Movies-TV

John Candy gives a great performance....

in spite of working with some thin cliché-ridden material. John Candy had excellent comedic timing and he makes the most of it here in a well worn plot of parents being away, a scraping of the bottom of the barrel for a sitter for the children in the shape of the nogoodnik Uncle Buck who fixes horse-races for a living.Uncle Buck can't settle down and has the proverbial long term successful girlfriend with a heart of gold. You get the two young adorable children, the sullen teenager that you know will do a 180 turn before the end of the flick, and you predict a happily ever after ending with reformed characters everywhere. You are not disappointed when all this comes to pass.In the meantime, Uncle Buck displays a disturbing dark side: witness his interaction with the school vice-principal and his treatment of his niece's boyfriend. Not jocular at all. Also that neighbour woman, how strange was that? H'mmm. More to this than a simple comedy, it appears. Almost like two movies pretending to be one. 5 out of 10.

Candy corn

For anyone who wonders what made John Candy such a lovable lug, this, along with "Stripes" and his best work "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," will clue you in. Arguably the weakness movie of the three, Candy's timing and soft self-deprecating humor as a bachelor turned babysitter give "Uncle Buck" a charming center that helps you endure Jean Louisa Kelly's grating performance, as his snotty angst-ridden niece, and John Hughes' sappy direction.

John Candy at his best

The late, great John Candy always came across as this big, lovable rogue of man who had a heart of gold so 'Uncle Buck' really plays on these attributes to bring together a wonderful comedy that will leave you alternating between laughter and feeling all fuzzy! John Candy stars in the title role of Uncle Buck, the slob bachelor uncle who is grudgingly called upon to babysit his sensible brother's three children while the parents have to go out of town visiting a sick relative. Buck copes admirably with the adorable eight-year-old Miles and six-year-old Maisy. However, his work is cut out when it comes to dealing with the eldest of the children, fifteen-year-old Cindy, who is a sullen, cynical teenager who has no time for her uncle's light-hearted, down-trodden ways. It doesn't take long for the battle of wills between slob and teen to thunder through the house.Watching the film, it certainly seems that Candy was born for such a role. He really brings the character to life, portraying Buck's slovenly side as well as what makes him such a genuinely nice, decent guy who you would love to have as an uncle. Jean Louisa Kelly, as Cindy, nicely compliments him by depicting her initial disgust that she is related to such a man but later discovers they do have a few things in common (such as a sadistic side!) 'Uncle Buck' walks a nice balance between being a hilarious comedy, as we see Buck's antics in dealing with the alien territory of family life, and being a warming family film that doesn't delve into being overly-sentimental. Highly recommended even if it is just to see how Buck curtly deals with Cindy's sleazy boyfriend Bug!

My Favorite Movie

I miss John Candy, dearly.I never miss an opportunity to see Uncle Buck when it's on Cable, and when it's raining and gloomy and nothing else is on, I pop in my Uncle Buck copy that I bought.This movie never fails to entertain and make me laugh. I can recite Shanice's line perfectly:"I'm s'posed to come over and watch youuu?"Rent it, buy it, watch it when it's on cable. Uncle Buck is my 10 out of 10 stars.

One of John Candy's BEST!

This film is fun for the whole family. With lots of laughs it is comparable to a Chevy Chase vacation film. John Candy (Uncle Buck) plays the unwanted, "low-life" uncle. But when his brother gets in a pinch and needs a baby-sitter for a week, he ends up with Buck. Great laughs.

A bachelor learns more than he bargined for babysitting

An eccentric bachelor man is called upon to watch his sisters 3 children, one an unmanegeable teen. He is trying to manage his own love life and the teen while juggling taking care of the two younger kids. He comes away with a better understanding of his own girlfriend and kids in general and a better feeling about himself. Lots of laughs. A real feel good movie good for the whole family. John Candy at his best.

Uncle Buck

My order of the DVD "Uncle Buck" was my first order through Amazon.com and I was very satisfied with the order. The DVD was in perfect condition, and it was delivered promptly. I actually received it in the mail sooner than I expected.

Silly and Stupid

Family movies are supposed to be fun. This movie is far from it. I never liked John Candy movies, or what I saw of them. This is the stupidest of them all. With a goofy plot, a stupid script, and horrible acting, this is a movie I wish I missed. True, it has some heart, some wit, but it's all washed away in a garble of trashy scenes, mixed up dialogue, and foolish one-liners. Not only that,the music is horrible. John Candy says something creepy, and suddenly there is this creepy sounding mesh of music--noise--that makes me want to cover my ears. It would be better off with no music--in fact, it would be better off if it didn't exist.

