The 'Burbs
When secretive new neighbors move in next door, suburbanite Ray Peterson and his friends let their paranoia get the best of them as they start to suspect the newcomers of evildoings and commence an investigation. But it's hardly how Ray, who much prefers drinking beer, reading his newspaper and watching a ball game on the tube expected to spend his vacation.
Critics Sentiment
Ray strikes gas line and the Klopek house explodes dramatically
Ray snaps and declares they were wrong acting like lunatics
The film drops significantly from the explosive climax peak to Ray's self-aware breakdown, falling 2.4 points as the narrative undermines itself
Reviews show The 'Burbs builds effectively through its first two acts with strong character chemistry and Dante's skilled horror-comedy balance, peaking with the spectacular house explosion. However, the film falters in its final act with a muddled resolution that first makes the protagonists look foolish, then vindicated, leaving critics divided on whether the ending cleverly subverts or simply contradicts the suburban paranoia themes. Overall, reviewers appreciated the cast performances and Dante's direction while finding the screenplay's tonal shifts increasingly problematic toward the end.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 36
Tom Hanks
Ray Peterson
Bruce Dern
Lt. Mark Rumsfield
Carrie Fisher
Carol Peterson
Rick Ducommun
Art Weingartner
Wendy Schaal
Bonnie Rumsfield
Corey Feldman
Ricky Butler
Courtney Gains
Hans Klopek
Henry Gibson
Dr. Werner Klopek
Gale Gordon
Walter Seznick
Dick Miller
Vic, Garbageman #1
Robert Picardo
Joe, Garbageman #2
Theodore Gottlieb
Uncle Reuben Klopek
Franklyn Ajaye
Detective #1
Cory Danziger
Dave Peterson
Rance Howard
Detective #2
Heather Haase
Ricky's Girlfriend
Nicky Katt
Steve Kuntz
Bill Stevenson
Ricky's Friend
Gary Hays
Ricky's Friend
Kevin Gage
Cop
Crew
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