I just watched this film for this first time and I thought it was pretty good. I have read several of the other reviews which are dismal to say the least but I am now a fan of Richard Pryor after this film. For truly awesome Pryor watch " Stir Crazy " instead. This is a revamp of an older film of the same name that came out even before " talkies " in fact Thomas Jefferson may have seen the original! The 1919 version could only be an archaic dusty relic that should be examined by archaeologists. That is exactly why this film needed a fresh new take, forget people that feel it is not close enough to the original; it was 1985 during the " me " era and people were spending their dough like it was going out of style. Ronald Reagan was president and Michael J. Fox was Alex P. Keaton on " Family Ties " the Capitalist was the flavor of the week. Richard Pryor is Brewster a washed up baseball player who has been in the minors for 15 years, it seems as if his dreams are being washed up along with his game. His friend Spike played by John Candy (not a super performance from him I might add) is his good friend and catcher on the minor league ball team. Brewster discovers that his great uncle ( a " honky " in his own words) is giving his last surviving heir a chance to get $ 300,000,000 or play it safe and get $1,000,000. The only stipulation to get a the big pay out he needs to play a little game, his great uncle was a crotchety tormented man (too much cigar smoke, watch the flick). Brewster has to spend 30 mill. in 30 days, with absolutely no assets. That is a tough situation if ever there was one. The movie is really fun, its fantastic to watch Pryor trying to spend every last penny. I guess the movie's intention is to show how extravagance can be a real pain in the ass!! I loved Pryor as Brewster, I wanted him to be successful, he is so damn funny and a truly likable guy. Candy is the buddy role, and his character is unfortunately, two dimensional. I love John Candy (Bless Him) but he cannot make much out of an under developed role. Watch a hilarious performance of Seventh Heaven (TV Minister) as the conniving lawyer who seems like he has a rake up his ass and you really want to see him get his just desserts. The movie is a little slow at times but you will be cheering for Brewster along the way and see the hordes of regular people (those without 30 mill to blow) enjoying his riches. The conclusion is a little bit weak as well but the many comic moments make up for it. Watch this flick, it might be a winner for you.
6.5/10
8 out of 10 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Tell Your Friends