Al's Top Rated Films: 1989

Scorching hot drama written, directed by, and starring the great Spike Lee. The story is set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in the late 1980s on a blazing 100+ degree day, and follows a young street-wise black man named Mookie who works at a local Italian restaurant named Sal's Famous Pizzeria with the Italian-American owner Sal, his racist son Pino, and more open-minded son Vito. The story also follows an old idealistic drunk man named Da Mayor, who's constantly trying to spread his so-called "wisdom" and win the heart of a local woman his same age, Mother-Sister. Tensions start to rise when Mookie's friend and nonconformist Buggin Out and a mean boombox-blasting misfit named Radio Raheem berate Sal for not having any pictures of important black people on his wall of fame that consist of all Italian-Americans. He riles up others in the community in an attempt to boycott Sal's Pizzeria, which sets off a chain of horrific events fueled by anger, hate, racism, and bigotry. The powerful story and messages in this film are still 100% relevant to this day. Spike Lee (Mookie) delivered his best lead performance ever, when he's normally a supporting star or side character. He also received an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay. He held the story together beautifully. Danny Aiello (Oscar-nominated for his role as Sal), Richard Edson (Vito), and John Turturro (Pino) delivered fantastic antagonizing performances as the owners of Sal's Pizzeria. Ruby Dee (Mother-Sister) and Ossie Davis (Da Mayor) are also both fantastic, as evidenced by their past chemistry in other films. Rosie Perez (Tina), Giancarlo Esposito (Buggin Out), Joie Lee (Jade), and Bill Nunn (Radio Raheem), also delivered some of their most memorable performances. Samuel L. Jackson (Mister Señor Love Daddy), Paul Benjamin (ML), Frankie Faison (Coconut Sid), Robin Harris (Sweet Dick Willie), Roger Guenveur Smith (Smiley), Miguel Sandoval, Rick Aiello, John Savage, Martin Lawrence, Steve White, and many others had excellent supporting roles.

Superb sci-fi comedy adventure and sequel to “Back to the Future” (1985), which resumes my all-time favorite film trilogy. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale created another masterpiece that changes things up from the first film and really made the franchise a household name. The story picks up at the end of the first film, which finds Doc Brown arriving in the year 1985 to pick up and transport Marty and Jennifer to the year 2015 to prevent an incident involving their son Marty McFly Jr. and Biff's ruthless grandson Griff, that causes a domino effect in the space time continuum and tears their family apart. After successfully completing their task, a book with historical sports statistics that Marty foolishly buys falls into the sadistic hands of old Biff from 2015, who hi-jacks the DeLorean, and gives the book to himself in 1955 to make himself rich. Now Marty and Doc's only chance to prevent a major paradox that could destroy the entire universe, is to travel back to 1955 and steal the book back from Biff in order to set the universe back in proper order. The future elements of 2015 created for this film were so much fun and seemingly ground-breaking for the time. Even though the future is less advanced than they predicted, it is still a ton of fun, comical, and holds up well today. The excellent production is also highlighted by Oscar-nominated visual effects. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd both deliver phenomenal lead performances that live up to the first film. Thomas F. Wilson (Biff/Griff) arguably delivers his best performance out of the entire franchise. Lea Thompson and Elisabeth Shue also had great starring roles. James Tolkan, Flea, Casey Siemaszko, Billy Zane, Darlene Vogel, Joe Flaherty, and others had great supporting roles.

Bodacious music-inspired comedy adventure from Stephen Herek set in 1988 San Dimas, California, and follows two underachieving heavy metal loving high school seniors named Ted 'Theodore' Logan and Bill S. Preston 'Esquire', who must pass their oral history exam or else they won't graduate high-school. While cramming for their exam the night before, a phone booth-shaped time machine lands from the sky and a man named Rufus informs them that they are extremely important to the survival and well-being of the future as long as they graduate high school and aren't separated, and that he's there to help them complete their history report with the help of the time machine. Bill & Ted embark on a most excellent adventure as they travel throughout time and collect important historical figures to help them pass their exam and save the future. Bill & Ted are one of my favorite duos in cinema history. They just have those fun, kind, innocent personalities, and have great comedic chemistry together. I'd have to say it's my favorite film from Keanu Reeves (Ted), Alex Winter (Bill), and the great George Carlin (Rufus). And don't get me started on the soundtrack—one of my all-time favorites with cuts from Robbie Robb, Big Pig, and Shark Island (among others). The historical figures also all put on great performances: Terry Camilleri (Napoleon), Dan Shor (Billy the Kid), Tony Steedman (Socrates), Rod Loomis (Sigmund Freud), Al Leong (Genghis Khan), Jane Wiedlin (Joan of Arc), Robert V. Barron (Abraham Lincoln), Clifford David (Beethoven) were all great. Hal Landon Jr., Bernie Casey, Amy Stoch, J. Patrick McNamara, Diane Franklin, Kimberley Kates, and many others also had great supporting roles.

