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Uncle Buck
1989
Comedy, Drama
1h 40m
Bachelor and all round slob, Buck, babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute younger brother and sister (imdb)
Directed by:
John HughesScreenwriter:
John HughesUncle Buck
1989
Comedy, Drama
1h 40m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 44.98% from 3199 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 19 Jan 2019
95
98th
My favorite derelict uncle introduced me to this 80's comedy early in my childhood, so my nostalgia has firmly cemented this as my top John Hughes' film. Growing up with this movie, I first identified with the precocious Macaulay Culkin, and now as I've aged into becoming a derelict uncle myself, I've come to appreciate the role my uncle took in my life and fondly remember his own attempts to make giant pancakes, or taking me to the track, which reminds me...I need to see a man about a horse.
Rated 19 Jan 2019
Rated 15 May 2011
75
65th
THOSE PANCAKES and TIA'S ISSUES
Rated 15 May 2011
Rated 19 Jan 2019
50
31st
I'm not a huge fan of comedies in general.and I was never overly crazy about John Candy ...But I guess what I like is in this movie he's just an average guy and reminds of someone I could possibly know or meet on the street
Rated 19 Jan 2019
Rated 25 Nov 2013
86
84th
No man in history has ever had a mutual understanding of what it means to be a teenager and what it means to be an adult. Look at John Hughes filmography and watch as he seamlessly moves from perfect family dynamics like Vacation and Mr. Mom to Sixteen Candles and Breakfast Club, from Ferris Bueller to The Great Outdoors. Pretend the 90's and nought's never happened and you have a man more flawless than,well, me.
Rated 25 Nov 2013
Rated 14 Aug 2007
78
44th
It's the sort of movie that you can watch on a lazy day and smile along with as you watch John Candy do what he once did so well. For me, John Candy was the type of actor (much like Christopher Walken) that could just bring a smile to my face the moment he walked onto the screen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 28 Aug 2020
6
70th
I think I agree with the review of Joel-w-m below that the movie’s mistake is that Buck is actually, like, a pretty responsible and conscientious caretaker from the beginning of the film, which doesn’t leave much room for growth. But the charm of Candy and to a lesser extent Culkin still make it pretty breezy and watchable and amusing, though I’m not sure I buy that Buck wouldn’t be arrested for kidnapping at the end even in the 80s.
Rated 28 Aug 2020
Rated 20 Aug 2020
70
75th
Fundamentally a film about compassion, empathy and sympathy that makes an important point about the bleakness of existence without love. Also makes apparent the utility of a power drill, hatchet and golf club to castrate (even if just symbolically) sexual predators. Kelly's portrayal of a 'bitch' is impressively convincing (I'd hate to be her mother or father).
Rated 20 Aug 2020
Rated 18 Jul 2010
75
67th
Who doesn't miss the good ole days when you could duct tape some punk teenagers hands together and put him in your trunk, and then later hit golf balls at him? This movie further establishes how underrated of a comedic actor John Candy was. He has some absolute hilarious moments in this.
Rated 18 Jul 2010
Rated 24 Nov 2022
60
32nd
John Candy was a master at combining real pathos with goofball comedy, but in order for it to really work in a film, the 2 elements have to be believable, appropriate, and in proportion. here, the balance is completely unbelievable ... treating the house with total disrespect, not being able to feed a dog, then looking out for the kids? ... the transformation to caring uncle is completely unbelievable. UB is really amateurish and looks like it was edited by a 3yr old but hey, it was only 90 mins
Rated 24 Nov 2022
Rated 10 Apr 2022
63
66th
This is a movie that's elevated by Candy, as the rest of the cast is boring. The jokes are a bit hit and miss, but any time Candy was on screen he at least maintained my attention and even got a laugh out of me from time to time. It's unfortunate that the movie couldn't have focused more on the dynamic between Candy and Culkin as what little this movie showed of that was solid, especially since the core plot beats were really weak. But regardless, a film that's carried by Candy alone.
Rated 10 Apr 2022
Rated 03 Feb 2022
77
46th
John Candy single-handedly carries the movie, which is little more than a by-the-number 80s comedy. Prior to Candy's arrival it's almost unwatchable. Fortunately, at the 10-15 mark Candy never seems to leave the screen, making for an entertaining if uninspired feature. Worthy of a few chuckles but not much more than that.
