Hiding Out (1987) User Reviews

Duckie Goes Back to School

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 30 August 2014]

Wall Street stock broker (Jon Cryer), set to testify against a mob boss, is nearly killed by a hit-man. He escapes and runs off to hide with relatives, where he changes his appearance and passes himself off as a high school student.

Silly but enjoyable comedy. One of Cryer's better starring roles. Supporting cast is good. Pretty Annabeth Gish is the jailbait love interest. Nice soundtrack, too. My favorite part is the bit character Shawn, a troublesome high school student who tells the principal "Go ahead and call my parents, dude. I didn't do sh*t." I laughed hard at this guy because he reminded me of so many losers I went to school with.

The only thing more frightening than murder....High School!

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 18 August 2009]

Andrew Morenski is successful stock broker who is called to court to testify against a mob boss who was into some rather dubious dealings. When one of his co-workers, who is also due to give evidence, is murdered, Andrew is called to be guarded by the police. But all thoughts of safety are blown away when an attempt on Andrew's life quickly follows. On the run, Andrew finds a safety haven in the form of his cousin's High School. Posing as a student, Andrew finds that High School has a whole different type of peril waiting to engulf him....again.

Released just a year after Jon Cryer had become popular due to his turn as Duckie in John Hughes' Pretty In Pink-Hiding Out finds Cryer attempting to be leading man potential. That he isn't, is of no major harm to this charming and overlooked picture in the American teen comedy genre. When we first meet Cryer's Andrew Morenski, he's a successful business man with a beard you could lose a badger in. But we know it's a youthful Jon Cryer (he was 21 at the time of making the film but looking every inch like a teenager), so it's kind of a murky start from which to hopefully entice the viewer fully into the premise. Yet it all quickly turns around as Morenski hits High School. Hair dyed two colours and dressed like some rockabilly rebel, this is where Cryer steps into his element.

From here on in, save for the inevitable gun buffoonery show down at the end, the film is a delightful comedy about the perils of school. Love, rivals, school politics and witch like teachers all come in for a shiny going over in Bob Giraldi's film. Some of it's twee, and some of it is even morally questionable, but it wears its comedy and romantic heart on its sleeves. Hell the film even has something to say about the truth and how it's taught in schools (look out for a great sequence as Andrew/Max calls into question the teachers teaching of President Nixon). So it's not all fluff for sure. But it's the fluff that drives the film to its conclusion, and if that fluff chiefly is decent enough to have met the viewers expectations?

For me it most certainly did, I only asked one thing from this film, and that was for it to give me some chuckles and to leave me smiling come the end. It did both, so maybe, just maybe, you missed this in the late 80s and are now stuck for some 80s veneer comedy with a zippy 80s soundtrack. If so? This might just be the ticket for you. 7/10

Charming 80's Comedy

[bettyconway · 7/10 · 24 May 2019]

Jon Cryer might seem a bit too young to be playing a 30-something, but thanks to his charm, he pulls it off in this pretty decent 80's comedy about a stock broker who hides out in his hometown under a new identity and has to pretend to be a high schooler in order to escape the mob.

It's a goofy, far fetched story, but with the trademark 80's charm, it kinda works. Annabeth Gish and Keith Coogan offer Cryer nice support and the finale gets pretty exciting. Also, look out for a young Joy Behar as a sassy waitress.

should've been a hit

[mcfly-31 · 14 March 2001]

Big shock this didn't strike when the teen iron was hot in the 80s, cuz it turned out to be a big favorite of mine. Others have pointed out its implausibility, but aren't all films? This just moves swiftly from start to finish, and I dare compare it to my all time fave, "Back to the Future", in terms of its pacing. It all begins when stockbroker Cryer goes on the run. He's due to testify against some pre-requisite mob guys who were dealing with bogus bonds (or something). So he looks up his cousin and aunt in Jersey for help. But for reasons only known to himself, decides not to tell his aunt who he is after altering his appearance. He elects to hold up in his cousin's loft for a bit and then finds refuge underneath the school in some sort of abandoned basement. All the while, dealing with an annoying teacher, an unwanted popularity that prompts the kids to nominate him for student council and falling for the sweet Gish. Coogan is good as the dorky cohort to all of Cryer's happenings, which there are plenty of that keep the film rolling. But all this talk about near 30 Cryer and teenage Gish dating in the film is blown way out. Though her age is never mentioned, she's obviously 18, just having been accepted to college. And at the end of film, graduating high school. So, Roger Ebert's comment about her being 15 is waaaaayyy off. Sure it would be an odd romance, but not stat. rape. Anywho, the whole thing is a lot of fun, exploring perfectly what could happen if...

