80s Movie Review - Uncle Buck

Director: John Hughes
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 1989
Starring: John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Macaulay Culkin, Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Madigan, Laurie Metcalf

Description: Laid back commitment-phobe Buck (John Candy) babysits his brother’s rebellious teenage daughter and cute younger brother and sister.

Review: “Uncle Buck” is a timeless comedy and a childhood and family favorite film. It combines John Candy’s chaotic humor and John Hughes’ warm, human direction.

When the parents of the Russell family have to leave in a hurry due to an emergency, there is only one option left for the care of their three children: Uncle Buck. Buck is a bachelor who loves gambling, drinking, and his roaring car. He is the last person you would expect to find in a neat suburb, which immediately sets the stage for many comical confrontations with rebellious teenager Tia and curious younger siblings Miles and Maizy.

I grew up with John Candy, his films always made me smile. As a kid, but also now as an adult. Candy carries this film with his enormous charisma. He manages to portray Buck as more than just a clumsy uncle; he gives the character a heart of gold and a surprisingly strong moral compass.

The interaction between Candy and young Macaulay Culkin is priceless and even served as inspiration for “Home Alone”. The conflict between Buck and his cynical teenage niece Tia provides the necessary dramatic depth.

Although some to of the jokes Buck’s tough guy approach feel typically 1980s, the film stands up thanks to its sincere emotion. It’s not just a film about a failed uncle learning to be a responsible babysitter, but above all about a family learning what unconditional support means.

Rating: 4/ 5