Neighbors

Earl Keese is an unimaginative Walter Mitty stuck in boring suburbia. After Captain Vic and Empress Ramona move next door, Earl begins on a 24-hour journey to save his soul -- to be released from the stagnant swamp of dead-end living -- and 9-5 working. Both Belushi and Aykroyd expand their comedy by switching their normally stereotyped roles. Oscar-Nominated (Raging Bull) Cathy Moriarty also turns in a great performance as the temptress Ramona.

The swamp scene behind Earl's house is a powerful and mythic metaphor of Earl being "sucked down" by outside forces. It's also where he becomes baptized into a "new world" where he will reign. The Gelbart script (heavily rewritten by Belushi and Aykroyd during the Writer's Guild Strike) follows many of the Joseph Campbell tests and trials of the mythic hero. In addition to story, the film also boasts some fast, screwball comedy dialogue. Here's one of the witty exchanges in the post-modern Robert Riskin vein:

Vic: We're waiting, or do I have to pound it out of you?

Earl Keese: Don't ever speak to me like that in my own house!

Vic: Why would I?

Earl Keese: You just did.

Vic: I didn't mean anything -- it's just something a guy says.

Earl Keese: I never say it.

Vic: I don't blame you.

Experience "Neighbors" with some spaghetti from Caesar's Garlic Wars, a small spaghetti and wine dealership at Valley Field Mall on Route 3, next to the Cinema-Cineplex and the Singer Sewing Center.

Oh, and for breakfast the next morning, tell your loved one: "I hope you like blueberry pancakes and little baby sausages --'cause that's what yer getting'!"


Neighbors   February 18, 2004
Richard Cunningham (United States)
This is a really funny dark comedy. The last movie John Belushi made, and maybe his best. Based on the book by Thomas Berger.


Chaotic Comic Masterpiece   December 12, 2003
M. Hencke (New York, NY United States)
I love this movie. It was one of my all time favorite comedies. It isn't for everyone but if you like dark humor and the teaming of Akroyd and Belushi then this is a must see flick. The script is brilliant and the acting by Belushi in particular is top notch. There is a lot going on in this film. Very well directed and shot.