The ‘Burbs – Film Review

In 1989, amidst a slew of cult classics, The ‘Burbs emerged as a peculiar blend of dark comedy and suburban satire, attempting to stand out with its eccentric storytelling and distinctive sense of humor. Directed by Joe Dante, the film dives into the lives of suburbanites whose mundane existence is flipped on its head by the arrival of mysterious new neighbors. Starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Carrie Fisher among others, the film has since then enjoyed a divided yet loyal viewership, nestling itself comfortably into the realm of ‘cult classic.’ At its core, The ‘Burbs plays with the paranoia and nosiness that pervade the suburban lifestyle, pushing the boundaries of dark comedy while satirizing the quintessential American neighborhood. But does it deliver on its promise of an engaging suburban horror-comedy? Let’s delve in.

At first glance, The ‘Burbs feels like a standard late-80s comedic affair – complete with a catchy premise and a stellar cast. Tom Hanks shines as Ray Peterson, a suburbanite who becomes obsessed with the notion that his reclusive and peculiar new neighbors, the Klopeks, are hiding something sinister. Hanks brings a delightful everyman quality to Ray, allowing audiences to empathize with his increasingly outlandish suspicions and antics. Bruce Dern as the Vietnam vet Rumsfield and Rick Ducommun as the bumbling art Garfunkel-lookalike Art Weingartner contribute significantly to the film’s humor, each delivering memorable performances that accentuate the film’s quirky tone.

Director Joe Dante’s handling of The ‘Burbs adds layers of nuanced humor and eerie suspense, encapsulating the paranoia that lies at the heart of suburban life. The movie expertly walks a fine line between absurdity and plausibility, leaving viewers to question the reality of the Klopeks’ sinister nature. Cinematographer Robert M. Stevens enhances this through voyeuristic camera angles and a voyeuristic narrative that echoes Alfred Hitchcock‘s Rear Window, allowing the audience to become complicit in the protagonists’ spying.

The script, penned by Dana Olsen, balances dark comedy with a critique of suburban ennui and xenophobia. There’s an underlying commentary on the suspicion that often accompanies the arrival of the other in homogeneous communities, with the Klopeks’ foreignness becoming the focal point of neighborhood paranoia. However, while The ‘Burbs is praised for its premise and execution, it’s not without its flaws.

The narrative, while initially promising, often treads into overindulgent territory, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary or diverging into slapstick comedy that detracts from the film’s sharper satirical edges. Furthermore, the characterization, particularly of the female roles, feels underdeveloped. Carrie Fisher’s character, Carol Peterson, despite being portrayed by an actress of immense talent, is given little to do beyond being the voice of reason against her husband’s and neighbors’ antics. The lack of depth in the female characters points to a missed opportunity to fully explore the dynamics within the suburban setting.

The climax of The ‘Burbs presents a somewhat polarizing resolution. On one hand, it ties up the film’s various threads in a way that feels consistent with its blend of horror and comedy. On the other, it risks leaving viewers divided over whether the payoff was worth the buildup, potentially undermining the film’s critique of suburban hysteria.

What ultimately elevates The ‘Burbs above its flaws is its unwavering commitment to its theme and tone. The film does not just lampoon suburban life; it digs into the darker undercurrents of fear, conformity, and the longing for excitement beyond the white picket fences. This thematic depth, combined with committed performances and Joe Dante’s spirited direction, renders The ‘Burbs a fascinating, if not entirely flawless, cinematic endeavor.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, deserves special mention. It adeptly captures the oscillation between whimsical suburbia and the creeping tension that envelopes the neighborhood, serving as a perfect auditory counterpart to the unfolding drama.

The ‘Burbs may not hit every mark it aims for, but its successful moments are a testament to the film’s ambitions and its creators’ willingness to delve into the absurdity of the human condition. It is this willingness that has endowed the film with a lasting legacy, securing its place in the pantheon of 80s cult classics.