Watch The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs is a 1989 American black comedy film directed by Joe Dante and written by Dana Olsen. It stars Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Wendy Schaal and Henry Gibson. The film is a dark comedy about a suburban neighborhood where peace and tranquility are disrupted by the arrival of strange new neighbors. The central character in the film is Ray Peterson (Hanks), a middle-aged man who is intrigued and suspicious about the odd new neighbors that have moved in next door. Ray suspects the neighbors, the Klopeks, are murderers and are responsible for the mysterious disappearance of a local resident. The movie follows Ray and his friends as they attempt to uncover the truth about the Klopeks and their strange behavior.

The film's plot is driven by the quirky and eccentric characters in the neighborhood. The supporting cast features a parade of outrageous and outrageous characters, including Ray's paranoid neighbor, Art Weingartner (Dern), and Ray's wife, Carol (Fisher), who is skeptical of her husband's obsession with the Klopeks. Corey Feldman plays Ricky Butler, a mischievous teenager who is fascinated by the strange occurrences in the neighborhood.

The film is a well-crafted blend of suspense, comedy, and mystery. It successfully manages to balance humor with genuine moments of tension and suspense. The script is filled with witty one-liners, clever visual gags, and humorous set pieces that keep the audience entertained throughout.

The film's cinematography is noteworthy for its use of long and elaborate tracking shots that follow the characters as they move through the neighborhood. These lengthy shots add to the film's suspense and help to create a sense of claustrophobia as the characters traverse the narrow streets and crowded houses.

The 'Burbs has an impressive cast of character actors, many of whom have appeared in other Joe Dante films. Bruce Dern is particularly memorable as the paranoid Art Weingartner, and Carrie Fisher gives a solid performance as Ray's skeptical wife, Carol. The chemistry between Hanks, Dern, and Fisher is one of the film's strongest points, and their interactions are a highlight of the movie.

The score for the film, by composer Jerry Goldsmith, is also noteworthy. The music perfectly complements the film's tone, alternating between light and comic, and dark and ominous. The score is especially effective during the film's climactic scenes, adding an extra layer of tension and excitement.

Overall, The 'Burbs is a highly enjoyable movie that is equal parts comedy and suspense. The film's clever script, cast of talented actors, and expert direction make it a classic of the black comedy genre. The film's satirical take on suburban life has made it a cult favorite among audiences and critics alike.

The 'Burbs is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 45.