Review of Dutch (1991) by Christopher S — 18 Nov 2011

Ed O'Neill was at the top of the television universe with "Married With Children" and decided to cash in on his popularity on the Big Screen. Dutch can be viewed as a rare "Thanksgiving Holiday Film" just like Planes, Trains & Automobiles, another John Hughes comedy. Matter a fact come to think of it, "Dutch" is just really a carbon copy of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," only with Ed O'Neill and a spoiled brat instead of Steve Martin & John Candy. Ed O'Neill is a great character actor, but even he can't pull this beyond the A-typical 80's comedy. Ethan Embry's character, Doyle, is one of the most unlikable characters I've EVER seen in a movie. He is utterly detestable, with no likable qualities. The film tries to develop him and tries to get us to care about his predicament, but it's a case of too-little, too-late. The story lurches from one roadside encounter to the next and never really goes anywhere, O'Neill and Embry just eventually end up back at his mother's house. The ending, where (spoiler) Ed O'Neill punches Christopher McDonald (playing the evil father character) is abrupt and unsatisfying. There are a number of subplots which are never resolved, including one about a bunch of prostitutes who steal O'Neill wallet, and are never heard from again. The film attempts to be a "message" movie, about how poor people are just like rich people, or something, but fails in that regard. The last scene in the movie is supposed to be the moment Ed O'Neill gets one over on this little brat of a kid, yet by then its a little too late and you just don't really care all that much by then.

As for the cast....The chemistry between Ed O'Neill as 'Dutch' and Ethan Randall as 'Doyle' is excellent. It makes the movie work, where as other lesser talents would have produced a ho-hum movie. Ed O'Neill could really do no wrong in my eyes back in those days. He was just outstanding throughout. Ethan Randall was an absolute horror to watch. I grew to detest every second he was on screen, which really means he delivered an outstanding performance. Anyone that can get a viewer to hate him that much is doing his job. The young actor 'Ethan Randall' that played Doyle is in reality none other than 'Ethan Embry, the actor who played 'Frank Smith' on the circa-2003 version of 'L.A. Dragnet', costarring with Ed O'Neill once again! Christopher Mcdonald plays the usual slimy sleazeball that he has perfected over the years. JoBeth Williams isn't around much but does excel in the scenes she is in. Ari Meyers & Elizabeth Daily both 80's teen comedy regulars, so up to take part of a pretty funny scene towards the end.

Dutch is nothing special, but it does have heart and is still an enjoyable movie. If your a fan of Ed O'Neill or John Hughes-esque films or need a Thanksgiving Film to get you into the Holiday Spirit, by all means check it out.