Review of Uncle Buck (1989) by Matthew D — 24 Dec 2018

A riveting comedy about understanding and appreciating family.

John Candy steals the show as the lovable oaf Uncle Buck in the 1989 film of the same name. John Hughes does not reinvent the wheel as a director, but his oddly realistic suburban community overview is charming unto itself. His angles and sequences are clever and fun, but never interesting by themselves. Hughes' genius is thanks to his writing. Hughes brings witty and hilarious script writing with a biting sense of sarcasm to the fold. His films do not always hold up thanks to his creepier sexual material through into the mix, but Uncle Buck is still hilarious.

Again, Candy is the star with his massive stature and the physical comedy that comes with him, but his likable personality and genuine attitude feel quite natural. Candy doesn't overplay his ridiculous character and wins you over because of it.

Macaulay Culkin is very charming and fun as Miles in this early role of his, while Gaby Hoffman is equally adorable and sweet as Maizy. The great foil in the teenage daughter for Uncle Buck is portrayed beautifully by the spunky and smarmy Jean Kelly. She is the other standout star of Uncle Buck alongside Candy.

The music feels right out of Risky Business from the previous year, while not standing out as great for a 1980's score. Other than the wonderful scene wherein the daughter and mother make up and come to a new understanding with sweet synths playing in the background.

Overall, Uncle Buck is short and quick, while it does not try much new, it plays up slapstick and mature humor in this family oriented comedy that gets funnier the older you get.