Uncle Buck

Plot synopsis:
Bob and Cindy Russell and their three kids, 15-year-old Tia, 8-year-old Miles, and 6-year-old Maizy, have recently moved from Indianapolis to the Chicago suburbs because of Bob's promotion. Late one night, they receive a phone call from Indianapolis informing them that Cindy's father has suffered a heart attack. They make plans to leave immediately to be with him. After hearing the news, Tia, bitter about having been forced to move, accuses Cindy of abandoning her father.
Bob suggests asking his brother, Buck, to come watch the children, to which Cindy objects. While they are middle class suburbanites, Buck is unemployed, lives in a small apartment in Chicago, drinks and smokes, and earns his living by betting on rigged horse races. He drives a dilapidated 1977 Mercury Marquis that pours smoke and backfires. His girlfriend, Chanice, owns an automobile tire shop. The couple have been together for eight years; Chanice wants to get married and start a family and Buck has grudgingly accepted a new job at her shop. Since no one else is available to help Bob and Cindy, they have no choice but to turn to Buck. Buck cheerfully informs Chanice that he can't start his job yet due to the family emergency. Chanice thinks Buck is trying, as usual, to lie his way out of working.
Upon arriving, Buck quickly befriends Miles and Maizy, but the rebellious Tia is aloof, and the two engage in a battle of wills. When Buck meets Tia's obnoxious boyfriend, Bug, Buck warns her that Bug is only interested in her for sex. Buck repeatedly thwarts her plans to sneak away on dates with Bug. Over the next several days, he deals with a number of situations in comedic fashion, including taking the kids to his favorite bowling alley, making enormous pancakes for Miles' birthday, ejecting a drunken birthday clown from the property, speaking with the school assistant principal about Maizy, and handling the laundry when the washing machine doesn't work.
Eventually, Tia exacts revenge on Buck for meddling in her relationship with Bug by misleading Chanice to think he is cheating on her with their neighbor, Marcy; the two have an argument and Chanice leaves him. The following weekend, concerned after Tia sneaks out to a party, Buck decides to go looking for her rather than attend a horse race which would have provided him with enough money for the entire following year. He calls and begs Chanice to watch Miles and Maizy as he searches for Tia. At the party, thinking that Bug is taking advantage of her in a bedroom, he forces the door open by drilling out the lock, but walks in on Bug with another girl. He kidnaps Bug. After he finds Tia wandering the streets, she apologizes to him and acknowledges he was right about Bug. Buck lets Bug out of the trunk to apologize to her. When Bug is finally released, he threatens to sue him. Buck then strikes him with a golf ball, making him retract his apology and flee. At home, Tia helps Buck reconcile with Chanice by admitting her lie and tells her that he would be a good husband and father. Buck also agrees to start his job at the garage.
Bob and Cindy return from Indianapolis, Cindy's father having recovered. Upon entering the house, Tia surprises her mother with a hug. Buck and Chanice then leave for Chicago, with Buck and Tia exchanging a loving wave goodbye.

Tags: humor

Review:
As hard as it is to pick a favorite role that John Candy ever portrayed, I'd have to say it was Uncle Buck.
Although this wasn't the only title he and Culkin ever shared, it was the only film the two ever shared any time on screen together.Basic plot:  Candy's sister-in-law's father has just had a heart attack in the middle of the night and the two parents rush trying to find someone to watch the kids for them while they hop the next flight to go see her father.
However, the oldest of the children doesn't care for her bumbling uncle, and the discipline and protection he places upon her, while her parents are away.A great heart-warming comedy that will make you laugh and possibly even cry at times.
If you see only one John Candy movie make it UNCLE BUCK..
It is very good but it is a simple little film, one of those nice films to watch on a Sunday afternoon without having to rack your brain or think too hard.The late John Candy excels here as Buck Russell who at first glance is a slob and without much going for him.
The film really is about a guy who looks like the type of man you would keep your family away from but who is in fact a guy with a heart of gold.I recommend Uncle Buck to anyone who fancies watching a nice simple little film for the whole family to enjoy.
John Candy plays Uncle Buck, a guy who has to look after his brothers children for a while, as his brother and sister-in-law have to go away.
Not really sure how things work, but trying hard to make friends with the younger kids (Gabby Hoffman and Maculay Culkin), and trying very hard to make peace with the older, cynical niece (Jean Louise Kelly) who for some reason, just can't take a liking to Buck.