Phenomenal drama from Peter Weir set in 1959, and follows a 17-year-old student named Todd Anderson who is sent to a prestigious all-boys prep school in Vermont. Among their faculty is a radical and idealistic teacher named John Keating who uses poetry to inspire creativity among his students. All of his students are readily inspired by his speeches and ideas; making him the most popular teacher in the school. When he encourages the boys to be free-thinkers and to question authority, it adversely effects the troubled life of Todd's friend and aspiring actor, Neil Perry, who's parents disapprove of his radical ideals, who takes action to put a stop to Neil's behavior, and causes a horrific incident that sets the entire school in turmoil. Fantastic drama, dialogue, characters, and casting throughout. The superb production is highlighted by an Oscar-winning screenplay from Tom Schulman; along with Oscar nominations for best picture of 1990 and best directing from Peter Weir. Robin Williams delivered one of his all-time best Oscar-nominated lead performances. Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke also deliver a couple of their best starring roles. Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Carla Belver, Leon Pownall, Alexandra Powers, and others also have great supporting roles.

Outstanding war drama/biography from Edward Zwick set during the American Civil War in 1863 Georgia, and follows a brave commander named Colonel Robert Gould Shaw who leads the first all-black volunteer infantry to serve the Union Army. Shaw and his men are forced to face considerable racism and disrespect from both the Confederates and Union soldiers on their own side, and are soon placed on the front line and thrusted into horrific battle. It all leads up to their heroic efforts during the pivotal Second Battle of Fort Wagner. Powerful film with excellent writing and messages throughout. I'd have to say it may be my favorite Civil War film of all time. The superb production is highlighted by Oscar wins for best cinematography and best sound, and also received Oscar nominations for best art direction and best film editing. The cast is top-notch, and they all deliver powerful and complex acting throughout. Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington (winning the Oscar for his role), Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman all deliver some of their finest and most excellent lead performances. Andre Braugher, Jihmi Kennedy, John Finn, Donovan Leitch Jr., Cliff De Young, Jay O. Sanders, Richard Riehle, Afemo Omilami, Mark A. Jones, and others also had great supporting roles.

Fantastic music drama from Steve Kloves that follows a pair of brothers and piano players named Jack and Frank Baker who’ve been playing music together for 31 years, and 15 years professionally. Their brand of lounge music has grown a bit tired over the years, so they decide to hire a female singer to breathe some life back into the band and become more successful. After they audition 37 candidates, they finally meet Susie Diamond, who has enormous talent and is perfect for the part, despite being a former prostitute. They instantly become a success and play a tour of high-paying shows, but trouble comes into play when Frank and Susie become romantically involved, which plagues the entire trio with drama that could tear them apart. Great story all around with well-placed comedy surrounding superb drama. The excellent production is highlighted by Oscar nominations for best cinematography, best film editing, and best original music score from Dave Grusin. The casting is what really makes the film great. It was awesome to see Beau Bridges sink his teeth into such a rare lead performance. Jeff Bridges delivers one of his best lead roles as well, and his interaction with his brother is excellent. Michelle Pfeiffer also arguably delivers her greatest Oscar-nominated lead performance, and had a superb singing voice, which was all her own in the film. Ellie Raab, Jennifer Tilly, and others also had great supporting roles.