"Pretty Good 80's Comedy-Drama!"

[gwnightscream · 6/10 · 24 August 2014]

Jon Cryer, Keith Coogan, Annabeth Gish star in this 1987 comedy-drama. Cryer (Pretty in Pink) plays Andrew, a mid 20's stockbroker whose on the run when he's targeted by hit men working for a former business associate/mobster awaiting trial. Andrew decides to masquerade as student, Maxwell at a high school where his nerdy cousin, Patrick (Coogan) attends and hides there. He soon becomes popular and finds romance with female student, Ryan (Gish) who eventually learns his real identity. I watched this growing up and always thought it was pretty good. Cryer is great in it and he and Gish have good chemistry. I recommend this.

Perfect Nostalgia fun

[twostpr41 · 7/10 · 3 April 2013]

Being in my early 30's and an avid movie watcher, this one somehow escaped my grasp till about 5 years ago when i randomly happened upon it. And then again I managed to get thru high school without seeing pretty in pink. For the 99% percent of you who felt badly for poor Duckie, this movie might dull the pain and serve as retribution. Sort of. The film moves along at a good clip, and while the fake beard is silly looking, it's just the way it had to be. Gotta have something extreme to offset Cryer's adorable baby face and convince you he was 28 and not actually 22...I don't think he could .grow that beard now :) And Keith Coogan as his cousin is perfect. God I had such a huge crush on him when i was 9. But I do love the red heads. Anyhow this movie is great for a rainy/ sick day when you want something to entertain you that doesn't require your brain to do any heavy lifting. Silly but satisfying. And btw I long for the roller skate scene to still exist like it does in this movie...all chill and relaxed. At my place its roll like a demon fast and furious or get off the rink if you can! So not fun :(

Don't jump to conclusions as you watch this film

[zz-739-356346 · 7/10 · 14 May 2010]

Some people trash the movie for its flaws and reality holes. Yes, it has some (e.g. what school votes for class president in the spring?), but it's not that bad. This is a good date movie for 20-somethings, even now. The only thing that seems outdated about the movie is the music; even the lack of computers and cell phones or clothing and hair styles don't affect it.

As for people's griping about Morensky's age compared to Ryan Campbell, take careful note of the year the movie is set (1987) and what Morensky does the first time he's at the school office: he looks up at the wall and smiles. He's looking at the school's 1977 high school graduation class, probably his own. That would make him 28, not 30-something. A 28 year old dating an 18 year old is pushing it, but isn't impossible in the set-up situation of this film.

I fell in love with Annabeth Gish from this movie (I was 20 when this film was new) and hoped she would turn into another Jennifer Connelly.

Also of note is Oliver Cotton who played one of the Soviets in Clint Eastwood's "Firefox" (1982). He's a Stephen Dillane lookalike.

Vote for Mad Max!

[Mad Max-5 · 10/10 · 31 December 1998]

This movie falls into the "high school comedy" genre (like Better Off Dead and others). If you're not looking for a serious movie and are willing to suspend your disbelief, it is a lighthearted comedy and one of my personal favorites. Possibly not for the "serious critic" movie watcher, but for those looking for fun, check this one out.

Teen Comedy

[boblipton · 6/10 · 27 February 2021]

John Cryer is a stock broker in Manhattan, with some sketchy clients. When it turns out that they're mobsters, the FBI wants him to testify, and other witnesses are getting whacked, Cryer decides on his plan: shave his beard and hide out in high school, with only his neurotic cousin, Keith Coogan aware of who he is.