A favorite scene

I watch this movie each time hoping to catch the great scene with Uncle Buck and the Principal. She comes out with that "You're niece is a dreama, a twiddla, a silly haught..." and U.B. turns around and verbally blows her out of the office. I think it is the essence of what people like about this movie, U.B.'s pit bull defense of his family. Wouldn't we all love an uncle like this on our side?

Too many hats.

This movie was pretty funny. It's about a family who fail to find a baby sitter and end up with a drunk, gambling, fat uncle. Uncle Buck ends up interfering in everyone's life, especially his teenage niece. It all works out eventually. I wondered why everyone in this movie wore a hat. There is even a scene where Uncle Buck goes to a party and someone steals his hat.The best part was the part where Uncle Buck is making pancakes for his younger niece and nephew. I about died laughing when I saw the looks on their faces.So tip your hat to this one and make some pancakes because it is a funny movie.

Uncle Buck (1989)

This is my favorite John Hughes movie, and that's saying a lot because I was a teenager in the 80s and John Hughes was the God of teenage movies back then. John Candy aka Uncle Buck has to babysit his nieces and nephew when a family emergency arises. Uncle Buck rarely spent time with his family before then, and he's certainly not used to the suburbs! It's actually a funny, sweet movie. The way he bonds with the kids is great.

John Hughes's worst film.

Uncle Buck starring John Candy is boring, flat, and unfunny. I find it hard to believe that the late John Hughes wrote this depressing '80s flick. Macaulay Culkin is pretty good in this, he would later star in the Home Alone movies also written by Hughes. Uncle Buck tries to be a light-hearted comedy/drama but I can't seem to find anything special about this stinker. Candy's acting is awesome but even his delightful face can't save this silly farce. Stick to The Breakfast Club or National Lampoon's Vacation if you want a flawless Hughes movie.

a viewer from plant city florida!

I think this movie is great. John candy is very funny, I sure wished that he hadn't died so that he could have been in more movies. I reccomend this movie to anyone who wants a good laugh.

A Comedy Classic By John Candy

This movie is none stop laughs. This is the story about a lazy man who's called to take care of his brothers kids because his Father-in-law had a heart attack. Comedy starts early in this movie with the help of rookie actor Macaulay Culkin in his first movie, playing little Miles Russell and does a fine job. Jean Louisa Kelly takes the role of the angry teenage daughter Tia Russell, who can't seem to get along with her Uncle Buck Russell played by none other then John Candy. John Candy shines as Buck and brings a lot of great comedy, but probably the most unforgettable part is his car. That big bang from the car was great and was used in multiple scenes and got laughs in all the scenes. Another great actress is Amy Madigan, playing Chanice who brings a very serious character into the mix. The scenes are well placed, and the movie is certainly a comedy hit. My favorite scene was John Candy in the elementary school trying to use those little toilets, that was great.Overall, a perfect 10/10, a comedy that uses no special effects, nothing flashy or unrealistic. This is a very straight forward story that is just designed to make you laugh non-stop, and John Candy is the king at that.

FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY

I MISS JOHN CANDY. THIS IS ONE FUNNY MOVIE. GOOD OLD UNCLE BUCK. A CLASSIC.

FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY

This is one of my all time favorite movies. Poor Buck...he is such a messup yet so love-able. John Candy's largeness (sadly what helped lead to his death), just makes his presence funny alone...without any words spoken.

Suprisingly there are quite a few risque' moments and swear words...might wanna be careful for young kids. Still a very funny movie with a nice, touching ending.

Thoroughly delightful from start to finish!

This movie is sheer joy and a pleasure to watch. John Candy is at the top of his game here. Anyone who thinks Chris Farley or any other SNL losers even belong on the big screen should watch a master comic actor at work. We really lost a major talent with Candy's passing. Along with PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES, these two films highlight his comic genius and vulnerability. Buy this one and keep it!

Would you want an uncle like Uncle Buck?

After seeing an uncle I hadn't seen in 11 years just after New Year, I've decided I'd rather stick with an uncle that I don't see so often rather than Uncle Buck. No offence to others who DO have an uncle like that, but I don't think I could handle it. I'd probably act too much like Tia as well. Although with better taste in guys.