Though, I think the funniest scenes are with Laurie Metcalf (always a scene stealer) as the seductive, cooky next door neighbor who takes a liking to Buck.John Hughes fans in general will probably enjoy this comedy, though that depends if you kept maintained faithfulness to his film catalogue even after he started going strictly with mindless family films (and not teenage comedies).
Though, this is the earliest period of that transition, about the same time as Dutch and Curly Sue, so it really depends on what serves your taste as far as John Hughe's family film collection goes.It is a nice little comedy, and one that wouldn't hurt to try.
Uncle Buck is a lovable character who, though irresponsible at times, loves his brother's children like his own.
The story,acting,music,and cast is just right.The film is very funny and it is never boring.I just love the Uncle Buck character.The character always wants to have a good time,is always kind and does small and big things for people that he doesn't even have to do.
I wish more people in the world was like this.Anyway I have seen it many times and in My opinion its a classic!If you haven't seen Uncle Buck and love John Candy,silly and serious comedies then check out this great movie!I highly recommend it!.
John Hughes' Uncle Buck is a comedy that isn't as recognized as much as his acclaimed films (Home Alone, Pretty In Pink, Weird Science, Breakfast Club, 16 Candles), but this is just as funny and heartwarming as the others.
What's behind it?The movie is about a character named Buck, who is played by the late John Candy.
To my mind, Uncle Buck was the role of John Candy's life.This character is a man who has more faults and weaknesses than you could ever count, but it's clear that he is very warm-hearted and, *surprise!*, can be a good parent in a very inventive way.
He plays the part of the lovable slob, who may not always make the best decisions for himself, but is remarkably shrewd when it comes to other peopleGood family entertainment and is a great advert for Uncles (and Aunts too of course) to take a greater role on helping their young relatives find their way in the world Feel good - yes!.
If you really want to have a great lazy Saturday afternoon watching movies, be sure and rent this one.And remember kids, the blue water's not good for the dog..
John Candy always had a sweetness about him that was obvious in any movie I ever saw him in & even though his comedy was sometimes a little over the top he was still more consistently funny than either Farley or Belushi.
This is John Candy at his absolute hilarious best as the family slob and misfit who has to babysit his brother's children for a week.One thing that does bug me, is that subsequent re-releases of this on video, have placed Macaulay Culkin as the star of this movie.
It is a wonderful early performance from him, giving a glimpse of the character he would hone to such perfection in Home Alone, but this movie should always belong to Candy, who is funny and charming in every scene he appears in.There may be funnier performances from Candy, such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but none showcase his individual comic ability more than this.An essential addition to any video collection, as a fitting momento to one of Hollywood's must loveable and endearing funny men..
John Candy is Buck Russell, a character very similar to Del Griffith from Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
He has a girlfriend who desperately wants him to grow up but...he can't be bothered.But when Buck is called to the wintry, affluent suburbs to look after his brother's kids for a couple of weeks (much to his sister-in-law's horror) he learns what it's like to be a responsible adult and does surprisingly well with his extended babysitting chore (in his own unique way).Uncle Buck was Candy's fourth (of five) collaboration with Hughes and the role is clearly tailor-made for him.
Not because of his teen movies, but because he made my favorite comedy ever: `Planes, Trains and Automobiles' with Steve Martin and John Candy.
AnywayJohn Hughes' second to last film he directed was a little, low budget comedy named `Uncle Buck,' about a guy named Buck (John Candy) and his ordeals of the week.Basically, to make a long story short, Buck's brother and sister-in-law are called out of town because of a family emergency.
There are some funny one-liners that have John Candy saying things like `Ever heard of a ritual killing,' etc (anyone who's seen the movie knows what I mean).John Candy uses his natural comedic charm in this film; he is loveable and huggable.Macaulay Culkin has his best role in this film.
He was not yet an annoying brat, and could actually handle his lines, for once, without sounding like he is reading off a piece of cardboard (see `Home Alone' and/or `The Good Son').John Hughes directs the film in his typical fashion.
Every time I see the freeze-frame ending it makes me want to cry (well, I feel sad, at least), because like `Planes' the freeze-frame captures John Candy at his best, with his heart shining through.
Strangely that makes her funny (probably because this is in a movie) but in real life I couldn't stand someone like her.Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann (two talented kids from that time) star as the brothers Miles and Maizy.
