The 'Burbs

ISBN 10: 0783233515 ISBN 13: 9780783233512

Publisher: Universal Studios, 2003

Synopsis

Tom Hanks portrays suburbanite Ray Peterson, whose plans for a peaceful vacation are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block, in this outrageous suspense-comedy directed by Joe Dante. To the disappointment of his wife Carol (Carrie Fisher), Ray decides to spend a relaxing week at home, and soon gets into trouble with his neighbors - a hefty busybody (Rick Ducommun), a freaked-out ex-soldier (Bruce Dern), and a spacey teenager (Corey Feldman) - as they observe the strange happenings next door at the Klopek'sbizarre residence. When a neighboorhood grouch suddenly disappears, the men are convinced the ramshackle house hides some hideous clues. Armed with assault rifles, high-powered binoculars and a shovel, they decide to see for themselves exactly what is going on in the Klopek place. Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but average, The 'Burbs blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery with the type of humor that has made Tom hanks one of today's most popular stars.

About this title

Review

an extremely likeable film, especially with Tom Hanks in the lead role --Static Mass

Absolutely hilarious --shark/sharlie/sharn/& pickle

Hanks' fine timing is matched by a strong supporting cast --Time Out

Absolutely hilarious --shark/sharlie/sharn/& pickle

Hanks' fine timing is matched by a strong supporting cast --Time Out

Absolutely hilarious --shark/sharlie/sharn/& pickle

Hanks' fine timing is matched by a strong supporting cast --Time Out

Absolutely hilarious --shark/sharlie/sharn/& pickle

Hanks' fine timing is matched by a strong supporting cast --Time Out

From Amazon.co.uk

Tom Hanks stars in The 'Burbs, a sporadically funny extended sketch piece about a gaggle of suburban neighbours so preoccupied with mysteries taking place behind the closed doors of a newcomer that they go to extremes to look inside. The film is essentially a simple satire from director Joe Dante, for whom suburbia has been ripe territory for such comic-horror stories as Gremlins, Explorers, Matinee and Small Soldiers. Of all Dante's movies, The 'Burbs has the least story material to go around, and it depends heavily (and with modest success) on the comic powers of its cast--including Bruce Dern as a paranoid nut, Hanks as a Mr Normal type who loses perspective, and Rick Ducommun as Hanks' neurotic best friend. These appealing people hold one's attention, but by the end of the film, with nothing much having happened, even the cast can't mitigate an empty feeling. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Universal Studios
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0783233515
• ISBN 13: 9780783233512
• Binding: DVD
• Language: English