Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) Review in 2025
Bonfire of the Vanities is a satirical comedy-drama film based on Tom Wolfe's novel of the same name. The movie follows the story of Sherman McCoy, a wealthy investment banker, and his wife, who become embroiled in a scandal after their son is involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, strong language, and explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its thought-provoking themes and strong performances, but it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie takes a dark turn when Sherman's wife, Meredith, becomes involved in a scandalous affair with a young African American man, and Sherman's business partner, Larry, tries to cover up the incident. Meanwhile, the police investigation into the hit-and-run accident reveals that Sherman's son was the driver, and the family's reputation is ruined.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, but it feels a bit disjointed and lacks a clear direction. The satirical elements are well-executed, but they may not resonate with all audiences.
acting8.00/10
The acting is top-notch, with Tom Hanks and Melanie Griffith delivering standout performances. Bruce Willis feels a bit miscast, but he still manages to bring some humor to the film.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, but they feel a bit one-dimensional at times. Tom Hanks and Melanie Griffith deliver strong performances, but Bruce Willis feels out of place in this film.
direction6.00/10
Brian De Palma's direction is competent, but it lacks a clear vision. The pacing is uneven, and the film feels a bit disjointed at times.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a mix of bright and dark colors that effectively convey the mood of the film. The camera work is also impressive, with some clever uses of long takes and close-ups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a strong cast, excellent cinematography, and thought-provoking themes. The satirical elements are well-executed, and the film is visually stunning.
Cons
The story feels a bit disjointed, and the pacing is uneven. The film may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature content.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a lawyer, but I play one on TV."
"You're a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant, Sherman. You're a WASP. You're a member of the ruling class."