John Candy, whose tragic and untimely death deprived us of great comedic talent and of a wonderful actor, gives a great deal of depth and believability to his role and plays his character with a great deal of warmth and humor that is endearing to watch.
While it's no "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", this is a pretty funny John Hughes/John Candy film with some good sentiment.
I first saw his 1987 film, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" starring John Candy and Steve Martin, in 2006, and thought it was a great comedy.
"Uncle Buck" is another movie written, directed, and produced by Hughes and starring Candy, both of whom are sadly no longer with us.
I had known about this film for quite a while by the time I finally saw it, and I wasn't expecting it to be as good as the 1987 movie, which it isn't, but it was still enough to leave me with a good feeling.Bob and Cindy Russell recently moved from Indianapolis to Chicago with their three offspring, Miles and Maizy, who are both under ten years old, and Tia, who is now a teenager.
It helps that there are also some good dramatic moments in the movie, especially towards the end.Basically, what makes this flick inferior to "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is that it's not as consistent as its predecessor, and the 1987 John Hughes/John Candy collaboration certainly doesn't have any characters that are as off-putting as the Tia character is here.
In between those two films, Hughes wrote but didn't direct a comedy entitled "The Great Outdoors", which also features Candy in the cast, but I haven't seen that one, so I don't know how it compares, but "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" and "Uncle Buck" are both funny comedies which can also be serious in some scenes, with good sentiment, and Candy really stands out in both of them.
I can understand why "Uncle Buck" doesn't have the appeal of its hilarious predecessor, but there is a lot to make it watchable, and it can remind us of the talent Hughes and Candy had..
John Hughes, one of the most underrated directors of the last 50 years, is on form and keeps the saccharine sweet nature of the film well under control in a way few others could.Other than Candy the rest of the cast is amazing with many household names.
What counts is John Candy is the star, and watching this movie on the Disney Channel helps me better realize how much of a great comedian he was.
It's been a while since his death, and that's why it's good that they show this movie to pay homage to the great John Candy.
Of the four main players in here - John Candy, Jean Kelly, Amy Madigan and Macauley Caulkin - the only one I've never heard about (at that time) was the one that annoyed the heck out of me and ruined the film.
I am referring to Kelly in the role of teenage brat, "Tia Russell." Ironically, six years later she played a stunning and extremely likable role in the person of "Rowena Morgan" in "Mr. Holland's Opus."Candy, as usual, is fun to watch as "Buck Russell," or the title character, "Uncle Buck." Few actors were better at playing a lovable, hapless slob than Candy.
Out of desperation they turn to someone whom they have grave reservations about in terms of his suitability for the job - Bob's single, layabout brother, Buck.Sweet, funny movie, written directed by the master of the poignant- yet-funny 80s comedy-drama, John Hughes.
The transformation of Uncle Buck, played superbly by John Candy, from a single slacker to a responsible adult with better parenting skills than most is quite heart-warming and makes the movie into a great drama.Some quite hilarious scenes too, so a good combination of comedy and drama.Unfortunately, probably thanks to some scenes in this movie and Macaulay Culkin's role in it, John Hughes did go down the silly adults-vs-kid (with the kid as the hero) slapstick route soon after this.
Amy Madigan is on hand as Buck's sorta girlfriend while Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann play the younger kids.This movie has garnered a decent reputation over the years, but I didn't see it until last night.
Uncle Buck is another highlight on John Hughe's film reel.
John Candy is a comedian that died before his time, but thankfully he was able to make this movie as this is one of his best roles.
The Late/Great John Hughes delivers a gem of a film with 'Uncle Buck'.
Performance-Wise: The Late/Great John Candy brings Uncle Buck to life, with a stupendous performance.
Most when asked.."You know John Candy?"...More than likely the answer will be.."Oh yeah...Uncle Buck." Like many other John Hughes films, Uncle Buck relies on Comedy and a little bit of love.
i like this film.it has a an endearing quality to it that makes it so easy to watch.i think i was six when i saw it in the cinema and i remember renting it a lot and taping it on TV every year for about 5 years,and then i forgot about it until i was going through a john hughes phase recently.
its definitely no "planes,trains and automobiles" or "ferris bueller's day off",but the late,great john candy can make me sit through a lot of unfunny films just because of his presence.this is a film that won't change your life,but if you are a hughes fan,it's a warm inviting film with usual michigan setting,80's new wave music and warm atmosphere to it.it does end all of a sudden and your left wanting a bit more,but its an enjoyable ride nonetheless..
