Uncle Buck

Last updated

Uncle Buck
Uncle buck.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by John Hughes
Written byJohn Hughes
Produced by
  • John Hughes
  • Tom Jacobson
Starring
Cinematography Ralf D. Bode
Edited by
Music by Ira Newborn
Production
company
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date
  • August 16, 1989 (1989-08-16)
Running time
100 minutes [1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$79.2 million

Uncle Buck is a 1989 American comedy-drama film written and directed by John Hughes. It stars John Candy and Amy Madigan with Jean Louisa Kelly, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, Macaulay Culkin, Gaby Hoffmann, Elaine Bromka, and Garrett M. Brown appearing in supporting roles. The film tells the story of a bachelor who babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her younger brother and sister while the parents are away. It was released in theatres by Universal Pictures on August 16, 1989, and has grossed $79.2 million since its release.

Contents

Plot

Bob and Cindy Russell have recently moved from Indianapolis with their three children, 15-year-old Tia, 8-year-old Miles, and 6-year-old Maizy, to the Chicago suburbs. Resentful about the move, Tia's relationship with her mother is fraught. The Russells receive a phone call informing them that Cindy's father has suffered a heart attack. Bob and Cindy unsuccessfully attempt to find a caretaker for the children, and are forced to turn to Bob's younger brother, Buck, whom Cindy believes to be unreliable and a bad influence. Buck lives in a small apartment in Chicago, is a heavy drinker and smoker, drives a run-down 1977 Mercury Marquis Brougham Coupe, and earns his living by betting on rigged horse races. His long-term girlfriend, Chanice, desires to get married and start a family, while Buck wants to retain his freedom and lack of responsibility; Chanice warns him that he will eventually end up alone.

Buck quickly befriends Miles and Maizy, whom he has never met, but Tia remains distant and rebellious. He settles into the Russell home and learns that he has been cropped out of his brother's wedding photos. Over the next several days, Buck takes the children bowling, ejects a drunken party clown from Miles' birthday party, defends Maizy from her school's strict assistant principal, and washes laundry in the kitchen sink because he cannot operate the washing machine. When Buck meets Tia's obnoxious boyfriend, Bug, he warns her that Bug is only interested in her for sex and repeatedly thwarts her plans to sneak out with him. In retaliation, Tia convinces Chanice that Buck is cheating on her with a neighbor, Marcy. When Chanice walks in on Marcy dancing with Buck, she ends their relationship. Buck laments that people used to envy his carefree life, but he realizes that lifestyle is no longer admirable.

After Tia sneaks out to a party, Buck decides to look for her instead of attending a horse race that would provide him with enough money for the entire year, and begs Chanice to look after Miles and Maizy. At the party, Buck forces open the door to a bedroom where he thinks Bug is taking advantage of Tia, but he finds Bug with another girl. He binds and gags Bug and locks him in his car's trunk, then finds a tearful Tia, who admits Buck was right about Bug. Opening the trunk, Buck forces Bug to apologize to Tia before letting him go. Bug threatens to sue Buck, but Buck hits him with golf balls, causing him to flee in terror.

Tia reconciles with Buck, then mends his relationship with Chanice by admitting her lie and telling Chanice that Buck would make a good husband and father. Buck also agrees to take a steady job at Chanice's auto shop. Bob and Cindy return from Indianapolis after Cindy's father recovers, and Tia surprises her mother with a hug; Cindy promises that their relationship will improve. As he prepares to leave, Buck invites Tia to meet up with him in the city before exchanging a loving goodbye.

Cast

Notable additional voices were provided by Patricia Arquette, Jack Blessing, Leigh French, and Julie Payne.

Production

The film was the first one directed, written, and produced by John Hughes under a multi-picture agreement deal with Universal. Filming began on January 4, 1989, in Chicago. [2] The company decided to keep the production facilities and locations as close as possible. The vacant New Trier High School in Northfield, Illinois, was chosen for the production facility. Three of its gyms were converted into sound stages on which several sets were constructed including the two-levelled interior of the Russell House, Buck's bedroom, and smaller sets. [2] The school was also equipped to suit the needs of the cast and crew behind-the-scenes, with classrooms for the young actors, offices, dressing rooms, a wardrobe department, editing facilities, a special effects shop, equipment storage areas, and a projection booth.

Production designer John Corso began designing the sets in October 1988 and within seven weeks his construction crew of twelve carpenters and five painters began work on the two levels of the Russell house. The elementary school corridor, the boys' restroom, the principal's office, and a classroom were filmed at Wilmette's Romona Elementary School. A colonial-style house in Evanston was chosen for the exterior of the Russell house. The exteriors and practical locations were shot in Chicago, Cicero, Skokie, Northbrook, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Riverwoods. [2]

Reception

Box office

The film earned $8.8 million on its opening weekend in 1,804 theatres and was placed No. 1 at the box office. [3] The film stayed in first place for three more weeks before being bumped down to second by Sea of Love . Its US earnings were 18th in 1989, and the film has earned nearly $80 million worldwide since its release. [4]

