planxan2
Sure it is a hated film. Why? Because the underlying message is a direct assault on the most sacred of American institutions - the "American dream".Here's a guy who seems to have it all, at least according to American mythology. A big house. A good job. An attractive wife. A daughter in college. What could possibly be wrong just beneath the surface of this Norman Rockwell portrait of American perfection? Along come the new neighbors to reveal what's wrong. The guy's wife doesn't love him, or even respect him. He's basically miserable working far too much. His daughter is a slutty punk. He's ready to have an affair as soon as the opportunity arises, and to cap it off, he's also a cowardly a-hole who is the butt of every joke by everyone around him. His staunch right wing lifestyle explodes in his face.In the end, he comes around and realizes all of this. Now here's where the film really kicks the brainwashed American in the face - he realizes that his entire life has been a lie, and actually decides to abandon it. For the first time in the entire film, he's joyful. He's actually giddy at how happy it makes him to destroy everything he had worked his entire life for and flee to parts unknown with a couple of lunatics, because anything would be better than another day in suburban America pretending that's a life worth living.For those who wrote saying that the film's events did not connect together, this is simply absurd. The film is a roller-coaster of surprises and twists that make it highly entertaining, especially the first time. When I first saw this in theatrical release, I was stunned because finally there was a film that didn't follow the very, very tired three-act formula. Here was something that actually kept you in suspense because you didn't know what would happen next. That's the mark of a great film in my opinion. I want to be surprised. I don't want to know everything that's going to happen 5 minutes into the film, the way you can with most of the crap that's being cranked out these days. This is a masterpiece and deserved far more attention than it received, but of course it pushed a lot of buttons among the general public.
Scott LeBrun
"Neighbors" is a loopy dark comedy, based on a novel by Thomas Berger. Although the screenplay is credited to Larry Gelbart, it was actually heavily re-written, and was a very troubled shoot. It stars 'Saturday Night Live' funnymen John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, in a classic case of role reversal. Here, Belushi is the straight man and Aykroyd the zany one. Belushi plays Earl Keese, a mild middle class individual living at the end of a suburban street. One night, the neighbors move in: pushy, obnoxious Vic (Aykroyd), and his extremely seductive wife Ramona (Cathy Moriarty, then hot off her memorable turn in "Raging Bull"). They introduce an element of excitement into Earls' mundane existence.In this viewers' own humble opinion, this wasn't a particularly funny movie. Moments of real wit and cleverness are not that frequent. Director John G. Avildsen ("Rocky", "The Karate Kid") just doesn't seem to have a feel for this sort of material. Occasionally, "Neighbors" is amusing, but the main thing that it has going for it are some deft performances. Aykroyd clearly has fun in his part, and Belushi shows a different side to his comedic talent by doing an impressive job here. Moriarty is devilishly entertaining. Kathryn Walker ("Slap Shot") is fine as Earls' wife, as is Lauren-Marie Taylor ("Friday the 13th Part 2") as his free-spirited daughter. There are also a few appearances by Belushi and Aykroyds' fellow 'SNL' alum Tim Kazurinsky.To be fair, there are some good lines, such as the one that motivates Earl to open his cellar door. I thought the scenes with Belushi and Moriarty were among the better ones. Bill Conti supplies a deliberately goofy music score.It's also rather sad watching this, knowing this was Belushis' last film.Five out of 10.
videorama-759-859391
What a movie to go out on, as well as a performance. Belushi, is A1 fantastic, in what is such an original comedy, just viewing it again, it hasn't lost it's freshness or originality. This one stands the test of time. Belushi's world is turned upside down, with the arrival of these fruit loop neighbors, Ackroyd, and such a silky sexual performance from Moriarty who shares acting honors, with the brilliant Belushi. Unfortunately, their the only other neighbors, off this circular drive. Have they escaped from the nuthouse? Who knows? Belushi is married to a Marsha Mason looking woman, and evidently the marriage isn't working. You'll love the end. Moriarty keeps coming onto Belushi, cutely, and I loved these moments. Another crack up, is the old towing car guy. A classic. The script too, we give thanks again to Larry Gelbart. It's good to see the re teaming of these two comedy greats, but honestly Belushi and his brilliant performance, that makes it. He all so reminds me in looks of someone I know, but Belushi is much better looking. One very neighborly comedy, but you really need to move away from those power lines.
Irishchatter
John was such a great actor on this, I'm really devastated that he is not with us today and didn't do more movies. I really liked his role as a serious quiet guy who is easily irritated by the neighbors next door. Believe me, I'm pretty sure we all have those types of people living next door to us haha!It was so odd to see Dan Aykroyd with Blondish hair. I'm normally use to seeing him always with brown hair in most of his films. I kinda did figure out that he had blue contacts instead of his usual brown eyes. They were stronger when he was talking on the phone. I say they hurt!Cathy Moriarty was such a blonde bombshell in this film. She looked like a sexy Grace Kelly trying to get at John Belushi's character. They should've been in bed together and I wanted this right from the start! I love this movie, I wish that Belushi and Akyroyd would do more if Belushi didn't unfortunately too soon. They were such a great team and they will always be the Blues Brothers that I always look up to!RIP Belushi <3 <3 <3
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