Joe Dante is an icon of 80's American cinema. His horror-tinged comedies are considered staples by anyone whose youthful cinematic escapades involved VHS rentals. The crown jewel of his storied career is the pitch black comedy The 'Burbs, a screwball critique of petty suburban living that features an amazing ensemble, scathing satire of the modern bourgeoisie, and a trove of memorable dialogue.
The Klopeks are a
reclusive family that has moved into the idyllic cul-de-sac of Mayfield Place.
Soon after, the denizens of the neighborhood begin to think the family is up to
no good. When an elderly man goes missing, a trio of nosy suburbanites decides
to get to the truth of the mystery behind the Klopeks, no matter the cost. Dana
Olsen's script weaves an interesting tableau of polite society and cul-de-sac
mores while deftly building upon the Satanic panic that was prevalent at the
time. There are endlessly quotable lines that also highlight many of the things
the film is satirizing. The exchanges between the core trio and their insane
notions of masculinity coupled by the world building done in the early act is
phenomenal. This is a familiar, yet also embarrassing place where many
Americans grew up.
The cast is a monument of comedic talent that embodies the stereotypes of every neighborhood: Tom Hanks stars as the every man who just wants to enjoy his vacation. Bruce Dern delivers a scene stealing performance as a Vietnam veteran who never left the war. Rick Ducommun is the standout as the quintessential arrogant and overly curious neighbor. Carrie Fisher is the voice of reason as Hanks' wife and Wendy Schaal gives an excellent turn as the vet's bombshell wife. Rounding out the ensemble is Corey Feldman who acts as the link to the audience. His youthful shenanigans are the perfect accoutrement to the darkness that roils under the surface.
Dante's famous dark
comedic delights are on full display throughout this story as he takes aim at
the middle class with both barrels. The villain in this film is the not
mysterious outsiders, but the fear that the neighbors have and their insatiable
need to be proven right in their murderous suspicions. It is malicious, yet
playful in the way it leads the audience along, hitting all the familiar notes
while delivering an ugly, borderline belligerent picture of American living.
The film was shot in the studio using a neighborhood set from Dragnet. It never leaves the world of Mayfield Place, creating a unique version of a chamber mystery. James Spencer's production design really shines, especially with the Klopek's House, a Gothic cavity in the street's pristine gum line. The final component is Jerry's Goldsmith's wonderful score that evokes an almost Burton-like feeling with its odd notes and brooding organ pieces. The result is an absolutely hilarious comedic offering.
Available now for streaming on Peacock, The 'Burbs is a film that never found its place with critics. Many thought it was going for a comedic riff on the Twilight Zone but when distilled, The 'Burbs is more a Hitchcock parody. It is a slapstick commentary on the mean hearts that dwell next door and cautions you that while killers may walk among us, it is those at our backyard barbecues and bake sales that we should be wary of.
--Kyle Jonathan