Rated 03 Feb 2022
Rated 30 Dec 2020
90
92nd
The giant pancakes are in my top-5 for best looking food in film. If you like John Candy, you will like this film. I happen to love John Candy, therefore...
Rated 30 Dec 2020
Rated 17 Sep 2017
4
12th
Candy is good as always, but aside from Buck's hilariously loud entrance, he proves to be a pretty solid caregiver, enforcing curfew, keeping the creeps away, and always picking up, dropping off, and standing up for the kids. Laudable, but where's the fun in that? The comedic formula is messed with here, and its replacement (stern dad/rebellious daughter-esque drama) feels uncalled for and kinda bland. Have Buck mature, but leave it until the end! Let's see him take the kids to the track first.
Rated 17 Sep 2017
Rated 08 Jul 2017
69
42nd
Thanks to John Candy's near-perfect performance in the titular role, Uncle Buck is able to overcome its uneven execution.
Rated 08 Jul 2017
Rated 02 Aug 2016
70
36th
John Candy is in his best form here, but the film doesn't really stand up to the test of time. His takedown of the wart woman, though, is one for the ages.
Rated 02 Aug 2016
Rated 22 Dec 2014
6
41st
Uncle Buck doesn't stand out as one of my favorite John Hughes or John Candy films. There's certainly enjoyment to be had and the great John Candy brings his usual warm sense humour. But my only gripe with this film is it's struggle to establish who it's aimed at. A lot of the time this film feels light hearted and family friendly. But then again there's one too many uses of bad language and some scenes aren't appropriate for children. Uncle Buck is fun, but Hughes & Candy have both done better.
Rated 22 Dec 2014
Rated 16 Nov 2012
90
91st
This is why I love 80s movies. John Candy is perfection. Jean Louisa Kelly is great as the bitchy teenage niece.
"Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face!"
"We can talk about burying the hatchet. You know what a hatchet is, don't you, Bug?"
Rated 16 Nov 2012
Rated 17 Jun 2012
60
23rd
The older daughter is so bitchy that she makes the movie unpleasant, the two little kids are nothing but cute props, and all the characters change their behaviors merely to advance the plot. There are maybe three or four funny jokes, but it's mostly predictable 80s comedy garbage. The only good thing about this is John Candy.
Rated 17 Jun 2012
Rated 29 May 2012
74
77th
Here, Hughes seems to step back a little bit and clear the living room for Candy to shine with some great material. It's amazing how I didn't remember how funny seeing it today.
Rated 29 May 2012
Rated 23 Sep 2010
69
73rd
The movie isn't good, the oldest daughter too annoying to be tolerated, Culkin and the youngest girl act circles around her. But god damned if John Candy isn't charming.
Rated 23 Sep 2010
Rated 13 Mar 2010
7
59th
Well exceeded my expectations. An endearing, and often genuinely funny little comedy
Rated 13 Mar 2010
Rated 30 Jul 2009
70
75th
A classic family movie. I loved it as a kid, and still holds up pretty well.
Rated 30 Jul 2009
Rated 21 May 2009
70
61st
A great film? No. But John Candy makes all the difference here, a fun guy with great charisma.
Rated 21 May 2009
Rated 22 Nov 2008
90
94th
The chemistry that John Candy has with his fellow castmates was amazing. He is so much fun to watch.
Rated 22 Nov 2008
Rated 29 Aug 2008
60
47th
Glad I reviewed this, because my original rank was totally off the mark. I dont remember much of this movie other than that a few lines were used by my friends and I ad nauseum after seeing the movie. It's the usual fluff from John Hughes after his great 80s movies, and just before he went on to Home Alone. John Candy does his usual loveable oaf character, but even that cannot save this from mediocrity.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
84th
I really shouldn't give this such a high score, but ITS UNCLE BUCK! COME ON!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
39
7th
I liked parts of this when I was young. I was a particularly stupid child.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
79th
One of the great comedies produced by the 80's. Endlessly quotable.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 03 Aug 2007
81
57th
John Hughes and John Candy. The only way someone could hate this movie is if they're more concerned with looking cool than being honest with themselves.
