Discover the charm, humor, and heart of Uncle Buck, the 80s comedy that made John Candy a legend and families everywhere laugh out loud.
The 80s was all about family comedies, and no one made comedy on the silver screen bigger than John Candy. Throughout the decade, he appeared in many excellent films, including Uncle Buck. The film was an 80s gem and featured many famous actors of the time, including Macaulay Culkin.
After all, the 80s was a golden age for family comedies. Just about every film was either an action or had a quirky plot with relatable characters and just enough absurdity to keep you laughing until your sides split. Uncle Buck fits perfectly into the genre, thanks to its blend of heart and humor. But, what truly made it stand out from the rest of the crowd, was its celebration of imperfection. It was in your typical feel-good family film. Instead, it was messy, loud, and so real that it hurt.
In order to understand why Uncle Buck remains one of the most lovable 80s comedies, let’s take a closer look at the secret sauce that made an 80s comedy so special.
The Essentials of Uncle Buck
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here are the essentials.
- Title: Uncle Buck
- Release Date: August 16, 1989
- Director: John Hughes
- Main Cast:
- John Candy as Uncle Buck
- Macaulay Culkin as Miles Russell
- Jean Louisa Kelly as Tia Russell
- Gaby Hoffmann as Maizy Russell
- Genre: Comedy
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Box Office Performance: A hit, grossing over $79 million worldwide
- Home Video: An 80s and 90s staple on VHS
The Reluctant Hero
Buck Russell was the main character of the film and was played by John Candy. He was a very lovable slacker, who had a big heart but no real direction in life. When his brother and sister-in-law needed somebody during a family emergency to watch the kids, they called everyone they knew. And, the last name on that list was good ol’ Uncle Buck.
He’s that one guy that everybody has in her family to never really amounted to anything in his life. He shows up at their suburban home with his beat-up car, sending everyone to the floor when it backfires. He also has a wide array of questionable habits and a knack for simply doing things his own way. The three kids he is tasked to take care of, are a sort of mixed bag. You have Miles and Maizy, who are both precocious and adorable, and the eldest Tia, who is not thrilled at all about Uncle Buck taking over life.
Naturally, there is a complete clash of personalities. And, Buck’s unorthodox methods don’t help any. Imagine coming down to breakfast with your least favorite uncle, flipping some of the largest pancakes you have ever seen. Or, imagine being picked up by your boyfriend, only to have your uncle interrogate him with a power drill. Nevertheless, despite all of the clashes, Uncle Buck slowly wins everyone over.
Why Uncle Buck Was So Iconic in the 80s
John Candy: The King of Comedy
Okay, so we can’t talk about Uncle Buck without also talking about John Candy. During the 80s, he was a comedy powerhouse. And, of all of the roles he played throughout the decade, Uncle Buck might have been considered by many to be his best role. After all, he had this ability to make you laugh one second, and tear up the next. He didn’t try to play the perfect hero, rather he played a flawed, relatable, and unforgettable one.
Of course, there was John Candy’s use of sarcasm, warmth, and over-the-top antics, that simply felt like a breath of fresh air. There is something unique about his method for making giant pancakes for Maizy, and his attempts to awkwardly navigate small talk with the neighbors.
The Humor Was So 80s
Uncle Buck’s humor was pure 80s gold. It had the perfect mix of slapstick comedy, quick-wittedness, and just enough edge to make it interesting. Such as the time that he drove off Tia’s boyfriend Bug with a golf club. Or, when Miles, played by Macaulay Culkin, shoots rapid-fire questions at Buck in a way that only he could pull off.
Teen Angst Meets Tough Love
Of course, the movie wasn’t just about the last. It also captured the real family dynamics of the decade. This was especially true when it came to the tension between teens and adults. Throughout the film, Tia was on her rebellious streak, and Buck’s no-nonsense approach created the perfect mix for conflict.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Classic
John Hughes’ Magic Touch
Then there was John Hughes. John Hughes was the king of feel-good movies. He was known for his ability to balance humor and heart in his films. Not only did he bring us Uncle Buck, but he also was responsible for Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
When he wrote the script for Uncle Buck, he had John Candy in mind at all times. After all, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. The two had worked together in previous films, and they had a bit of chemistry on the screen. It was a match made in heaven.
Macaulay Culkin’s Breakout Moment
We all know Macaulay Culkin for his role in Home Alone. But, he didn’t appear in the series until after his breakout appearance in Uncle Buck. Granted, he had been in commercials. But, it was his interrogation scene that changed everything for him. In a similar fashion, Macaulay Culkin would go on to ask similar rapid-fire questions in the Home Alone series, which were considered by many to be comedy gold.
Fun Fact: The Power Drill Scene
When Uncle Buck interrogates Tia’s boyfriend Bug, he does so with a power drill in his hand. It was a truly memorable moment in the movie. But, believe it or not, most of it was improvised. John Candy was given a little leeway when it came to the scene, and he improvised most of the dialogue which made it more hilarious and unpredictable.
Cultural Impact: Uncle Buck’s Legacy
Let’s face it, Uncle Buck was so much more than a box-office success. It quickly grew its own cult following. People everywhere were quoted lines from the film, and debating the ethics of making oversized pancakes. But that’s only because everyone secretly wished for their very own Uncle Buck.
Over the years, the appeal of the movie has grown. It is the kind of film that families of every generation could sit down and watch together. And, the thought of passing it down from one generation to the next can send goosebumps down anyone’s spine. After all, even today, its mix of humor and heart still feels fresh.
FAQ: Your Uncle Buck Questions Answered
Is Uncle Buck appropriate for kids?
Yes, Uncle Buck is a family-friendly film, but there are some jokes and themes that might be a little bit too much for younger kids.
Where can I watch Uncle Buck?
Due to the popularity of the film, it is still available on many streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Did Uncle Buck inspire a TV show?
There were two attempts to create a sitcom based on the film. The first attempt took place in 1990, and the second in 2016. However, without John Candy, none of them were able to capture the magic of the film.
Key Takeaways: Why Uncle Buck Still Matters
Uncle Buck was so much more than just another movie. It was a constant reminder that family doesn’t have to be perfect. Instead, family means showing up even when you’re a little rough around the edges. The movie is funny, heartfelt, and timeless. And, the performance continues to resonate decades later. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, then you are missing out on one of the best 80s comedies. So, grab some popcorn and your coziest pajamas, and sit down to watch one of the funniest family films of the decade.