This is one of those movies where I find myself saying "I want to like this movie, so I will accept this idiotic premise, which is clearly miscalculated to appeal to teens, to see how amusing it can be." Despite some cringeworthy moments, like his love interest being Annabeth Gish, who is notionally 17, and the soundtrack being stereotypical for a 1980s teen comedy -- which is what it is -- there are some funny moments. Nothing laugh-out-loud funny, but enough to keep me interested.

I liked it a lot.

[spiffy4 · 10/10 · 2 June 2006]

If you enjoy watching how Jon Cryer acts in his movies then you will enjoy this movie. Jon is his irresistible self here. He looks hot in his grown up clothes and sweet in his teen gear too. There is a little action, some comedy, and a little romance for the girls. This is a must see for you if you liked him as Duckie in Pretty In Pink. Annabelle Gish plays a great role as well. For me the interaction of Jon with his family and the comedy that happens there is great. The cinematography is easy on the eyes. Loved the fact that Roy Orbison's song "Crying" was used in just the right scene. And the ending...I loved it. Don't want to spoil it for you so I won't say much more about the end. Watch it! It's good!

witness hides out in high school

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 6 May 2021]

Andrew (Jon Cryer) is scheduled to testify against a mobster in boston. If he lives long enough. So he hides out as a high school student. And as we know, that trick never works. Co-stars Annabeth Gish (Mystic Pizza), Tony Soper, Keith Coogan ( grandson of Jackie... plays cousin Patrick). Joy Behar, all done up in a wig, in her very first acting gig. You might also recognize Dr. Gusick (Jack Gilpin).... was also in Funny Farm. We have to overlook lots of silly things, but clearly, the film is for a much younger audience. The usual high school antics. And a refreshingly modern class room discussion of sexual preference, which in 1987 wouldn't have happened in most of the U. S. I'd be surprised if that discussion would take place in many schools, but hollywood was always ahead of the curve. And the gay gag of mistaken identity bit goes on too long. It's pretty good. Fun to see these actors who will go on to bigger things. Cryer had just made Pretty in Pink, but was still fifteen years away from the huge hit Two and a Half Men. Directed by Bob Giraldi, who had started out in music videos. Tim Quill (plays Kevin) died young at 54.

all right, all right

[Sifl_and_Olly_Insanity · 25 March 2002]

I noticed that no one who left a comment said anything really bad about it. Gee, I wonder why. Could it be because it's a great movie?

I loved this movie. I'm surprised that it didn't have a bigger following amongst teens and young adults back then. Weirdos.

It's back to school for Jon Cryer.

[Hey_Sweden · 6/10 · 9 September 2023]

Fresh off his "Pretty in Pink" success, Jon Cryer plays Andrew Morenski, a Boston stockbroker due to testify against a mobster over a "bogus bond" deal. Then, of course, the mobster sends a hitman (Oliver Cotton) to start rubbing out the witnesses, and Andrew barely escapes with his life. He hightails it to his aunt & cousins' place; dyeing his hair and shaving off his beard, he starts passing himself off as high school student "Maxwell Houser". (Yeah, he was looking at a coffee can when he came up with that one.). He becomes something of a role model to said dorky cousin (Keith Coogan), and also becomes a big deal to the students at the school, who insist on pitting him against the jock (Tim Quill) running for class president.

It's true that this very 80s comedy has credibility issues, and it's something of an odd duck the way that it combines the tropes of an 80s high school comedy with its protagonist-on-the-run aspects. It is amusing in spots, but it doesn't altogether work. It's as entertaining as it is due to a capable cast. Cryer is good in the lead, Annabeth Gish is adorable as the senior who catches his eye, Coogan is endearing, and that's Cryers' real-life mom, actress-writer Gretchen Cryer, playing his Aunt Lucy. Other familiar faces turning up include Ned Eisenberg, John Spencer, Nancy Fish, Richard Portnow, Gerry Bamman, and Jack Gilpin.

