Bustin' Loose

R

Released May 22, 1981

1 hr. 34 min.

Comedy

List

60%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

61%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Parole officer Donald (Robert Christian) compels his foul-mouthed ex-con charge Joe Braxton (Richard Pryor) to escort a bus full of special education students from Philadelphia to the Pacific Northwest, where their teacher Vivian Perry (Cicely Tyson) plans to set up a new school. But when Braxton's latest attempt at going straight becomes a frustrating series of mishaps, he struggles to complete the job he was hired to do while resisting his growing affection for Vivian and the children.

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Aaron S

Richard Pryor's best work has it all. Tells of many difficult issues children still deal with today. Pryor is terrific showing a lying, useless conman can care and love if it's triggered out. Some bad language is easy to overlook after an emotional cleansing in the film's finale. Roberta Flack's singing also makes a good movie great. You'll laugh and cry which is why old movies will always be the best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/24

Full Review

Audience Member

The late Richard Pryor and the late Cecily Tyson in one of the comedian's many comedic productions Here Pryor plays a con man Joe Braxton who gets into trouble breaking and entering His parole officer suggests he drive a school bus full of special ed kids from Philadelphia to the Pacific Northwest The teacher of the kids, Vivian wants to set up a new school for them since the Clairemont Center has lost its funds after 38 years Needless to say Braxton keeps getting into a series of mishaps landing him back into his old habits So he has to find a way to juggle his parole obligations while also developing feelings for this teacher Joe only has 15 days to drive to and back without any mistakes The children might also be making him rethink his whole criminal ways All kinds of mayhem ensues from running into KKK members to setting things on fire Pryor is so heartwarming here, it's not just him that sees these kids as deeply but the viewer as well All they want is a place to call home where no one will dislike them or cast them out Let's face it special ed kids have a tough enough time dealing with their own issues let alone not having all people accept them for who they are A lot of this movie works it's just the last half hour feels like a big detour They could've wrapped this up so much sooner The posters make it seem like an extreme wacky comedy but it is held back a bit Still there's sweet family melodrama in here with talented kids and the comedic talent Pryor was known for Not the best effort but still watchable

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

My absolute, all-time favorite movie. Bustin' Loose is the feel good flick of the century. I just re-watched it in honor of the life of Cicely Tyson. It has everything; comedy, drama, and deals with very sensitive subjects in the most honest and natural way while still entertaining. The soundtrack is the best too. The closing theme song has rung in my head for years, and Roberta Flack is a legend with her music making a lovely moment even more lovely. This is probably the 10th time I've seen this movie and it never gets old. Richard Pryor was a genius. God rest his soul and how Ms. Tyson as well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Started off great but does lose its steam during the last third act of the film, I do enjoy the moments where Richard Pryor's character starts interacting with the children and shows more concern for their wellbeing along with the road trip scenes.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A movie that's never that funny, outrageous, or inspired, "Bustin' Loose" isn't loose enough.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

9/29/2017: Meh. A very forgettable film. Zero funny moments.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

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Oz Scott

Director

Richard Pryor

Joe Braxton

Cicely Tyson

Vivian Perry

Robert Christian

Donald

Alphonso Alexander

Martin

Janet Wong

Annie

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Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Stopped by the Klan

2:46

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Going Fishing

2:59

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Loading the Bus

3:17

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Don't You Care About Yourself?

2:36

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Stealing TVs

1:10

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Trouble at the Motel

2:31

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Bad Ass Kids

2:06

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Runaway Bus

3:19

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Warehouse Fight

2:49

Bustin' Loose: Official Clip - Trapezoid Scheme

3:02

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Gary Arnold

Washington Post

An inconsistent but good-natured ramble, "Bustin' Loose" looks like a secure investment for Richard Pryor fans.

Oct 17, 2017

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Mar 4, 2008

Full Review

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Richard Pryor in his prime but the movie is mediocre.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 7, 2007

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Oct 9, 2005

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Aug 16, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Parole officer Donald (Robert Christian) compels his foul-mouthed ex-con charge Joe Braxton (Richard Pryor) to escort a bus full of special education students from Philadelphia to the Pacific Northwest, where their teacher Vivian Perry (Cicely Tyson) plans to set up a new school. But when Braxton's latest attempt at going straight becomes a frustrating series of mishaps, he struggles to complete the job he was hired to do while resisting his growing affection for Vivian and the children.

Director: Oz Scott
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal/Universal Int
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 22, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016

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