Rated 03 Aug 2007
Rated 04 Feb 2024
20
12th
Laughless "comedy".
Rated 04 Feb 2024
Rated 13 Dec 2023
68
32nd
Dated movie but good for some laughs. Nothing you should go out of your way to see.
Rated 13 Dec 2023
Rated 31 Oct 2023
17
8th
Broken script, bad direction, saved from a worse rating only by moments of undeniable hilarity.
Rated 31 Oct 2023
Rated 05 Jan 2022
40
29th
The writing is not great, the director or editor’s comic timing is appalling & ruined this - like it was edited to be a sitcom with exaggerated dead air left for the laugh track that never comes. Milked for way too many “kids say the darnedest things” cornball 80s moments…But John Candy is adorable and melts my heart. His character is painfully likable & deserved a better film.
Rated 05 Jan 2022
Rated 24 Jul 2021
65
63rd
Decent movie but really only Macaulay Culkin and John Candy saved this.
Rated 24 Jul 2021
Rated 07 May 2021
65
45th
I wanted to like this a lot more, but I guess something about it just didn't really click with me. I found Buck to be a bit of an actual psychopath on occasion, & much of the script seemed a lot more concerned with jumping from scenario to scenario than actually putting in good character development. There are some funny moments, & the ending is sweet, but I don't fully see what all the hullabaloo is about with this one. John Candy is great as always, though, & so is Jean Louisa Kelly.
Rated 07 May 2021
Rated 10 Jan 2021
64
51st
There's a simplistic charm to Uncle Buck, largely thanks to Candy's solid performance and the interplay between his goofiness and Kelly's snarkiness. There's not much more to this film; a few funny antics, some middling pacing, and a reaffirmation of the (80's US) nuclear family. Watchable, light entertainment.
Rated 10 Jan 2021
Rated 03 Jan 2021
100
98th
THE family comedy of the '80s. John Candy is phenomenal. Sure, there are some weird nuances that still leave me confused after decades of rewatching, but overall this movie remains to be the best John Hughes movie in my honest opinion. I still laugh out loud when he comes into the school to meet with the principal. I still tear up at the end as it fades out on John Candy's freeze-framed wave with that quintessential '80s tune.
Rated 03 Jan 2021
Rated 15 Dec 2020
90
93rd
Greatbitch+theygreatquick+pancakes:Pomgiwantem+drillsthroughkeyholeloolwronggirlstillscares+lmaointhetrunk-golfathimlool
Rated 15 Dec 2020
Rated 07 Feb 2020
30
4th
The oldest daughter is an evil, wicked, scheming bitch. Macaulay Culkin is barely in the movie whatsoever. It's about Uncle Buck (John Candy) and the oldest daughter fighting. The acting by EVERYONE including Candy is utter garbage, and it plays like a collection of loose skits that are disjointed and doesn't make a movie. All jokes are flat. John Candy is creepy and reveals a dark side. Story is predictable and below mediocre. Yet, somehow it's pretty pleasant to watch despite being GARBAGE...
Rated 07 Feb 2020
Rated 01 Feb 2018
80
62nd
I didn't expect it to be THIS funny.
Rated 01 Feb 2018
Rated 13 Dec 2017
90
71st
A-
Rated 13 Dec 2017
Rated 15 May 2016
80
68th
I have to say that I'm disappointed in the low reviews for this movie. Uncle Buck is a standout comedy from the great John Hughes and easily one of the 80's best. Non stop laughs and great performances. Props to Candy and a young Macaulay Culkin. There's plenty of memorable scenes and catchy quotes. You need to check this one out. 4 STARS
Rated 15 May 2016
Rated 11 Apr 2015
61
67th
Revisited (2+)
Rated 11 Apr 2015
Rated 23 Jan 2015
75
37th
Likeable comedy with a fun performance from a masterful John Candy.
Rated 23 Jan 2015
Rated 29 May 2014
45
17th
I don't mind John Candy in little bits, but I found him pretty annoying here. Or maybe it was just the (psychotic) character. Anyway, there isn't much of a story in this film. It's just a bunch of small sequences, one after the other and it doesn't work like it does in Vacation (1983). I thought the editing was pretty bad, too. It's not funny and it's not special. I can't really recommend it unless you're a big John Hughes fan.
