When the old owner of a dilapidated used car lot dies due to foul play, his young and ambitious hot-shot salesman and colleagues vow to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner's treacherous brother and used-car rival.
Trailer
Cast
Robert Zemeckis
Director
Kurt Russell
Rudy Russo
Jack Warden
Roy L. Fuchs
Jack Warden
Luke Fuchs
Gerrit Graham
Jeff
Frank McRae
Jim the Mechanic
Deborah Harmon
Barbara Fuchs
Joe Flaherty
Sam Slaton
David L. Lander
Freddie Paris
Michael McKean
Eddie Winslow
Michael Talbott
Mickey
Harry Northup
Carmine
Alfonso Arau
Manuel
Al Lewis
Judge Harrison
Woodrow Parfrey
Mr. Ghertner
Andrew Duncan
Charlie
Dub Taylor
Tucker
Claude Earl Jones
Al
Beans Morocco
Stanley Dewoski
Cheryl Rixon
Margaret
Robert Zemeckis
Writer
Bob Gale
Writer
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Comments
7 Comments
Used Cars
I am a member of a rare breed--I like Steven Spielberg's comedies better than all of his other works, except for possibly "Schindler's List". After the wild unscrupulous business practices that cause the near collapse of the banking system, I look back on Used Cars with much admiration. Did Steve forsee something the rest of us didn't? This movie spoofed run away capitalism at its best. Although it featured everyone's favorite sleeze bag capitalists: the used card salesmen, you cant help but think that junk bond salesmen took one too many clues from them in selling us a bill of goods. But dont think this movie is anywhere near serious, it is almost entirely cinematic vaudeville--sight gags, sight gags, sight gags, some girls and profanity. This movie makes you laugh and think at the same time--assuming you are the sort that can walk and chew gum without stumbling. But dont chew gum while watching this film, you might swallow it while laughing and choke.
You've read the reviews and summations on other posts, but when you watch this gem, be sure to pay close attention to the scene where Rudy and the other 'salesmen' are ready to start selling on the morning after their football break-in commercial. The way Rudy goes from being "Rudy O'hara" to "Rudy Garcia" to "Rudy Washington Carver" is sheer script genius. And when Jeff uses his shotgun to blast away high prices, ending by saying "We blew the s---out of that overpriced m-----F-----just like we blow the s---out of all high prices", if you're not laughing you must be deaf and blind. There are many other great scenes too. I rate this film 9 out of 10 (only because of the slight letdown in the last 20 minutes).
USED CARS (1980) *** Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, Gerrit Graham, Michael McKean, David L. Lander, Deborah Harmon, Frank McRae, Al Lewis. Very funny farce with Russell as a used car salesman facing opposition from Warden (in dual roles as twin brothers) in an all out war with some nice moments here and there. Look sharp for Betty Thomas during one of Russell's tv ads. Written by Bob Gale and directed by Bob Zemeckis.
This is a romantic comedy, but not one I would watch with my wife! The tasteless jokes and one-liners roll out almost non-stop. The movie verifies most everything we believe about used car salesmen, the "My boss will have a heart Attack" sales scene nearly brings me to tears I laugh so hard. Russell is at his best with some of the best character actors around joining in, I especially like the goofy Lenny and Squiggy, they just play two very disturbed individuals. Don't look for any deep meaning here, just crude humor a a very funny movie. I give it 8/10
Following "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", Robert Zemeckis directed the equally silly "Used Cars", about the antagonistic high jinx between two used car salesmen (Kurt Russell and Jack Warden). This isn't the sort of movie that you watch to change your life or pick up on double meanings or anything like that; you watch it to have fun. And indeed you will! Whether it's the R-rated commercials, or anything else, the movie's a hoot the whole way through. Like "Big Trouble in Little China" and "Overboard", it shows that Kurt Russell really works best in comedy. Just great. A mile of cars. Imagine that...
This is one funny movie. Kurt Russell shows his comedic side and is hysterical - so are Gerrit Graham and Jack Warden. Robert Zemeckis made a gem very few people saw and this is my favorite movie of his. See it if you want to laugh like hell.
