a Corey and we just happen to have my preferred one: Feldman in a role he may have played more than once but does it with such joy that who cares!
It is hard to believe that the entire film (except for the very cool opening sequence) takes place entirely in the street. A bit of trivia about the set actually, it eventually becomes Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives with several of the houses appearing almost the same with slight refurbishment. Another interesting and somewhat ironic fact is that one of the houses is the house from the Munsters, though you never get to see it in its entirety.
I love this film, it holds up really well.
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Categories: Movies | Tags: bruce dern, carrie fisher, ray peterson, Retro cinema, rick ducommun, The 'Burbs, tom hanks
Now those are interesting bits of trivia.
Don’t tell Rol, but I too am a closet Hanks fan. Bachelor Party used to be my all time favorite film in the world ever. It probably still makes my top twenty and i haven’t seen it for about 10 years.
The ‘Burbs was cool.
Dans last blog post..Lincolns Inn Bridge to Burneside
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By Lee on August 15th, 2008 | Reply
Bachelor Party is a timeless film that should have won several academy awards for pissing brilliance.
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The ‘Burbs is one of those unfortunately overlooked films. I think I actually saw this in the theater.
Being a liberal from the States, my preferred Corey is Corey Flintoff: http://tinyurl.com/b3wqf
heh.
arkonbeys last blog post..FINISHED!
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Did you know Tom Hank’s son Colin, played Alex in Roswell ??
Well, I have to say, I wasn’t too keen on Forest Gump, but loved Tom in Sleepless in Seattle.
BTW, just bought Series of Firefly…. Boo ya.
Widdle Shamrocks last blog post..I am meant to be packing
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Yeah he was in Orange County too with Jack Black, I’m pretty certain I read somewhere that Hanks visited the set of Roswell too.
You just bought Firefly! Slam dunk!!!
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Brilliant movie it is - But where the hell do I get a copy of “Summer School?”
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By Lee on August 20th, 2008 | Reply
Dude! I was thinking about that the other day, if I saw it in the shop I would snap it up without thinking about it!
God I loved that film.
Hope all is good with you too man.
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