Rated 29 May 2014
Rated 27 May 2014
70
61st
This holds up so well. It's a nice combination of John Candy vehicle and John Hughes archetype. The two younger siblings are both so cute and funny.
Rated 27 May 2014
Rated 03 Sep 2013
75
37th
Chronologically and thematically partway between PLANES, TRAINS and HOME ALONE, UNCLE BUCK is not quite up to either film (it doesn't do as much with its premise), but it has John Candy in top form, and that makes up for a lot. Boisterous and playfully menacing, as adept at poignancy as he is comedy, he dominates the film. Amy Madigan, as his exasperated girlfriend, is most welcome, but doesn't have enough to do; as his standoffish niece, Jean Louisa Kelly can't bring much nuance to a thin role.
Rated 03 Sep 2013
Rated 08 Mar 2013
70
43rd
I wish they still made family films like this, where you don't have to be in the target demographic to enjoy it. Heartwarming and funny.
Rated 08 Mar 2013
Rated 11 Jan 2013
59
26th
A sweet and heartwarming movie that doesn't try too hard. John Hughes can pull off some incredibly emotional scenes but not much here comes close to his best moments (aside from a brief scene involving a photo album). I didn't quite feel the resolution was all that great either, it pushes for an ending that isn't really earned by the movie. A few of the gags were also a bit pedestrian. John Candy ties the film together well but his supporting cast let him down greatly. A few classic moments.
Rated 11 Jan 2013
Rated 23 Aug 2012
1
11th
Another bad movie from the late 80s.
Rated 23 Aug 2012
Rated 15 Jun 2012
85
58th
The Hell is that
Rated 15 Jun 2012
Rated 01 Mar 2012
79
64th
John Candy is awesome. And what I will probably be like when I am a lonely middle aged man...
Rated 01 Mar 2012
Rated 17 Dec 2011
74
42nd
This movie has a weak ending but the rest is good. John Candy gives a good performance and the kids are likeable. Overall this is a nice family comedy.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
Rated 03 Nov 2011
84
72nd
I used to watch this movie with my Dad as a kid. Wicked funny.
Rated 03 Nov 2011
Rated 15 Jul 2011
90
72nd
An 80s treat here; John Candy shines as the larger than everybody else Uncle Buck in this coming of (middle) age tale. With a pre-"Home Alone" Macaulay Culkin, a suitably rebellious teenage daughter in the form of Jean Louisa Kelly and a suitably aged soundtrack of 80s hits, this film makes you laugh and cry and punch a clown and cook huge pancakes! Great stuff!
Rated 15 Jul 2011
Rated 02 Jan 2011
89
64th
Uncle Buck is more evidence (as if any were needed) of John Hughes' brilliant ability to speak for a generation. One of his best, it's just as entertaining today as it was when first released.
Rated 02 Jan 2011
Rated 19 Jul 2010
48
39th
Mistakes - 1) When Uncle Buck and Tia are talking in the car after Uncle Buck kidnapped Bug, the first 5-6 shots show a red box and some envelopes near the windshield. In the next shot there are two envelopes near the windshield, no red box. 2) In the scene where Buck hits golf balls at Bug, look closely at the golf club that Buck pulls out of the car. It is a wood for left-handed players - yet Buck hits the ball righty. 3) Buck comes out of a laundry room twice.
Rated 19 Jul 2010
Rated 07 Jun 2010
84
75th
this movie has so much heart and its so fun...I liked it..esp the young Mc Cauley Culkin I thought he made the movie
Rated 07 Jun 2010
Rated 13 Mar 2010
53
24th
When Macaulay Culkin's parents have to head out for a couple of days his parents decide to scrape the bottom of the barrel and have Candy watch over Culkin and his siblings.As a result fat slob Candy kicks back and becomes man of the house whilst unsurprisingly offending one of his nieces in the process.Is it because of his grotesque habits?? Possibly.Then again all you have to look at is the size of the mother f..cking pancakes Candy cooks up and you'll realise why he died of a heart attack.
Rated 13 Mar 2010
Rated 12 Jan 2010
76
45th
One of the funnier movies I have seen, and it has a decent plot !
