The 'Burbs

Universal Pictures | Release Date: February 17, 1989

7.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Ratings

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FilipeNetoMay 13, 2020

In this film, situational comedy reigns as a trio of crazy neighbours get together to discover what is going on with a family that has just arrived and no one knows yet, but that totally clashes with them. They get to the point of ridicule,In this film, situational comedy reigns as a trio of crazy neighbours get together to discover what is going on with a family that has just arrived and no one knows yet, but that totally clashes with them. They get to the point of ridicule, entering each other's houses, rummaging through personal possessions and stirring up the most absurd theories about new neighbours. It is a film that it's not for me and I did not find it funny, but rather a little offensive. I do not belong to that culture. I will never understand the American suburban mentality with open lawns, open doors, neighbours who strangely see themselves present at the door of newcomers, with welcome gifts and who seem willing to, amicably, meddle in each other's lives under cover of the friendliest and most well-intentioned thoughts.

Starting from this premise of natural cultural difference, I look at this film with some incredulity and, sometimes, shock. A welcome commission on arriving at a new home? It seems absurd to me. Have the worry of introducing myself to my new neighbours? I was never going to do it in my life. Seeing a neighbour invade my home or my private life because they think something strange is going on? Poor guy, he signed his death sentence! For me, situations like those in this film, even the simplest ones, seem unbelievable. For me, an open lawn is an invitation to enter, so the higher the wall and the sharper the barbs on top of it, the better. And a good neighbour is the one who gives me the least trouble. I don't care if I don't know his name or he doesn't give me the good days, as long as he stays in his corner and leaves me in peace and quiet in my corner. It's my culture, it's the world where I was raised, and where that neighbourhood culture doesn't exist. But this film is all about it and shows the sense of community that exists in some American neighbourhoods, where hypocrisy goes hand-in-hand with mutual assistance, as can be seen in the way everyone is concerned about the disappearance of an older character, the same they used to be angry with when his dog poop on their lawn. A sense of community that creates patterns and makes everyone follow similar lives, ostracizing or taxing as “weirdos” all those who choose to put themselves out, live a more reserved life or simply adopt different habits. The film stinks of satire, in fact, and it seems a harsh criticism of that way of thinking, but it is a criticism that is not funny to me.

Tom Hanks is the main actor, and literally carries the film on his shoulders as he is the best and most talented in the cast. In any case, the characters are stereotypes or just pure comedy figures. There is no depth or complexity, and the work of each actor is simplified to a minimum: saying the lines, making laugh and looking funny. Next to Hanks is a good supporting cast, with strong comedy figures like Rick Ducommun, Bruce Dern and Bruce Dern, as well as a more restrained but very effective Carrie Fisher. Everyone did a good job. The film is not notable for its technical aspects or production values, but the sets and special effects worked very well and helped a lot in the comic effect.

For those who like silly comedies and cardboard characters, just to spend some time, this film should work very well. I had a lot of difficulties with this film, I felt the culture and mental clash but I recognize that its not a bad film, although it is totally forgettable.… Expand

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Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021

Its quirky attitude and Joe Dante's direction are all welcome in making a sometimes intriguing, exaggerated world, but "The Burbs" is held back by a highly predictable plot and use of clichés.

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