Tin Men

R

Released Mar 6, 1987

1h 52m

Comedy

List

78%

23 Reviews

Tomatometer

64%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Door-to-door aluminum-siding salesmen Bill "B.B." Babowsky (Richard Dreyfuss) and Ernest Tilley (Danny DeVito) are professional rivals in an industry known for shady dealings and high-pressure sales. But their rivalry goes from professional to personal after a minor car accident that neither are willing to take the blame for. As the hatred between the two men grows to near insane levels, B.B. decides to take it even further by seducing and having an affair with Tilley's wife (Barbara Hershey).

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Nick S

Biggest waste of time. Zero character arch, completely stupid.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/28/24

Full Review

ewan m

One of my favourite films, funny, good music, well filmed and acted

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

steve d

Fat too slow to be effective.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Dionysis K

A great movie of a by gone era, with some great actors.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/26/22

Full Review

Audience Member

The dialogue and direction are perfect. This movie is an American treasure.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

Full Review

dave s

Ernest Tilley (Danny DeVito) and ‘BB' Babowsky (Richard Dreyfus) are aluminum siding salesmen for rival companies. After a minor traffic accident between the two, they find themselves enmeshed in grievances and revenge, forever altering their lives. Barry Levinson's Tin Men has all of the trademarks of a Levinson film. The plot is thin, but the depth of the characters more than compensates for any shortcomings. As well, the dialogue is fantastic throughout, similar in nature to Levinson's Diner, where mundane conversations become fascinating. And it's set in Baltimore. While it isn't filled with belly laughs, there's enough gentle humor to keep things light. It's not up there with some of Levinson's best works, but it's still worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Barry Levinson

Director

Richard Dreyfuss

Bill 'BB' Babowsky

Danny DeVito

Ernest Tilley

Barbara Hershey

Mrs. Nora Tilley

John Mahoney

Moe Adams

Jackie Gayle

Sam

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Peter Keough

Chicago Reader

It is a brilliant, touching, and hilarious reminder that the crazy jerk who just rear-ended us is only another confused soul trying to find his way home.

Rated: 4/4

May 9, 2022

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Because Tin Men is based on fundamental truth, it is able to be funny even in some of its quieter moments. The good jokes always hurt a little.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Ángel Luis Inurria

El Pais (Spain)

Despite having a lot of rich potential in its premise, it is closer to mediocrity. [Full Review in Spanish]

Apr 7, 2020

Full Review

Hilary Mantel

The Spectator

It captures the circularity and inconsequentiality of everyday speech, without flagging, and without becoming for a moment less than entertaining.

Aug 31, 2018

Full Review

Cathy Burke

United Press International

Levinson has an unerring eye for the trappings of the period, and like Diner, the supporting characters add a realism that is often forgotten in the 'big movie' mentality of the 80s.

Nov 8, 2016

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The period comedy film is a rich character study that offers a ride as smooth as a Coupe de Ville.

Rated: B+

Sep 7, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

Door-to-door aluminum-siding salesmen Bill "B.B." Babowsky (Richard Dreyfuss) and Ernest Tilley (Danny DeVito) are professional rivals in an industry known for shady dealings and high-pressure sales. But their rivalry goes from professional to personal after a minor car accident that neither are willing to take the blame for. As the hatred between the two men grows to near insane levels, B.B. decides to take it even further by seducing and having an affair with Tilley's wife (Barbara Hershey).

Director: Barry Levinson
Screenwriter: Barry Levinson
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 6, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.3M
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Surround

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