Rated 12 Jan 2010
Rated 08 Jan 2010
80
63rd
A fun family film, and Candy is his usual funny self. Took longer than I wouldve liked to finally see this on but I'm glad I did
Rated 08 Jan 2010
Rated 29 Nov 2009
67
43rd
I know this isn't a good movie. But it's John Candy so I have to like it's charm.
Rated 29 Nov 2009
Rated 15 Sep 2009
70
28th
Somehow this just didn't live up to my mental image of it, but it was good despite that. I'd call it a must-see, but I went until now (9/15/2009) and I'm 20, to see it.
Rated 15 Sep 2009
Rated 10 Aug 2009
78
65th
pretty funny, poor acting on the family's part
Rated 10 Aug 2009
Rated 10 Jul 2009
87
78th
You can't hate John Candy and a good comedy. It's what he does best. :)
Rated 10 Jul 2009
Rated 17 Jun 2009
80
42nd
Pretty funny. One of the few films I can stand John Candy in.
Rated 17 Jun 2009
Rated 05 Jun 2009
80
53rd
"Take this quarter, go downtown, and find a rat to gnaw that thing off your face."
Rated 05 Jun 2009
Rated 17 Apr 2009
65
58th
This is a good dumb comedy for when you're in the mood. Pour out a little liquor for John Candy.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
Rated 02 Mar 2009
70
86th
The giant pancake scene is pure brilliance.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
Rated 28 Feb 2009
90
58th
Some of John Candy's best work. The characters are extremely believable outside of the bizarre conception of 80s teen culture. Buck himself might be the perfect role model for the benign bum.
Rated 28 Feb 2009
Rated 07 Jan 2009
94
92nd
If I was forced to choose a John Candy movie, this would probably be it. Absolutely hilarious. I've seen this movie a million times and always love it.
Rated 07 Jan 2009
Rated 05 Jan 2009
89
87th
I'm actually quite relieved to see that people scored this rather decently. =D I don't think I'll ever tire of this movie.
Rated 05 Jan 2009
Rated 01 Jan 2009
55
36th
kind of funny.
Rated 01 Jan 2009
Rated 30 Dec 2008
50
34th
eeeeek
Rated 30 Dec 2008
Rated 28 Jul 2008
80
36th
One of John Candy's best films. Funny and heart-warming.
Rated 28 Jul 2008
Rated 28 Jun 2008
90
91st
All around great movie John Candy was perfect for this role.
Rated 28 Jun 2008
Rated 24 Jun 2008
75
4th
John Candy was at his best in the 80s. He was one of the funniest comedians before his untimely death.
Rated 24 Jun 2008
Rated 30 Mar 2008
90
66th
It's the little bits that make this movie a cherished part of my collection. Buck peeing in a kids bathroom, "Here's a quarter", "Bug?", Gaby Hoffman out-acting the great Macaulay Culkin, and out-acting him well. Jean Louisa Kelly was so hot, she could be a robot. Why does John Hughes capture 1980's high school life so well? The world may never know.
Rated 30 Mar 2008
Rated 23 Feb 2008
77
60th
Can't go wrong with the Candyman. I'll admit this was not his best performance, but he still put out a valiant effort.
Rated 23 Feb 2008
Rated 02 Feb 2008
3
61st
Well, it isn't high art by any stretch of the imagination, but it's an endearing little flick. The best parts are the tense interactions between the fiercely protective Buck and the creepy, sleazy Bug.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
Rated 20 Jan 2008
86
89th
Comedy classic. John Candy is pure gold here. I love this film.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
Rated 10 Nov 2007
73
79th
John Candy being John Candy. A good bad weather day movie.
Rated 10 Nov 2007
Rated 22 Oct 2007
70
13th
John Candy is a comedic genius, and his death was a tremendous loss
Rated 22 Oct 2007
Rated 20 Oct 2007
60
24th
Perfectly acceptable family film.
Rated 20 Oct 2007
Rated 18 Aug 2007
75
47th
family comedy. Uncle buck is a great character.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
58th
Why did you have to leave us so soon John?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
40th
haha, what a dumb movie, but loved it as a kid.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
43rd
it's just. plain. funny. And that works.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
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John HughesScreenwriter:
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