The 'Burbs (1989) Review in 2025
A comedy-horror film about a suburban neighborhood's obsession with their new neighbor, who they suspect of being a serial killer.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its dark humor and some mild violence, but older kids and adults will enjoy it.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you enjoy comedy-horror films with a suburban setting. However, it's not particularly suitable for young children due to its dark humor and some mild violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Ray Peterson, a suburban dad who becomes convinced that their new neighbor, Art Weingartner, is a serial killer. As the neighborhood becomes more and more obsessed with the idea, they start to turn on each other, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic events.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of humor and suspense. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with Tom Hanks and Rick Ducommun delivering memorable performances.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Tom Hanks delivering a standout performance as Ray Peterson.
direction8.00/10
Joe Dante's direction is solid, with a good sense of pacing and atmosphere. However, some scenes feel a bit over-the-top and cartoonish.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but some scenes feel a bit dark and washed out. The use of color is also somewhat inconsistent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a strong cast, good direction, and some memorable quotes. It's also a fun and entertaining watch.
Cons
The story is not particularly original, and some scenes feel a bit over-the-top and cartoonish.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
"You're not a very good liar, are you?"
