I just recently watched the classic Tom Hanks films ‘The Burbs’ on ITV 2. I have always loved this movie and remember watching it when it first came out back in 1989 so watching it again was great fun.
Is it just me that thinks that although this movie is incredibly cheesy now, it is possibly one of Tom Hanks funniest and imaginative of movies?
The basic storyline revolves around, a strange and mysterious family called ‘The Klopeks’ who move into your average suburban neighbourhood.
Their presence soon arouses the suspicions of a number of the residents, namely Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) who along with a group of his other crazy neighbourhood friends decide to take matters into their own hands and prove that they are really hiding a deep and disturbing secret in the basement of their house.
As the strange noises from the basement get increasingly louder, and the Klopeks behaviour becomes more and more bizarre the residents soon set up their own plan to break into the house and find out the truth for themselves.
This is tongue in cheek humour at its best, the thing I love about ‘The Burbs’ is as well as being insanely cheesy and extremely comical it is actually a little creepy!
The film does put you on edge and keep you wondering all the way through and the final scene is a real classic moment with Ray and The Dr in the back of the ambulance.
Tom Hanks gives a great early performance in one of more laid back roles and it is great to see actors such as Cory Feldman on screen in their prime after the hit ‘The Goonies’ that just about every kid grew up knowing and loving him for.
The Burbs may be a little too creepy for younger kids but teenagers and adults will find it one of those movies that despite being a little dated, still manages to entertain you right the way through. Watch it if you have a spare hour or two and let it remind you of some of those fantastic 80’s films that we all grew up with!
Full cast list for The Burbs: Archie Hahn, Arnold F. Turner, Bill Stevenson, Billy Jayne, Brenda Benner, Brother Theodore, Bruce Dern, Carey Scott, Carrie Fisher, Corey Feldman, Cory Danziger, Courtney Gains, Dana Olsen, Dick Miller, Franklyn Ajaye, Gale Gordon, Gary Hays, Gigi Vorgan, Heather Haase, Henry Gibson, Jeffrey Kramer, Kevin Gage, Leigh French, Lynne Marie Stewart, Moosie Drier, Nicky Katt, Patrika Darbo, Phyllis Katz, Rance Howard, Rick Ducommun, Robert Picardo, Sonny Carl Davis, Tom Hanks, Tracy Newman, Wendy Schaal.