The Money Pit
3/4
Starring: Tom Hanks, Shelly Long, Alexander Godunov, Philip Bosco, Maureen Stapleton
Rated PG (probably for Language, Sexual Content and General Mayhem)
Everyone has a story (or knows someone who does) about a construction project that went to hell. Something so simple and straightforward turns out to be a nightmare that takes a lot longer, costs a boatload more money and will try the patience of a saint. It happens all the time, which is partly why contractors have just as bad of a reputation as lawyers. So, taking this relevant situation and amping it up about, oh, a dozen levels, and you'll have "The Money Pit."
Walter (Hanks) and Anna (Long) are a young couple very much in love. Walter desperately wants to marry Anna, but she is reluctant to marry period after her last marriage went down in flames. That's when their happy lifestyle goes up in smoke when a bunch of guys come barging through the door, telling them that Anna's ex, Max (Godunov), is returning home from a year abroad and wants his apartment back. Needing a place to stay ASAP (in New York City, no less), Walter gets in touch with an old friend who puts them in touch with Estelle (Stapleton). Estelle is desperate to sell her house (which is probably worth millions) for a slim 200 grand. Walter and Anna know that there has to be a catch, but they take it anyway. It turns out that the house needs a little work, like a staircase that falls apart when you walk on it or the sinkhole on the second floor. The two lovebirds tell themselves (and everyone else), "It'll be great," but how long can they last before they kill each other?
To be quite frank, this movie isn't very good. There are some parts that are very funny, while others aren't as funny as they should be due to inept timing, and still others that fall flat. On the whole, the dead spots don't really justify the running length, except for the fact that I became invested in Walter and Anna. Both are good actors and understand the concept of comic timing (except for when director Richard Benjamin pushes them over the top), but more importantly, they have chemistry. I believed in Walter and Anna's relationship and wanted them to live happily ever after.
Supporting-wise, the other cast members are basically bit parts that give the two leads someone to play off of. An exception would be Alexander Godunov. The Russian-born actor (who came from a background as a ballet dancer) is most famous for playing the blond terrorist Karl in "Die Hard" is effective, but not standout, as Max. Max is by his own admission shallow and self-centered, and looks to be a generic plot contrivance. But this aspect of the plot is wrapped up in a way that feels fresh.
Speaking of which, another of the film's problems is the ending. It's not what happens, since it's pretty much inevitable, but it feels abrupt. A few more minutes setting it up would have allowed it to breathe.
This isn't a great comedy, but for those who have been through this kind of a wringer, it will salve the pain a little.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Shelly Long, Alexander Godunov, Philip Bosco, Maureen Stapleton
Rated PG (probably for Language, Sexual Content and General Mayhem)
Everyone has a story (or knows someone who does) about a construction project that went to hell. Something so simple and straightforward turns out to be a nightmare that takes a lot longer, costs a boatload more money and will try the patience of a saint. It happens all the time, which is partly why contractors have just as bad of a reputation as lawyers. So, taking this relevant situation and amping it up about, oh, a dozen levels, and you'll have "The Money Pit."
Walter (Hanks) and Anna (Long) are a young couple very much in love. Walter desperately wants to marry Anna, but she is reluctant to marry period after her last marriage went down in flames. That's when their happy lifestyle goes up in smoke when a bunch of guys come barging through the door, telling them that Anna's ex, Max (Godunov), is returning home from a year abroad and wants his apartment back. Needing a place to stay ASAP (in New York City, no less), Walter gets in touch with an old friend who puts them in touch with Estelle (Stapleton). Estelle is desperate to sell her house (which is probably worth millions) for a slim 200 grand. Walter and Anna know that there has to be a catch, but they take it anyway. It turns out that the house needs a little work, like a staircase that falls apart when you walk on it or the sinkhole on the second floor. The two lovebirds tell themselves (and everyone else), "It'll be great," but how long can they last before they kill each other?
To be quite frank, this movie isn't very good. There are some parts that are very funny, while others aren't as funny as they should be due to inept timing, and still others that fall flat. On the whole, the dead spots don't really justify the running length, except for the fact that I became invested in Walter and Anna. Both are good actors and understand the concept of comic timing (except for when director Richard Benjamin pushes them over the top), but more importantly, they have chemistry. I believed in Walter and Anna's relationship and wanted them to live happily ever after.
Supporting-wise, the other cast members are basically bit parts that give the two leads someone to play off of. An exception would be Alexander Godunov. The Russian-born actor (who came from a background as a ballet dancer) is most famous for playing the blond terrorist Karl in "Die Hard" is effective, but not standout, as Max. Max is by his own admission shallow and self-centered, and looks to be a generic plot contrivance. But this aspect of the plot is wrapped up in a way that feels fresh.
Speaking of which, another of the film's problems is the ending. It's not what happens, since it's pretty much inevitable, but it feels abrupt. A few more minutes setting it up would have allowed it to breathe.
This isn't a great comedy, but for those who have been through this kind of a wringer, it will salve the pain a little.
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