Hilarious comedy from John Hughes and my all-time favorite film starring John Candy. The story follows a crude and fun-loving middle-aged bachelor named Buck Russell who's help is called upon by his desperate brother when his wife's father has a heart attack, and they need somebody to watch their three kids while they travel to Indianapolis to take care of him. Both of them are workaholics and don't much care for Buck, be he's their last option. Many comical mishaps happen immediately with their young and feisty kids Maizy and Miles, but it's their angry and resentful teenage daughter Tia that will prove to be Buck's biggest challenge. His life starts to take a dive when his longtime girlfriend Chanice Kobolowski gets tired of his underachieving ways, which forces him to make a serious change in his life if he wants to save their relationship; while he simultaneously diffuses a troublesome situation with Tia and her aggressive boyfriend, Bug. Excellent story with hilarious comedy and nice drama to balance it out. The production is also superb, along with the perfect cast. John Candy delivered his all-time best lead performance. Jean Louisa Kelly also delivered a fantastic starring role. Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin, Elaine Bromka, Garrett M. Brown, Amy Madigan, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, Mike Starr, Suzanne Shepherd, Dennis Cockrum, and others also had great supporting roles.

Powerful and excellently crafted drama from John G. Avildsen set in 1967 Paterson, New Jersey, and follows a ruthlessly determined African-American history teacher named Joe Clark who's appointed principal of Eastside High School, which has been plagued with drug abuse, gangs, violence, and poverty for years. Clark's methods of discipline and change are controversial and unorthodox, which immediately upsets parents, students, and teachers. But as time rolls on, they find his techniques are very effective, as he ends up creating caring relationships with several troubled and hopeful students after expelling many of the dangerous criminals and trouble-makers in the school. Commanding story with great writing that speaks of many important topical issues while also being very entertaining. The production is also excellent, features a great 1980s soundtrack, and presents an excellent cast all around. Morgan Freeman delivers one of his all-time best lead performance as Principal Joe Clark. I couldn't imagine anyone better for the role. Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North, Lynne Thigpen, Robin Bartlett, Michael Beach, Ethan Phillips, Jermaine Hopkins, Karen Malina White, Karina Arroyave, Tony Todd, Mike Starr, and several others also had great supporting roles.

Criminally underrated comedy from Jay Levey and 'Weird Al' Yankovic set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and follows an aimless dreamer named George Newman who can't keep his mind focused enough to hold down a regular job. When his Uncle Harvey wins the failing Channel 62 UHF television station in a lucky game of poker, he appoints George and his best friend Bob to run the place after they are unfortunately axed from their jobs at Burger World. At the start, the failed business is seemingly impossible for George and Bob to turnaround. But after hiring an eccentric janitor named Stanley Spadowski, they learn he also has a fantastic personality for television, which ends up making the station a huge success. However, the greedy and corrupt head of VHF network Channel 8 takes action to destroy Channel 62 after they start beating their station in the ratings. Fantastic writing with hysterical spoofs around every turn. It's right up there with slapstick greats like “Airplane” (1980) and “The Naked Gun” (1988). The story is unique and well laid out throughout, and includes an excellent production. 'Weird Al' Yankovic delivers a fantastic lead performance. David Bowe, Michael Richards, and Kevin McCarthy also had excellent starring roles. Victoria Jackson, Stanley Brock, Anthony Geary, John Paragon, Fran Drescher, David Proval, Vance Colvig Jr., Jay Levey, Roger Callard, Sue Ane Langdon, Emo Philips, and so many others deliver great supporting roles.

Hilarious holiday comedy from John Hughes and Jeremiah S. Chechik, the best of all the National Lampoon Vacation films, and arguably the greatest Christmas movie of all time. The story follows a chemical engineer, father, and husband named Clark Griswold; as he and his family are preparing for the glorious Christmas holiday. Soon a very relatable story about the entire family staying in the Griswold home over the Christmas holiday, which turns into a complete disaster brought on by grumpy relatives, decoration debacles, unexpected extended family guests, and distress concerning Clark’s job and whether or not he will receive the substantial Christmas bonus he gets every year, which he desperately needs this holiday season. While Chevy Chase has never been one of my favorite actors, he delivers my all-time favorite lead performance of his to date. He was perfect for the role. Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid and also delivered fantastic starring roles. Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Nicholas Guest, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Brian Doyle-Murray all had excellent roles among the star-studded supporting cast.

