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The 'Burbs

Play trailer Poster for The 'Burbs PG Released Feb 17, 1989 1h 43m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
56% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.
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The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs

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Critics Consensus

The 'Burbs has an engaging premise, likable cast, and Joe Dante at the helm -- so the mixed-up genre exercise they produce can't help but feel like a disappointment.

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Critics Reviews

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Kim Newman Empire Magazine It fumbles at the last moment... but this is still mainly a pleasantly nasty delight that was strangely overlooked in the cinema. Rated: 4/5 Mar 26, 2019 Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times It's inconceivable that "The 'burbs looked good on paper. Mar 26, 2019 Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Also starring Carrie Fisher, 'Burbs is a hilarious look at suburban mischief pre-Desperate Housewives. Check it out. Rated: B Sep 12, 2017 Full Review Mitchell Beaupre Paste Magazine That sense of frivolity helps you tuck yourselves into bed at night in your safe home, trusting in the knowledge that Tom Hanks saved the neighborhood. But The ‘Burbs also contains the lingering reminder of Ray’s words: “It’s not them, it’s us!” Rated: 8.5/10 Feb 17, 2024 Full Review Noah Gittell Washington City Paper In between set pieces, The ’Burbs thrives on a dynamic conflict between genres, ideas, and eras. Nov 10, 2023 Full Review Adam Olinger Adam Does Movies (YouTube) I'm a bit bummed to see a rotten score on this movie so I felt inclined to throw my positive review into the ring. The Burbs is a great little flick; with a strong cast of neighbors, a simple, yet effective premise and enough intrigue to keep you hooked! Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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EJ S This is a fairly empty comedy. There are a few bits here and there that I enjoyed, but overall, I can't give it much of a recommendation. While Tom Hanks handles his part with ease, it isn't much of a role in the first place. Some highlights: 1) It's always nice to see Carrie Fisher. 2) Ditto for Bruce Dern. 3) And most of all, it's great to see Henry Gibson, who brings his usual quiet and soft comedy self to his role. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/04/24 Full Review Audience Member Such A great movie to watch Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/24 Full Review Jayson M My favorite movie of all time. I love all the characters, especially Ruben. The perfect blend of cheesy, funny, scary and nostalgic. A great soundtrack and a true cult classic! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/14/24 Full Review Wyatt E One of the funniest horror comedies I've ever seen Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Ric J An absolute classic that rewards multiple viewings. A must-see for a Joe Dante fan. This gem was under appreciated in its time, likely due to marketing. If audiences went in expecting another over-the-top Hanks performance a la “Big” or “Money Pit”, they were likely disappointed. What you get instead is an eerie suburban mystery on par with “the Twilight Zone” series mixed with B-movie charm and humor. Watch it with those expectations and prepare for belly laughs intertwined w genuine scares. Dante brings such a level a creepy unease w the “neighbors from hell” , you’d think you were watching some forgotten Vincent Price / Roger Corman drive-in feature. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/14/24 Full Review Al K Had a few weak spots with the story, but show what can be done when you have a great cast. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The 'Burbs

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Cast & Crew

The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma 2:59 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur 2:30 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites 2:26 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter 2:07 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare 3:19 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics! The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics! 2:26 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence 2:52 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal 2:18 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It? The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It? 2:01 The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning 1:54 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Settling in for some time off in his suburban home, Ray Peterson's (Tom Hanks) vacation becomes a horror when the Klopeks, a suspiciously odd family, move in down the block. Enlisting the aid of his paranoid buddy, Art (Rick Ducommun), and his militia-man neighbor, Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), Ray sends his son and wife (Carrie Fisher) away on a trip while he investigates the Klopeks. When a neighbor disappears, Ray and his cohorts risk their lives to save their cul-de-sac from the clutches of evil.
Director
Joe Dante
Producer
Larry Brezner, Michael Finnell
Screenwriter
Dana Olsen
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Imagine Entertainment
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 17, 1989, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.1M
Runtime
1h 43m
Sound Mix
Surround
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