I like the way John Candy's afore-mentioned character manages to befriend the younger kids first (adorably played by Gabby Hoffman and Maculay Culkin) and towards the end, there's a sweet, though predictable scene with Tia, played by Jean Louise Kelly. I didn't see too much about Tia not getting along with her mother too much earlier in the film, so the ending was a bit weird for me. I have to say John Candy did play the character of Uncle Buck very well, and he was enjoyable to watch - even if I do get him constantly muddled up with John Goodman.

Look out for Jay Underwood playing Bug, particularly if you've watched The Boy Who Could Fly. He's unrecognisable now.

This is a fluffy movie, what you'd really expect from John Hughes, and it's perfect while you're wasting some time until your boyfriend comes home. Watch once, I wouldn't say it was a regular film to watch.

Another great John Candy comedy

Director: John Hughes
Format: Color
Studio: Universal Studios
Video Release Date: January 19, 1999

Cast:

John Candy ... Buck Russell
Jean Louisa Kelly ... Tia Russell
Gaby Hoffmann ... Maisy Russell
Macaulay Culkin ... Miles Russell
Amy Madigan ... Chanice Kobolowski
Elaine Bromka ... Cindy Russell
Garrett M. Brown ... Bob Russell
Laurie Metcalf ... Marcie Dahlgren-Frost
Jay Underwood ... Bug
Brian Tarantina ... E. Roger Coswell
Mike Starr ... Pooter-the-Clown
Suzanne Shepherd ... Mrs. Hogarth
William Windom ... Mr. Hatfield
Dennis Cockrum ... Pal
Joel Robinson ... Miles' Friend #1
Colin Baumgartner ... Miles' Friend #2
Erik Whipple ... Miles' Friend #3
Mark Rosenthal ... Party Boy #1
Doug von Nessen ... Party Boy #2
Wayne Kneeland ... Party Boy #3
Gigi Casler ... Party Girl in Bedroom
LaVerne Anderson ... Party Girl #1
Gina Doctor ... Party Girl #2
Rachel Thompson Perrine ... Party Girl #3
Ron Payne ... Maisy's Teacher

Jane Vickerilla ... Teacher #1
Kyle Lewis Eastman ... School Child
Dana Taylor ... School Child
Jennifer Kane ... School Child
Christen Loftis ... School Child
Genae Affrunti ... School Child
Anna Chlumsky ... School Child
Betsy Bottando ... Woman in Car
Julia Morgan ... Additional Voices
Granville Ames ... Additional Voices
Ramey Ellis ... Additional Voices
Leigh French ... Additional Voices
Patricia Arquette ... Additional Voices
Laura Jacoby ... Additional Voices

Devon Odessa ... Additional Voices
Arnold F. Turner ... Additional Voices
Garin Bouble ... Additional Voices
Tim Hoskins ... Additional Voices
Julie Payne ... Additional Voices
Jack Blessing ... Additional Voices
Todd Larson ... Additional Voices
Michael Berkowitz ... Student
Ryan Todd ... School Child

The Russell's have to go to Indianapolis because Cindy's (Elaine Bromka) father has had a heart attack. They can't find anyone to watch their three children while they are gone except batchelor uncle Buck (John Candy), Bob's brother (Garrett M. Brown). The little kid's, Maisy and Miles (Gaby Hoffman and Macaulay Culkin) are no great problem, with the exception of the teenage girl, Tia, (Jean Louisa Kelly), who is a pouting, angry, snotty, rebellious little jerk. She treats her mother disrespectfully, is self-centered, and carries that attitude on to Buck, who is trying to do the right things by the kids, In other words, she is playing the part of an ordinary 15-year-old who has never been properly disciplined by her parents.

This was a great movie. I particularly enjoyed the parts where Buck was threatening Tia's boyfriend, Bug (Jay Underwood), who has dishonorable designs on the girl. Buck's threatening attitude was delicious, and my appreciation no doubt reflects my own dislike of teenaged boys, the same feelings as any man who has had teenaged daughters to raise. Namely: that they should all be imprisoned until they are at least 40-years-old and rendered eunuchs, and the girls' fathers need to be well armed at all times with shotguns, and the boys in question should be left with absolutely no doubt as to the fathers' willingness--even eagerness--to use them with the intent to emasculate the culprits who dare to even think about touching their daughter.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

A fun movie!!!!!!!!

John Candy is one of the world's best comedians and this movie shows off his talent. Through out the entire movie you will not be able to stop laughing from the bowling alley to Bucks apartment. It does have a couple series scenes in it but that's only around the end. I wouldn't say that this is his best, but it is still worth the money. 8 out of 10