Wednesday, 10 August 2016

BREWSTER'S MILLIONS (1985)

Featuring: Richard Pryor; John Candy; Lonette McKee; Stephen Collins

Director: Walter Hill

John Candy was a very popular comedic actor especially during the 1980's and appeared in classic comedies of its time like The Blues Brothers (1980) and Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987). In Brewster's Millions he plays the best friend of Richard Pryor's character. Sadly John died in 1994.

Montgomery Brewster (Pryor) is a down on his luck minor league baseball player with not much future prospects. But then when an uncle he never heard of dies, he stands to inherit a fortune. However, there is a catch. Before he can inherit anything he must first spend $30 million in one month without acquiring any assets. If he fails he gets nothing.

This remake of the 1945 evenly named film is quite a hoot and was reasonably successful at the box office. But for me it is the combined talents of John Candy and Richard Pryor that make this movie work. I therefor give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

    John Candy and Richard Pryor


UNCLE BUCK (1989)

Featuring: John Candy; Amy Madigan; Jean Louisa Kelly; Gaby Hoffman; Macauly Culkin
Director: John Hughes

In this comedy John Candy stars as the title character. When mom and dad have to leave town urgently for a couple of days to attend to a family emergency, none of their usual babysitters are available to look after their three kids. So, as a desperate last resort they ask dad's irresponsible unemployed bachelor brother to help out.

This movie does not follow the usual babysitter-comedy- formula of mayhem and destruction. Instead it is quite heartwarming and John Candy plays the good-natured caring uncle to perfection. Although it has its funny moments, the real kick lies in the developing relationship between the children and their odd ball uncle. I give it 3 out of 5 stars as well.

Trailer link:   


    Macauly Culkin, Jean Louise Kelly, John Candy and Gaby Hoffman


 

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