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Volunteers (1985)

 -  Comedy  -  16 August 1985 (USA)
5.1
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Ratings: 5.1/10 from 4,783 users  
Reviews: 27 user | 8 critic

Lawrence is a rich kid with a bad accent and a large debt. After his father refuses to help him out, Lawrence escapes his angry debtors by jumping on a Peace Corp flight to Southeast Asia, ... See full summary »

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Title: Volunteers (1985)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
At Toon
...
Lawrence Bourne Jr.
Ernest Harada ...
Chung Mee
...
Albert Bardenaro
...
Kent Sutcliffe
Ji-Tu Cumbuka ...
Cicero (as Ji-Tu Cumbaka)
Guillermo Río ...
Sumo Guard (as Guillermo del Rio)
Jacqueline Evans ...
Aunt Eunice
Pamela Gual ...
Tammy the Stewardess
Philip Guilmant ...
Yale President (as Phillip Giulmant)
Chick Hearn ...
Announcer
Edit

Storyline

Lawrence is a rich kid with a bad accent and a large debt. After his father refuses to help him out, Lawrence escapes his angry debtors by jumping on a Peace Corp flight to Southeast Asia, where is assigned to build a bridge for the local villagers with American-As-Apple-Pie WSU Grad Tom Tuttle and the beautiful and down-to earth Beth Wexler. What they don't realize is that the bridge is coveted by the U.S. Army, a local Communist force, and a powerful drug lord. Together with the help of At Toon, the only English speaking native, they must fight off the three opposing forces and find out what is right for the villagers, as well as themselves. Written by Michael Silva <silvamd@cleo.bc.edu>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Ready or not, here they come See more »

Genres:

Comedy

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

16 August 1985 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Alles hört auf mein Kommando  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The picture debuted at the No. #2 rank at the American box office. See more »

Goofs

Early in the movie, after Lawrence boards the airliner and the cabin door is shut, one of the thugs chasing him tries to board the plane by jumping from the stairway. When he hits the side of the plane, the cabin door flexes and moves, revealing it to be a fake door. See more »

Quotes

At Toon: Don't kill me! Don't kill me! I haven't had a woman yet!
See more »

Crazy Credits

Tom Hanks' character has firstname "Lawrence". Hanks saves the village. As film fades to black for credits, a large group of "volunteers" gather around Hanks. Just as black for start of credits shows, chants of "Lawrence, Lawrence, Lawrence..." are heard. Absolutely a tribute to scene of O'Toole as Lawrence of Arabia marching across traintop to chants of "Lawrence, Lawrence, Lawrence..." See more »

Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939) See more »

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User Reviews

 
One pretty funny movie
14 January 2004 | by (New Jersey) – See all my reviews

I don't see why this film has such a bad reputation, and is probably regarded as the worst in Tom Hanks' career. Sure, it's no "Forrest Gump," but as a broad comedy it works out well. Hanks is passionate about every role he plays, and this case was no different. He's very funny as his snooty rich character. Adding to the comic relief are Gedde Watanabe (of "Sixteen Candles") and the always-funny John Candy. The plot is predictable, but there are many amusing moments. Plus, it's refreshing to see a comedy that's Rated R!!! Sure, it's no hard R, but nowadays filmmakers are so afraid to release comedies with R-ratings that it's not even funny--no pun intended.

My score: 7 (out of 10)


15 of 16 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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