The 'Burbs

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The 'Burbs

PG

Released Feb 17, 1989

1h 43m

Comedy

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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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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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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

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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

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Noah Gittell

Washington City Paper

In between set pieces, The ’Burbs thrives on a dynamic conflict between genres, ideas, and eras.

Nov 10, 2023

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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

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J R

If you just allow yourself to sit back relax and except this movie for what it is there is not one better. Pull the stick out don't judge and just enjoy. Greatest flick of all time!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

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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

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Audience Member

Such A great movie to watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/16/24

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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

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Wyatt E

One of the funniest horror comedies I've ever seen

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/24

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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

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Joe Dante

Director

Tom Hanks

Ray Peterson

Bruce Dern

Lt. Mark Rumsfield

Carrie Fisher

Carol Peterson

Rick Ducommun

Art Weingartner

Corey Feldman

Ricky Butler

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The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Bees and Bad Karma

2:59

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - The Femur

2:30

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Do Not Mess With Suburbanites

2:26

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ambulance Encounter

2:07

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Ray's Nightmare

3:19

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - We're the Lunatics!

2:26

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - I'm Going Over the Fence

2:52

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Satan Is Our Pal

2:18

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - What Is It?

2:01

The 'Burbs: Official Clip - Neighbor Take Warning

1:54

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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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