The Big Bus Review
The Big Bus predates such Jerry_Zucker-Jim_Abrahams-David_Zucker offerings as Airplane! and The_Naked_Gun but is conceptually very much in the same mold as these later off-kilter spoofs. What it lacks is the inspired zaniness of the ZAZ films, settling under James_Frawley's competent-but-no-more direction for an amiable silliness. While there are a lot of chuckles (and plenty of good-natured groaners), the laughs don't come as fast and as frequently as they need to, and Frawley can't make the visual gags big enough to really pay off. There's also a big problem with the end of the film, in that it seems to just stop. In this kind of movie, a huge pay-off is absolutely essential, and its absence is keenly felt. That said, the general goodwill and silliness of the movie is contagious, and there are a number of wonderful moments (a bar brawl with a milk carton, René_Auberjonois stealing a seat from Ruth_Gordon and sneering "Where is your God now, old woman?") that stick with the viewer. And the large demi-star cast is quite good; Gordon deserves special praise, but all of the actors are right on the money. The Big Bus won't be a totally satisfying trip for many people, but there are some that will find its charms irresistible. Craig Butler, Rovi
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