Excellent sports drama/fantasy from Phil Alden Robinson, and one of the most unique and best baseball films I've ever seen. The story follows an Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella who becomes obsessed by an otherworldly voice he hears from deep in his cornfields that says: "If you build it, he will come". He's soon inspired to build to a legit baseball field on his farm after the mysterious ghost of baseball great Shoeless Joe Jackson and his other seven Chicago White Sox teammates that were banned from the league for throwing the 1919 World Series, appear from the cornfields. That finds Ray embarking on a journey to seek out a reclusive author named Terence Mann, who may have answers to the mysterious appearance of these legendary ballplayers. Excellent story all around with a great cast and a beautiful production highlighted by Oscar nominations for best picture of 1990, best screenplay from Phil Alden Robinson, and best original music score from James Horner. Kevin Costner delivers one of his best and most memorable lead performances. Amy Madigan and James Earl Jones also had excellent starring roles. Gaby Hoffmann, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster, and Frank Whaley all have very nice supporting roles.

Excellent action-packed crime drama/thriller from Tim Burton, and one of the finest Batman films ever made. After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, billionaire Bruce Wayne swears to protect the good people of Gotham City against injustices brought on by the dark and violent streets that are filled with crime. He's soon nicknamed "Batman" by the press. His job turns out to be much more difficult than expected after a homicidal maniac named Jack Napier, who dresses up like a raving and demented clown that goes by the name of "Joker", works to gain power as he spreads terror throughout the city. While this film isn't quite as good as the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight trilogy, Tim Burton's signature and style gives it a great feel along with a great story. Michael Keaton delivers one of his best and most memorable lead performances as Batman. All Batman fans argue about who is the best Joker, and Jack Nicholson is a pick I couldn't argue with. He played a fantastic villain. Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Tracey Walter, Lee Wallace, William Hootkins, Christopher Fairbank, and others also had great supporting roles.

Excellent comedy drama from Bruce Beresford set in 1948 Atlanta, and follows a wealthy 72-year-old Jewish window named Daisy Werthan who's concerned son insists on hiring her a driver to safely transport her around town. The chauffeur is a 60-year-old black man named Hoke Colburn. Daisy isn't happy about the change and initially does not cooperate with Hoke, but cannot fire him since he is employed by her son. Hoke is a kind and charming man who eventually wins her over, and the rest of the film details a beautiful 20-year relationship that overcomes racial barriers and other life differences as they grown old together. The story is simple and extremely effective throughout. It unsurprisingly won 4 Oscars for how well it was done. Jessica Tandy delivers her most iconic lead performance to date, and Morgan Freeman also delivered one of his greatest roles. Dan Aykroyd, Esther Rolle, William Hall Jr., Bob Hannah, Patti LuPone, and others also had great supporting roles.

Excellent sequel to round out Steven Spielberg's beloved Indiana Jones trilogy. The story is set two years after the events in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) in 1938, and follows the unwavering archaeologist as he embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail, when he learns that his mysterious father Dr. Henry Jones went missing searching for the famed goblet. The father-son duo teams up against crooked German Nazis to stop them from obtaining its powers, and to make sure the Grail ends up in the right hands. The story is great throughout, and it's easily my second favorite film in the franchise. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery both delivered great lead performances, and had some nice comedic chemistry together. Had I liked them together as much as several fans do, I would have given this a bit higher rating. Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne, Kevork Malikyan, Robert Eddison, Richard Young, Paul Maxwell, and many others had nice supporting roles.

Excellent sequel to the original 1987 classic crime thriller from Richard Donner. The story follows Los Angeles police officers Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs in pursuit of some ordinary drug dealers, when they actually find they're transporting an illegal shipment of gold in the form of Krugerrand coins from the South African government in the trunk of their BMW. The South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and soon Riggs and Murtaugh are appointed to protect a loud-mouth federal witness named Leo Getz. Soon all their lives are at risk when Leo reveals information about working with the South Africans and they find out they are also involved in smuggling cocaine, while Riggs discovers a disturbing connection from his past that sends him into a state of vengeance. Great sequel all around. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover deliver excellent lead performances just as they did before. Joe Pesci also had a great starring role. Joss Ackland, Derrick O'Connor, Patsy Kensit, Darlene Love, Steve Kahan, Traci Wolfe, Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, Dean Norris, and several others have nice supporting roles.

