It was the last year of the 1980’s and this was one of the comedy classics that still holds up today as a good film to watch. There was a sequel made Weekend at Bernie’s II (1993) it had some amusing moments in it also but the original film was better. Ted Kotcheff directed this, and it was written by Robert Klane. It would be considered a comedy with some action in it. (Lots of gags with an animated corpse)
Mostly this a good old fashion slapstick humor picture with Andrew McCarthy playing Larry Wilson and Jonathan Silverman as Richard Parker. They are two guys trying to climb up the corporate ladder. They happen to stumble upon a noticeable computer error which turns out to be someone stealing money from the company. They present it to their boss played by Terry Kiser as Bernie Lomax. He invites them to go over things at his weekend getaway in the Hamptons with a nice beachfront view.
From then on, things get whacky, as the story takes a turn. The mob gets involved with the situation and drastically things change as Bernie dies. The story becomes quite goofy. But that is what this film is goofy and silly with lots of well timed and played out scenes from the cast. Terry Kiser makes a great corpse on screen. You will see why after watching this one. They pretend he is still alive and try to get through the weekend somehow.
Catherine Mary Stewart is also in this film as the character Gwen Saunders she appeared in many films; some standouts are Night of the Comet (1984) and The Last Starfighter (1984). She is the love interest of Jonathan Silverman’s character Richard Parker and gets wrapped up within the story as well. Don Calfa appears in this as Paulie (Vito’s Hit Man), Catherine Parks is Tina, Vito’s Girl, Eloise DeJoria plays Tawny, Gregory Salata is Marty Vito’s Assistant, Louis Giambalvo is Vito, Ted Kotcheff is Jack Parker, Richard’s Dad, Margaret Hall is Bernie Lomax’s Secretary, Timothy Perez is the Central Park Mugger, Mark Kenneth Smaltz is Harris, a Security Officer, Anthony Mannino is the Superintendant, and Polly Segal is the Woman in the Elevator.
I thought Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman had great chemistry working together and maybe they can team up again in another film. This was an entertaining film to see.
In remembrance of the late John Hughes, I decided to watch a film that he had written; it was directed by Howard Deutch and is a classic from the late 1980’s. The story revolves around a young woman named Andie Walsh who is played by Molly Ringwald. She has previously worked with Hughes in other films such as Sixteen Candles (1984) and The Breakfast Club (1985). In this film she is from the other side of the tracks, having to make her own clothes while working in a record store struggling to make ends meet. The owner also happens to be her friend played by Annie Potts as Iona. Harry Dean Stanton portrays her father Jack Walsh and deals with different issues including his wife leaving him from the past. Jon Cryer is her best friend since childhood and plays the quirky character Phil Dale who is nicknamed “Duckie”. He is a bit of a goofball, but has a good heart and his intentions are for the best towards Andie.
After the initial story setup, we see Andrew McCarthy appear in the movie playing Blane McDonnagh who immediately is smitten by Andie and pursues her from the start who also happens to be wealthy. His rich snobby friend is played by James Spader in the role of Steff who also wants to be with Andie, but she has nothing to do with him. James Spader and Andrew McCarthy have also worked together in movies like Mannequin (1987) and Less Than Zero (1987).
This movie is about wealth, people and the different facets of society that exist within high school and how the students try to impress and fit in with one another. There are many stereotypes found in this film that still happen today in school. It shows what great lengths people will go through while trying to impress one another, trying to be part of something they think that is so special in that moment of time.
There are more appearances in this by some known actors like Gina Gershon as Trombley , Kate Vernon who plays Benny Hanson, Jim Haynie as Donnelly, Maggie Roswell as Ms. Dietz, Andrew Dice Clay the comedian is “Dice-man” the Bouncer at CATS and musician Dweezil Zappa appears in one of the scenes at the club. More of the cast includes: Emily Longstreth as Kate, Alexa Kenin as Jena Hoeman, Margaret Colin is an English teacher at the school; Jamie Anders plays Terrence the love interest of Iona. Keep your eyes open and you might recognize Kristy Swanson as she appears towards the end of this movie as “Duckette”. I believe this was her first theatrical appearance on film but she has no lines. I will recommend Pretty In Pink (1986) it was an entertaining movie for its time, and has some great messages about society wrapped inside of it.
This is a nice movie for a family to watch, especially if you enjoy fantasy films. The storyline goes like this: A mother and her two children move into a run-down older home – which is located near the forest. The children are not so happy with their new home, but try to adapt to their new surroundings. Soon enough, they discover they are not alone, but there are creatures living among them like faeries. These creatures can’t be seen by normal sight – until their new friend gives them the ability to start seeing what is really there.
The leading actor in this tale is young Freddie Highmore, who you might have seen in movies such as Finding Neverland (2004) alongside Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. He also is the voice of Astro Boy the upcoming children’s film. His mother is played by actress Mary-Louise Parker, who fames from South Carolina. She is currently starring in the Showtime series “Weeds” and has an upcoming movie starring with Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon and Danny DeVito called Solitary Man (2009).
There are more actors in this one like the talented Nick Nolte, who has starred in a number of films like: I’ll Do Anything (1994) and the 48 hours movies with Eddie Murphy. I must not forget to mention more talented cast in this one such as Andrew McCarthy, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn, Seth Rogen, and Martin Short. If those aren’t enough talented cast members, then the upcoming actress Sarah Bolger who plays the role of Mallory Jared / Simon’s older sister should impress you from this particular performance.
I recommend watching this movie; it was a real treat to see. The special effects were well done also. This movie was directed by Mark Waters, who directed movies like Mean Girls (2004) and the remake of Freaky Friday (2003).