Critical reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 62% of 26 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10.The website's consensus reads: "Uncle Buck has its ups and downs, but there's undeniable comedic magic that comes from uniting John Hughes, John Candy, and a house full of precocious kids." [5] Metacritic , which uses a weighted average , assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 12 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. [6]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film a score of one and a half out of four, writing that Uncle Buck was unusually bitter and angry for a Hughes movie: "...Hughes is usually the master of the right note, the right line of dialogue, and this time there's an uncomfortable undercurrent in the material". [7]

Television series and remake

A television series was broadcast on CBS in 1990. It starred Kevin Meaney as Buck, a slob who drinks and smokes. When Bob and Cindy die in a car accident, he is named the guardian of Tia, Miles, and Maizy. The show was not received well by TV critics. After it was moved to Friday, in an attempt by CBS to establish a comedy night there, its ratings quickly plummeted and it was cancelled.

In June 2016, ABC premiered a second television adaptation featuring an African-American cast with Mike Epps in the title role, James Lesure as his brother, and Nia Long as Buck's sister-in-law. It suffered a similar fate as the previous TV adaptation, as it was poorly received by critics and then cancelled after eight episodes. [8] In 1991, the film was remade in Malayalam language and released as Uncle Bun . [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Candy</span> Canadian actor and comedian (1950–1994)

John Franklin Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian who is best known for his work in Hollywood films. Candy first rose to national prominence in the 1970s as a member of the Toronto branch of the Second City and its SCTV sketch comedy series. He rose to international fame in the 1980s with his roles in comedic films such as Stripes (1981), Splash (1984), Brewster's Millions (1985), Armed and Dangerous (1986), Spaceballs (1987), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), and Cool Runnings (1993). He also appeared in supporting roles in The Blues Brothers (1980), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Home Alone (1990) and Nothing but Trouble (1991).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Hughes (filmmaker)</span> American director, producer and screenwriter (1950–2009)

John Wilden Hughes Jr. was an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He began his career in 1970 as an author of humorous essays and stories for the National Lampoon magazine. He went on in Hollywood to write, produce and direct some of the most successful live-action-comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s. He directed such films as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, She's Having a Baby, and Uncle Buck; and wrote the films National Lampoon's Vacation, Mr. Mom, Pretty in Pink, The Great Outdoors, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Dutch, and Beethoven.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macaulay Culkin</span> American actor and musician (born 1980)

Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin is an American actor and musician. Considered one of the most successful child actors of the 1990s, Culkin has received a Golden Globe Award nomination and other accolades. In 2005, he was ranked second on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid-Stars". In 2023, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<i>Home Alone 2: Lost in New York</i> 1992 film by Chris Columbus

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a 1992 American Christmas comedy film directed by Chris Columbus, written and produced by John Hughes. The sequel to the 1990 film Home Alone and the second film in the Home Alone franchise, the film stars Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Tim Curry, Brenda Fricker and Catherine O'Hara. It follows Kevin McCallister as he is separated from his family on their holiday vacation to Florida, this time in New York City where he has another encounter with the Wet Bandits after their escape from prison.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean Louisa Kelly</span> American actress and singer (born 1972)

Jean Louisa Kelly is an American actress and singer. After making her film debut as Tia Russell in Uncle Buck (1989) alongside John Candy, she appeared in a wide range of other films including The Fantasticks (1995) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). From 2000 to 2006, she portrayed Kim Warner on the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear.

<i>Babe: Pig in the City</i> 1998 film

Babe: Pig in the City is a 1998 comedy-drama adventure film and the sequel to the 1995 film Babe. It was co-written, produced and directed by George Miller, who co-wrote and produced the original film. Magda Szubanski and James Cromwell reprise their roles from the first film, with Mickey Rooney joining the cast.

<i>Home Alone 3</i> 1997 film by Raja Gosnell

Home Alone 3 is a 1997 American family comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell in his directorial debut, written and co-produced by John Hughes, and starring Alex D. Linz and Haviland Morris. A sequel to Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), it follows Alex Pruitt, an 8-year-old boy who defends his home from a dangerous band of international criminals working for a terrorist organization. It is the third film in the Home Alone franchise, the only one not set during Christmas, and the first not to feature actor Macaulay Culkin, director Chris Columbus, or composer John Williams; Gosnell had served as editor on the first two Home Alone films. It is also the final film in the Home Alone franchise to receive a theatrical release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rory Culkin</span> American actor (born 1989)

Rory Hugh Culkin is an American actor known for his roles in Scream 4, Lords of Chaos, You Can Count on Me, Columbus, and M. Night Shyamalan's Signs. He is the youngest brother of actors Macaulay and Kieran Culkin.

<i>Candy</i> (1968 film) 1968 film by Christian Marquand

Candy is a 1968 sex farce film directed by Christian Marquand from a screenplay by Buck Henry, based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Terry Southern and Mason Hoffenberg, itself based on Voltaire's 1759 novel Candide. The film satirizes pornographic stories through the adventures of its naive heroine, Candy, played by Ewa Aulin. It stars Charles Aznavour, Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, James Coburn, John Huston, Walter Matthau and Ringo Starr. Popular figures, such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Anita Pallenberg, Florinda Bolkan, Marilù Tolo, Nicoletta Machiavelli, Umberto Orsini and Enrico Maria Salerno also appear in cameo roles.