John Candy plays a man named Buck Russell, who has to babysit the children of his brother Bob (Garrett M.Brown) and sister-in-law Cindy Russell (Elaine Bronka).The children include little Miles (Macaulay Culkin), little Maizy (Gaby Hoffman) and a rebellious teenager Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly).Tia isn't too pleased about the fact Buck is looking after them.Especially when he gets in the way of the relationship of her and Bug (Jay Underwood).During the babysitting process Buck does some growing as an individual.But can he keep his girlfriend Chanice Kobolowski (Amy Madigan), when he has kept treating her badly for years?
I guess nobody stays as a kid forever, not even Peter Pan.He became Robin Williams when he grew up.Gaby Hoffman does really sweet role work.Jean Louisa Kelly is there to offer some drama to this movie.She's terrific.Mike Starr has a great visit there as the drunken clown Pooter.Macaulay Culkin's My Girl buddy Anna Chlumsky makes a brief visit as a school child.Uncle Buck offers some many funny moments, like when Buck does some golfing to Bug.Everybody who hasn't had a laugh in a long time, should watch this movie..
Director, John Hughes, pulls off another great credit to his name, I hope he keeps up the good work.If you are a fan of John Candy, definitely see this film as soon as possible, I'm sure you'll like it.
Uncle Buck is a great movie for the whole family.
John Candy is is a crack up, and his funniest movie since Trains Planes and Automobiles.I have seen this movie about 1,000 times and it's still funny.
Jean Louisa Kelly is the perfect snotty teenager, and Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffman are also great as Miles and Maisy.This was one of the movies I watched when I was younger, so it will always be a favorite of mine!
Arguably the weakness movie of the three, Candy's timing and soft self-deprecating humor as a bachelor turned babysitter give "Uncle Buck" a charming center that helps you endure Jean Louisa Kelly's grating performance, as his snotty angst-ridden niece, and John Hughes' sappy direction..
John Candy plays uncle Buck, a perpetually unemployed man who is called over to his brother's house when they unexpectedly have to leave town on a family emergency, since they cannot take their three children with them.
And although he made very few films that were good enough to show his comedic ability, it reminded me just how funny and lovable John Candy could be before his unfortunate death (a sentence I never thought I would say/type).The character of Tia has to be one of the most annoying characters in a Hughes movie since Anthony Michael Hall in Sixteen Candles.
John Candy gives one of his very best performances ever in this touching and funny movie by the great John Hughes.
Uncle Buck is never included many times in a list of good John Hughes films and
old Uncle Buck played by John Candy.The younger two Gaby Hoffman and MacCauley Culkin are happy to have their
telling her off is priceless.One of John Candy's best films, still very funny indeed..
A much-watched John Hughes classic, this marked a move away from his teen angst/coming of age style movies into more family-focused films with broader appeal.
Culkin is so funny in this, he got the HOME ALONE films and huge international stardom from it.Anyway, UNCLE BUCK is a must watch for fans of John Candy, because it seems almost to have been written as a tribute to the larger-than-life star.
This movie is for the entire family.John Candy is superb as Uncle Buck.
Uncle Buck is comedy which is recommend to watch over and over again, because the movie its self is very funny.
"Uncle Buck" lets Candy have great fun with the role of a slobby bachelor who seems like the type of person to keep your kids away from, but who turns out to be an incredibly responsible and caring guy.
It's a fun movie, and definitely worth watching for John Candy at his best..
UNCLE BUCK (1989) ***1/2 John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin, Gaby Hoffman, Laurie Metcalf.
John Hughes comedy about lovable loser Buck Russell (Candy's finest comic moment) who is forced to take care of his brother's kids when an emergency occurs.
John Candy has made a great film!
I really miss John Candy very much and have always loved his movies.
john candy is really funny as uncle buck.
As for UNCLE BUCK, i'd say it's a funny, but predictable movie.
John Candy as Uncle Buck is exactly the right role for this talented comedian.
The film is the story of Candy (Uncle Buck) taking care of his brother's three children for a few days.
Along with Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Uncle Buck ranks as one of John Candy's best films.