The 'Burbs: Joe Dante

In my opinion, the real appeal of Joe Dante's The 'Burbs isn't its loving send-up of Middle America suburbia, its creepy atmosphere, and wonderful set design. Instead, it's the chance to hang out with interesting, eccentric characters like Bruce Dern's Lt. Mark Rumsfield, a truculent war vet with a mechanical flag-pole in his front yard and a closet full of state-of-the-art military gear. It's the chance to spend time with Corey Feldman's Ricky Butler, an 80s metal-head eager to turn a potentially violent confrontation with the sinister Klopek family into a block-party. Some of the characters are rather grating, especially Rick Ducommun's Art Weingartner, a well-meaning but obnoxious jerk. But overall characters themselves are the film's primary draw. The twist ending, though inevitable, is played off rather poorly. Why would the Klopeks do something as stupid as hijack an ambulance in a crowded neighborhood with the police and fire department nearby after spending so much time acting in perfect secrecy? It doesn't add up. In fact, The 'Burbs doesn't really add up. But it's enjoyable in an easy-going, quirky sort of way.

6/10