<i>Shes Having a Baby</i> 1988 film by John Hughes

She's Having a Baby is a 1988 American romantic comedy film directed and written by John Hughes and starring Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern. It tells the story of a young newlywed couple who try to cope with married life and their parents' expectations. The film was met with mixed reviews.

<i>Used Cars</i> 1980 film by Robert Zemeckis

Used Cars is a 1980 American satirical black comedy film co-written and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The story follows Rudy Russo, a devious salesman, working for affable, but monumentally unsuccessful used-car dealer Luke Fuchs. Luke's principal rival, located directly across the street, is his more prosperous brother, Roy L. Fuchs, who is scheming to take over Luke's lot. The film also stars Deborah Harmon and Gerrit Graham, and the supporting cast includes Frank McRae, David L. Lander, Michael McKean, Joe Flaherty, Al Lewis, Dub Taylor, Harry Northup, Dick Miller, and Betty Thomas.

<i>Rookie of the Year</i> (film) 1993 film by Daniel Stern

Rookie of the Year is a 1993 American sports comedy film starring Thomas Ian Nicholas and Gary Busey as players for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. The cast also includes Albert Hall, Dan Hedaya, Eddie Bracken, Amy Morton, Bruce Altman, John Gegenhuber, Neil Flynn, Daniel Stern, and John Candy in an uncredited role.

<i>In Country</i> 1989 film by Norman Jewison

In Country is a 1989 American drama film produced and directed by Norman Jewison, starring Bruce Willis and Emily Lloyd. The screenplay by Frank Pierson and Cynthia Cidre was based on the novel by Bobbie Ann Mason. The original music score was composed by James Horner. Willis earned a best supporting actor Golden Globe nomination for his role.

<i>Dennis the Menace</i> (1993 film) 1993 film by Nick Castle

Dennis the Menace is a 1993 American comedy film based on the Hank Ketcham comic strip. It is directed by Nick Castle, written and co-produced by John Hughes and distributed by Warner Bros. under its Family Entertainment label.

<i>Uncle Buck</i> (1990 TV series) 1990 American TV series or program

Uncle Buck is an American surreal humour television series starring Kevin Meaney, based on the 1989 film of the same name. The series aired on CBS from September 10, 1990 to March 9, 1991 during the 1990–91 season.

<i>Only the Lonely</i> (film) 1991 film by Chris Columbus

Only the Lonely is a 1991 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Chris Columbus, produced by John Hughes, and stars John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Quinn, and James Belushi. The film is a comedic take on the premise established in the 1953 television play Marty and the 1955 film Marty, while the title comes from the song "Only the Lonely" by Roy Orbison. The story follows a bachelor police officer who is looking to settle down and start a family with a mortuary beautician, while coping with his controlling mother who wants him all to herself.

<i>Escape to Witch Mountain</i> (1975 film) 1975 film by John Hough

Escape to Witch Mountain is a 1975 American fantasy science-fiction film, based on Alexander H. Key's 1968 novel of the same name and directed by John Hough. It was released on March 21, 1975 by Walt Disney Productions and Buena Vista Distribution Company. It is the first film of the Witch Mountain series.

<i>Buck</i> (film) 2011 American film

Buck is a 2011 American documentary film directed by Cindy Meehl. The film focuses on the life, career, and philosophy of the real-life "horse whisperer" Buck Brannaman.

<i>Uncle Buck</i> (2016 TV series) 2016 American TV series or program

Uncle Buck is an American single-camera comedy television series based on the 1989 film of the same name that debuted on ABC as an entry in the 2015–16 television season. The series was created for television by Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley. The show was picked up to series on May 8, 2015 and aired from June 14 to July 5, 2016.

Uncle Buck is an American comedy franchise that consists of one film and two television series. The series tells the story of the titular "Uncle Buck" Russell, a bachelor and all-around-slob who babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her younger brother and sister. Starring John Candy, Kevin Meaney and Mike Epps, the series also co-stars Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin, Lacey Chabert and Nia Long.

References

  1. "Uncle Buck (12)". British Board of Film Classification . October 2, 1989. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 "Uncle Buck (1989)". catalog.afi.com. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  3. "'Uncle Buck' Is No. 1 At the Movie Box Office". The New York Times . August 23, 1989. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  4. "Uncle Buck (1989)". Box Office Mojo.
  5. "Uncle Buck". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved July 25, 2024. OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
  6. "Uncle Buck". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  7. Ebert, Roger (August 19, 1989). "Uncle Buck movie review & film summary (1989)". Chicago Sun-Times . Retrieved October 27, 2020 via RogerEbert.com.
  8. Petski, Denise (July 6, 2016). "'Uncle Buck' Canceled By ABC After One Season". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  9. Hutchinson, Sean (September 11, 2017). "15 Fun Facts About Uncle Buck". Mental Floss . Retrieved July 25, 2024.