Excellent war drama and biography from Oliver Stone that follows the life of veteran Ron Kovic. After volunteering to fight in the Vietnam War for the Marines in 1965, he's wounded and paralyzed in action and sent home in 1968. He's immediately plagued with severe depression and drug addiction that paints a bleak picture of his future. By time the 1970s roles around, he turns his life around and becomes a voice and inspiration for veterans as an anti-war activist, speaker, and writer. Great story with powerful writing and acting throughout. Tom Cruise delivers one of his best and most layered lead performances to date, and held the movie together perfectly. Willem Dafoe, Raymond J. Barry, Jerry Levine, Kyra Sedgwick, Frank Whaley, Caroline Kava, Josh Evans, Bryan Larkin, Tony Frank, and others also had great supporting roles.

Underrated crime drama/mystery from Harold Becker that follows a veteran New York police detective named Frank Keller who's been working the violent and crime-ridden streets of Manhattan for 20 years. Now he and his new partner Detective Sherman Touhey are after a serial killer who they believe is a woman; who finds her victims by responding to rhyming and poetic ads from men in the lonely hearts column of the newspaper, and kills them in venerable positions while playing the classic 1959 45 RPM single "Sea of Love" on loop in the background. Trouble comes into play when Keller starts up a steamy romance with a gorgeous woman named Helen Cruger while working the case. But as time moves on, he suspects that she may be the actual killer. Excellent mystery and casting all around. Al Pacino delivers one his best lead performances. Ellen Barkin also delivered a fantastic lead role as Helen. John Goodman, Michael Rooker, Richard Jenkins, Paul Calderon, Gene Canfield, William Hickey, Larry Joshua, John Spencer, Christine Estabrook, Patricia Barry, and many others also had great supporting roles.

Hilarious and underrated crime comedy for dog lovers from Roger Spottiswoode, that follows a small-town California detective named Scott Turner who has 3 days before he leaves town to join a big city police department to see some real action. But after one of the locals is mysteriously murdered, he puts off his trip to investigate, which the kind of case he's wanting to work. The only witness to the murder is the local's aggressive, protective, and trouble-making Mastiff named Hooch. Scott isn't a dog person, but must take care of the dog to solve the case, which results in plenty of hilarious situations as they track down police corruption and other dangers throughout the process. Great story overall, and I still love it to this day. Tom Hanks delivers one of his best lead performances. Mare Winningham, Craig T. Nelson, Reginald VelJohnson, John McIntire, Ernie Lively, Clyde Kusatsu, and others also had great supporting roles.

Excellent and epic mystery adventure from James Cameron set in the future year 1994, and follows a team of civilian underwater oil rig workers who are enlisted to assist a team of Navy SEALs recover a nuclear submarine that's encountered an alien species in some of the deepest waters on Earth. The story was excellent all around, and undoubtedly deserves the Oscar is won for best visual effects and the nominations it earned for cinematography, art direction, and sound. It's a visual masterpiece through and through. The cast was reportedly put through plenty of danger and ill treatment throughout the film, but they all deliver great acting. Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn all had excellent lead performances. Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, John Bedford Lloyd, Kimberly Scott, J.C. Quinn, Captain Kidd Brewer Jr., George Robert Klek, Christopher Murphy, Adam Nelson, Jimmie Ray Weeks, and several others had great supporting roles.

Hilarious sports comedy from David S. Ward that follows the new owner of the Cleveland Indians baseball team, Rachel Phelps, and how she deliberately builds a comically terrible team so they'll lose; which would result in moving the franchise to Miami to reap the benefits of a new stadium and warmer weather. When the players learn about her plan, they miraculously start winning games and upping attendance numbers, which systematically ruining her plans. Very funny story with great writing and dialogue throughout. Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Corbin Bernsen all deliver some of their best lead performances. Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Chelcie Ross, Dennis Haysbert, Andy Romano, Bob Uecker, Steve Yeager, Peter Vuckovich, Stacy Carrolland, Richard Pickren, and so many others had great supporting roles.

