Review of Ruthless People (1986) by Bob V — 17 Apr 2011

Comedy milestone from the Eighties, not that you need to be told, after 30 seconds the hair & clothes have informed you very loudly which decade we're looking at. This film, together with "Down & Out in Beverly Hills", revived Bette Midler's career, which had floundered after the disastrous film "Jinxed", the failure of which was largely blamed on her supposed diva behaviour & her antagonism towards both her co-star & the director. This was followed up with a dissapointing music album. Bette was effectively sent into the wilderness for over four years.

Unknown Bill Pullman also became a household name with his part as a himbo (only in the 80's could all of that have been considered to be hot stuff), and the style and writing influenced cinema, and comedy in particular, drastically in the years to come.

While I did very much love "Down & Out", I never quite understood the massive appeal of this film. I think the acting is so-so, the real laugh moments are far and in between, and ... but well, I suppose I can't hold them responsible for the awful clothes, so I'll let that one go.

Anyway, it's funny enough, but only just enough.