Review of Dutch (1991) by Raji K — 17 Dec 2016

Ed O Neil stars in the John Hughes written comedy Dutch. Ed O Neil is Dutch Dooley, a working-class man that is dating a woman who used to be with a multi-millionaire. Because of this, the son Doyle (Ethan Embry) is a spoiled rich kid that feels entitles and lashes out at all of those who oppose him. His wealthy dad (Christopher MacDonald) does not make things better as he almost seems to encourage this type of activity. Dutch makes a deal with the mother (JoBeth Williams) that he will go across America and bring him home for the holidays.

Dutch makes an effort to bond with the boy, only to find that he is constantly challenging him for control. The two are at a battle of wits, as Dutch is trying to bond with the boy who hates him for being a middle class individual who is not a millionaire like his father. The movie then transitions to a planes, trains and automobiles like film as they go through various plans to try and get home. This includes hitchhiking, being robbed by call girls, and being passed for homeless grifters.

Dutch is a good enough comedy for its time. It is not as classic as some of John Hughes other films, but stands on its own in some regards. Like most of Hughes films, he is able to create a scene that truly gives that makes the movie endearing. This occurs when Dutch and Doyle are at a homeless shelter, and they experience the side of lives of those who truly need help. They come to realize that there is more to life than their petty squabbles. Dutch does not deliver in some of the comedic level or have as many good lines as Home Alone, Planes Trains and Automobiles and other comedies, but it is worth watching for anyone who is a fan of Ed O Neil or John Hughes films.

-12.16.2016.