Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated slapstick comedy-horror has blood, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The 'Burbs
What's the Story?
In THE 'BURBS, Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) and his neighbor buddies Art Weingartner (Rick Ducommun) and Mark Rumsfield (Bruce Dern) suspect that the creepy new family on the cul de sac are serial killers, but their attempts to find evidence by spying on the neighbors come up empty. When the neighbors have to go away for a day, the three friends invade the house, determined to find proof of foul play once and for all.
Is It Any Good?
With such a strong cast and veteran director Joe Dante, this silly dark comedy should have been a better movie. The weak link of The 'Burbs is the writing. About the best that can be said is that it clips along at a good pace. Sure, there are a few laughs here and there, but the slapstick is too predictable to offer anything genuine. The situation is hackneyed, the events aren't credible, and the script doesn't help suspend your disbelief enough to go along with the goofiness.
Teens may still enjoy some laughs despite the familiarity of the slapstick tropes. They might also enjoy the outlandish 1980s fashions. (We really used to dress that way, kids.) But with so many better choices available from just about everyone involved in this film, your time would be better spent elsewhere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The 'Burbs combines comedy with scares. What are some other horror comedies you can think of? Why are they popular?
Have you ever suspected that someone was up to no good? What did you do? Were you right? How should you handle suspicions in a responsible way?
Have you seen any other movies starring Tom Hanks? How does this one compare? Which is your favorite?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 26, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : May 4, 1999
- Cast : Tom Hanks , Bruce Dern , Carrie Fisher
- Director : Joe Dante
- Studio : Imagine Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads ) , Friendship
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 19, 2026
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