Uncle Buck

“Uncle Buck” was always on TV when I was a kid. “Home Alone” was my first exposure to John Hughes but “Uncle Buck” was my second even though “Uncle Buck” was made first. The vulgarity in this film bothers me because I am used to the edited version for TV but the humor and acting of John Candy make up for it. Others have noticed how Hughes switched from adult oriented films to family films starting with “Buck” and I also see that.

A common theme that I see in a few of Hughes’ films is that of resolving family conflicts and strife. In almost all of those cases, the negative state of things at the start of the films puts a bad taste in my mouth. I understand the reason for this however, which is that there must be contrast in order for the film to end as positive as possible. In the case of “Uncle Buck”, the opening conversation between the children is a little appalling with the swearing and rudeness. Both the lives of Buck & his brother Bob’s family are in trouble and ironically it takes a family emergency to fix things. Despite the fact that Buck is a bum, he brings life into the film once he comes to the house. The film has so many funny moments that I can just mention a few. In some ways, I can’t wait to be a father and try out some of the stuff I see on “Uncle Buck”. My favorites moments include the toothbrush test and threatening to shave Tia’s head while she sleeps. Other great gags include the huge pancakes with a whole pound of butter on top, the phone call Buck makes to Chanice telling her that he can’t come to work, his introduction to the assistant principal and of course “The Beast”. Another great moment is the interrogation scene between Buck and Miles, especially the line “It’s an even longer story.” I also like the nod to the Flintstones when Buck gets locked outside. The scene in the car when Buck drops Tia off at school shows that he may be irresponsible with some things but when it comes to other more important things, he is good-natured. Buck wants to prove to others that he can be responsible and while he is having trouble doing things right, he is succeeding because he it trying. For example, he may not be doing the laundry right but at least he is doing it. Tia however thwarts much of his success. It wouldn’t be much of a movie without a happy ending and we get that. John Candy is the reason why this movie is good. The “Bug Spray” joke for example would ordinarily not be that funny but rather cheesy. It is John Candy that sells it. Buck isn’t really put to the test in the movie until he is faced with taking Miles and Maizy to the track. It is the first time in the movie where he has to really sacrifice his old habits and Candy’s acting in that scene is amazing. Then, his entrance into the bedroom during the climax is one of my favorite cinematic entrances of the 80’s. After watching “Uncle Buck” for the occasion of writing this review, I noticed how Hughes loves the colonial housing neighborhoods near Chicago. I plan to keep that in mind next time I see a Hughes movie I have not seen before. I didn’t know Laurie Metcalf was in this movie.

The film is much funnier as an adult. While the swearing bothers me, “Uncle Buck” is still a fun show. I miss John Candy and I remember when he died. As I grow up, he becomes funnier.

3.5 Stars