At its best, "Hiding Out" does have some good moments (such as Andrew calling into question the way that Nixon is portrayed in a lecture by a teacher) and at its worst has a silly finale and the questionable aspect of this romance between Cryer and Gish. Overall, it does a fair job of entertaining its intended audience.

Six out of 10.

Pretty much your average teen comedy

[gangstahippie · 7/10 · 2 September 2007]

Rated PG-13 for Language,Sexual Content and Some Violence.

Hiding out is one of the two films I saw on Showcase Diva's 1980's teen movie marathon.The other being weird science which was far superior.Hiding Out is basically about a stock-broker which the mafia is trying to murder so he cant testify against them.So he changes his name and look,goes to a high school and pretends to be a student at his cousins high school.He tries to keep his identity a secret while trying to woo a girl he likes.Hiding Out has an interesting concept and its a bit funny at times but overall its just your average teen comedy.If you catch it on TV, watch it but don't bother buying it.

Back to High School with Jon Cryer

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 2 August 2011]

When youthful Boston stockbroker Jon Cryer (as Andrew Morenski) is called to testify against a mobster, he is targeted by hit men. Narrowly escaping their gunfire, Mr. Cryer decides to disguise himself. He shaves his beard, gets two-tone hair, and changes clothing. Cryer goes to seek help from his suburban high school-aged cousin Keith Coogan (as Patrick Morenski), who first mistakes Cryer for a homosexual. Making full use of his juvenile grin, Cryer assumes the identity Maxwell "Max" Hauser, after a coffee container...

Back in high school, Cryer reluctantly goes roller-skating with attractive Annabeth Gish (as Ryan Campbell) while Roy Orbison sings "Crying", but worries about a relationship due to their age difference. When it's time for a good-night kiss, Cryer pretends to be coming down with a cold, but Ms. Gish doesn't care. There are bigger concerns for Cryer and his new teen pals as the mob closes in... You will surely see how this film could have been better, but also note how nicely everyone does in spite of that - and go along for the ride.

****** Hiding Out (11/6/87) Bob Giraldi ~ Jon Cryer, Keith Coogan, Annabeth Gish, Oliver Cotton

Hiding Out - I loved it!

[moondancerx3 · 10/10 · 21 May 2006]

I know there are some people who did not like this show. I have to say I loved it and thought the ending to be perfectly suited! It ended in a romantic note and find it to be better than most other movies or shows today! You know, the movies that end in violence and no hope for happy a ending! I love his acting! I think he is adorable in most anything he has acted in! To see he is still acting warms my heart. I hope he continues on with his career for many more years to come! As a note to Jon keep up the excellent work! I would love to see this movie again! I wish for others to see and appreciate an all around lovely movie with a wonderful ending!

Fun, superficial, curiously unsatisfying

[stills-6 · 7/10 · 4 October 1999]

I know I shouldn't expect much from this movie because it's just another 80s high school flick. But it promises so much that it doesn't deliver on, it's just disappointing. I like Jon Cryer - I especially liked him in the short-lived TV series The Famous Teddy Z - but there's something askew about him in this movie, like he's doing a different character from what the script calls for. It shouldn't have been another 80s HS flick, but I'm afraid that it's played that way all the way through. Still, it's fun in a superficial kind of way. And Annabeth Gish looks pretty good, too.

Enjoyed it

[bigdaddy4444 · 8/10 · 6 June 2006]

In spite of its faults, this movie was just fun to watch. I love the scene where Max gets in an argument with the history teacher and she sends him off to the principal's office...in high school, I had a teacher threaten to do that to me during a class discussion, so that scene really hit home! One thing that does bother me whenever I watch this movie is how bad the makeup is in the beginning when Jon Cryer was "bearded". The beard prevented him from doing much in the way of facial expressions, and it even hindered his speaking...kinda came off like a ventriloquist because he could hardly move his lips.

Fun movie though, just don't take it too seriously.

