Taking Care of Business

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Taking Care of Business

R

Released Aug 17, 1990

1h 43m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

52%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

After winning tickets to the World Series, Jimmy Dworski (James Belushi) walks out of his minimum security prison and starts hitchhiking to the big game. While in an airport, he discovers a leather datebook that belongs to Spencer Barnes (Charles Grodin), a wealthy corporate businessman who's just been dumped by his wife. At first, Jimmy wants to return it for a reward, but, when he realizes it's filled with credit cards, he decides to hold on to it for just a little longer.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

This is a pretty stupid comedy in spots, with holes wide enough to drive trucks through, and director Arthur Hiller is as clunky as ever, but the cast is so funny and likable that they almost bring it off in spite of itself.

May 21, 2013

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Lamely synthetic.

Rated: D

Sep 7, 2011

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Variety Staff

Variety

Brash Belushi and befuddled Grodin are perfect casting for yarn about a likable escaped con who assumes the identity of a stuffy, overworked ad agency exec.

Mar 26, 2009

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

This film arrives with little acclaim, but we should give it the opportunity it deserves. If I recommend this movie, it is because you thank me for it. [Full review in Spanish]

Dec 1, 2022

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A buddy movie rip-off of Trading Places.

Rated: C+

Sep 19, 2017

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Fun comedy with satire and a pleasant performance by John de Lancie.

Dec 4, 2016

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Audience Member

I loved it when I first watched, and having just watched it, I still love it now! What's not to like about it? It's a romp from beginning to end. All hail, Mr Abrams!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Mon B

As bad as it gets from the 80's and early 90's. A waste of great talent, loads of stereotypes, plot holes you could land a plane in, and it's so unfunny it hurts. This would never get a theater release today.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Jay H

A movie that confirms what I've been saying for years: Chicago Cubs fans are criminals. In all seriousness (?), this is a comedy with zero laughs. I wonder if J.J. Abrams lists this on his resume?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/18/24

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie was terrible. A low point for Charles Grodin. If you want to see a good 80's movie, check out ‘The Secret of My Success' starring Michael J. Fox.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Hilarious, and if you consider the plot hole it makes it even funnier in terms of writing, but it gives way for more "acting".

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Taking Care of Business is a somewhat lowbrow satire of 80s business culture. It is absolutely crammed with wish fulfillment. If you are looking for intellectual engagement, you're in the wrong place. It's a greasy triple cheeseburger of a movie. A once-in-a-while guilty pleasure.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

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Arthur Hiller

Director

Jim Belushi

Jimmy Dworski

Charles Grodin

Spencer Barnes

Anne De Salvo

Debbie Lipton

Loryn Locklin

Jewel Bentley

Stephen Elliott

Walter Bentley

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Synopsis

After winning tickets to the World Series, Jimmy Dworski (James Belushi) walks out of his minimum security prison and starts hitchhiking to the big game. While in an airport, he discovers a leather datebook that belongs to Spencer Barnes (Charles Grodin), a wealthy corporate businessman who's just been dumped by his wife. At first, Jimmy wants to return it for a reward, but, when he realizes it's filled with credit cards, he decides to hold on to it for just a little longer.

Director: Arthur Hiller
Producer: Geoffrey Taylor
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 1990, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.0M
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround

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