Underrated crime drama from Gus Van Sant set in 1971 Portland, Oregon, and follows a 26-year-old man named Bob Hughes, who heads up an eccentric team of drug addicts with his wife, who steal prescription narcotics like morphine and speed from drugstores and hospitals to support their habits, while also trading them for other street drugs. Before long, Narcotics Detective Gentry and his team are hot on his tail as they follow his every move. Bob must decide if he wants to keep traveling down this deadly path or to clean up and go straight. Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch both deliver excellent lead performances. James Le Gros and Heather Graham also had great starring roles. Max Perlich, James Remar, William S. Burroughs, Grace Zabriskie, Beah Richards, and others also had great supporting roles.

Underrated comedy drama/adventure from Todd Holland and easily the best 1980s video game inspired film of all-time. The story follows a troubled boy named Corey and his 9-year-old half-brother Jimmy who suffers from a mental disorder after his sister drowned years earlier. After a family quarrel, they decide to run away to California where they have great memories of the past. They run into a nomadic girl named Haley along the way, and they soon learn Jimmy is a video game "wizard". After seeing advertisement for a huge video game tournament in California with a $50,000 grand prize, they work to get him to the tournament as they run into all sorts of comedic and drama-filled debacles along their adventure. Anyone who grew up with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) would find this movie extremely nostalgic. There really isn't a single movie out there quite like it. While it isn't the best film ever, I still love this movie to this day. It also has a great soundtrack. Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, and Jenny Lewis all deliver excellent lead performances and have great chemistry together. Beau Bridges, Christian Slater, and Will Seltzer also had great starring roles. Jackey Vinson, Frank McRae, Wendy Phillips, Sam McMurray, and Steven Grives also had great supporting roles.

Hysterical comedy adventure from Ted Kotcheff that follows two best friends and coworkers named Larry Wilson and Richard Parker who are looking to move up the corporate ladder as entry level employees in a large New York City business firm. After they find information that exposes an embezzlement scheme within the company, the owner invites them to his lavish beach house in The Hamptons for a job well done. But when they arrive, they find Bernie dead. While they think he overdosed on drugs, they comically pretend he's alive so they can reap the benefits of a the perfect vacation of booze, women, and fun. But after finding out that he was murdered and that a hitman is still lurking around the area, things get hectic as they try to save their own lives and solve the mystery. Being such a big Bill & Ted fan, I found Larry Andrew McCarthy & Jonathan Silverman to be a similarly entertaining and excellent duo. They both delivered excellent lead performances. Terry Kiser was also excellent as Bernie. Catherine Mary Stewart, Don Calfa, Catherine Parks, Eloise DeJoria, Greg Salata, and many others also had great supporting roles.

Hilarious comedy mystery/thriller from Joe Dante that follows a typical suburban father named Ray Peterson who takes a week of vacation to relax and be at peace. When a strange and mysterious family of neighbors moves in across the street, all of Ray's speculative neighbors let their imaginations run wild, and immediately assume they are up to no good as they seem to confine themselves inside the house while odd experiments seem to be conducted in their basement. Before long, they work each other up into a tizzy and take some crazed actions to solve the mystery, and things comically unravel when their curiosity gets the better of them. Tom Hanks delivers an excellent lead performance like he usually does. Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Carrie Fisher, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson, Theodore Gottlieb, Courtney Gains, Gale Gordon, Dick Miller, Robert Picardo, Cory Danziger, Nicky Katt, and others also had great supporting roles.

Hilarious crime comedy from Arthur Hiller that follows two men who witness a murder. The problem is, Dave sees the killer, but is deaf; while Wally is blind, and hears the killer. When the police realize they're useless witnesses, they soon become the prime suspects in the murder. While Dave and Wally manage to escape from the police, it isn't long before the real criminals involved catch up with them. And they aren't taking any chances leaving them alive. Great story with laughs all around. Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder are always one of my favorite comedy duos, and they deliver excellent lead performances once again. Joan Severance, Kevin Spacey, Alan North, Anthony Zerbe, Louis Giambalvo, Kirsten Childs, Audrie Neenan, Lauren Tom, John Capodice, and many others also had great supporting roles.