Enjoyable mixture of action and teen comedy

[Da reel Mikestar · 10/10 · 21 December 2001]

Sure, it was not meant to be an oscar winner, but this is the kind of film all the family can enjoy. It has elements of a teen comedy, drama and action. This film is the kind that you can watch over, without getting bored. It is not crude like most teen comedies, and relies on structure and characterisation to push the plot along, which is a nice touch. This movie is a nice film, one for all to enjoy!

so what ??? ...

[jaxson · 8/10 · 2 December 2000]

if it's far-fetched and totally unbelievable??? so what that his own cousin doesn't recognise him! so what if andrew/maxwell would have set himself up for arrest in 37 states because of his relationship with a high school senior!!!! GO WITH IT!!!! IT'S CUTE!!!

max lives every adults' secret dream (or is it a nightmare?), even if it is to hide out from the mob! he goes back to high school, spouts the announcements we all wanted to be able to say via the principal's loudspeaker at night, dates the cutest girl in town (and saves her dad a bunch of money with some solid tax advice, to boot), runs for class president ... he even has a classic "discussion" with a right-wing biddie-of-a-teacher (come on, you know you had one just like her) over her assertion that richard nixon was "a great man who was betrayed by his countrymen."

if there's nothing good on the first-run shelf at the video store, rent this one for some good entertainment. i mean, does every movie have to be totally believable to be good? if so.

jeff

Jon Cryer never seems to look older than a teenager.

[vertigo_14 · 1 June 2004]

"Hiding Out" is a decent lightweight feature for Jon Cryer and Keith Coogan fans alike. Cryer plays a financial investor who is witness to a mobster's inside trading. But, instead of expediting his testimony and sending him to the witness protection program, he plays dress up and poses as a high school student, a task which is he too uptight for at first, but eventually gets into the swing of things.

The story is pretty stupid, and the ending, in that eager attempt for a happy ending by letting all of the characters fall in love while impecably saving the day, is even more stupid. But, if you don't mind dumb 80s comedies like these, so long as they're about the teen life, then you should enjoy this. One thing's for sure, Jon Cryer, no matter how old he gets, still looks like a teenager.

Jon Cryer looked way too young

[coachhound · 8/10 · 19 April 2002]

a great film a bit drematic for the most part but worth seeing all together. Done very well and in most cases very believable for the most part. However it seems that it was hard to beleive he was as old as he claimed to be but a great film

Excellent movie. A favorite. Cryer&Gish sweet and wonderful together.

[Kellyann-1 · 10/10 · 19 March 2011]

Hiding Out was an excellent movie. A very underrated film and a guilty pleasure movie of mine. It has drama,suspense,thrills, romance and comedy. Keith Coogan is wonderful in his supporting role as cousin Patrick. John Spencer's small role was nice. Rewatching this movie on DVD recently I was surprised to see The View's Joy Behar in a small role as well. Hiding Out is a well acted and scripted movie. Annabeth Gish is lovely as Ryan and had wonderful and sweet chemistry with Jon Cryer. Ryan and Max's first date at the rollerskating ring is one of my favorite date movie moments. The soundtrack is great too. Pretty Poison's Catch Me I'm Falling and KD Land and Roy Orbson's Crying were incredible. This is my favorite Jon Cryer role and movie. Very entertaining.

30 something stockbroker falls for HS beauty while hiding from the mob.

[RichardIvey · 16 December 2002]

Being a child of the 80's, I enjoyed Hiding Out on several levels. I think that Annabeth Gish is a beautiful woman and love the way she smiles during this movie. She is lucky in the characters she played while a younger actress. She was a good actress then and she is a great one now. Jon Cryer is a good actor but he doesn't seem totally comfortable in this role. Perhaps that is a good thing, since he is a fish out of water character here. The high school kids were pretty believable, especially Keith Coogan. His is pretty much the same character from Adventures in Babysitting, just grown up now. This is pretty amazing since both movies came out in 1987.

The ending is bit contrived but entertaining just the same. Hiding Out is a really good movie and worth the rental fee if you want some 80's nostalgia or too see something safe for the whole family. I have watched it numerous times and still look forward to seeing it again.

Slick

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 6 November 2020]

I like the bit where he asked for a scotch and soda. The rest of the movie I get confused with encino man.