Tin Men (1987) User Reviews

Overlooked, funny gem

[LouE15 · 8/10 · 13 October 2006]

Oddball, retro films like this never make the all-time top 100 lists – like one of its characters, "Tin Men" comes across as a bit of a small guy, not one of life's winners. But you're missing something quite special if you let the sound of the film put you off. Two rival salesmen in a tough market play dirtier and dirtier in a childish tit-for-tat game, raising a storm of revenge and recrimination until they drag long-suffering wife Barbara Hershey into their fight, raising the stakes for them all.

Crackling with expertly ad-libbed dialogue from actors who are clearly enjoying themselves, it's like a masterclass in flowing, naturalistic dialogue – and it's very, very funny. Richard Dreyfus (he reminds me of Richard Widmark – a reliable character actor who never gets his due) and Danny DeVito are a marvel of casting perfection. Scenes such as those in the diner where the rival groups of tin men chew the fat in their own unique and entertaining ways, show pale imitators how it's done: shame on all modern Hollywood scripts that pad out a weak story by having actors babble a great deal of nonsense, very fast (Lethal Weapon 4, anyone?).

I hate films about salesmen: that isn't what this is. "Tin Men" has rounded characters in a believably drawn world (in which a man's car might just come higher up the list than his wife) and a story that's really just about human beings who laugh, fail, make mistakes and don't always triumph at the end – shot and scripted with a light touch. I'd recommend you make this one you try and watch, if you can ever find it playing. A rare treat.

I know these guys

[Pamsanalyst · 8/10 · 12 November 2004]

I grew up with characters like Dreyfus and DeVito, hustlers out there selling anything. Somewhere between 1963 and the time the film came out, they disappeared from our streets, only to move into six story office buildings that dot the suburbs of Northeastern cities. Now they spend their time on the phone, trying to interest prospects that new windows will surely cut their fuel bills.

I came to realize this great truth one day in 1988 when I went to rent a car and was told to come to Executive Plaza 5, Suite 414. As I walked the halls, all I could see in open offices were the Tin Men of 1963 at it again.

The movie crackles and sets off sparks. You don't know who to root for, and for good reason. This is not a buddy movie, but I suspect a remembrance by Levinson of people he knew growing up.

Diner vs Rain Man

[caspian1978 · 7/10 · 30 January 2005]

You can tell when you are watching a movie made by Barry Levinson. Diner, Tin Men and Rain Man all have a similar touch, even though they are different movies, they are made by the same artist. In Tin Men, the audience is treated to a comedy, and is rewarded with a hidden drama. Much like Diner and Rainman, the movie has its comical moments. Still, this is a story about people and a drama that they live. The comedy is the teaspoon of sugar that helps the drama go down. DeVito and Dreyfuss are nothing short of great. The supporting cast in Tin Men is just as good. You forget that you are watching a movie at times. The movie is at times up lifting as well as thoughtful with a strong ending that makes the rest of the movie great. A hidden gem / comedy. This is one of those movies that you can not go wrong with.

Hilarious and touching

[drosse67 · 2 August 2003]

Few films can be laugh-out-loud funny and ultimately as touching and deep as this film. Most people remember the dialogue, seemingly ad-libbed during the diner scenes by the cast (Danny DeVito, Jackie Gayle, Bruno Kirby)--and that looks like the same diner that Barry Levinson used for his first movie. But the characters and their quirks are totally fleshed out before the conflict (DeVito's stiff neck, Dreyfuss's ladies' man schtick), making for a few truly hilarious lines and scenes (Gayle talking to DeVito about what a great dancer Dreyfuss is comes to mind). The movie really has a sad story underneath about very unhappy people who delight in the misfortunes of others, until Barbara Hershey's character realizes what's going on. All of these characters and story points climax in a rather sweet and yes, believable final sequence. This movie came out during a spate of late '80s blockbusters and never really found its audience, I think. But it is one of the few late '80s movies I rewatch every couple of years and find more to appreciate with each viewing. I would rank it as Levinson's best film.

...if they only had a heart

[mjneu59 · 6/10 · 8 January 2011]

Barry Levinson's attractively lopsided comedy marked his tentative return to Earth (to be more specific, the city of Baltimore circa 1963) after serving time on the Steven Spielberg assembly line (in 'Young Sherlock Holmes'). The idea of a film depicting the cutthroat antagonism between two aluminum siding salesmen must have been alarming to the people at Touchstone Pictures, who no doubt insisted on certain commercial concessions, including a strictly gratuitous appearance by the pop group Fine Young Cannibals (out of place in the early '60s setting), and the casting of two high-profile names in the title roles (an allusion to the heartless hero of Oz). Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss portray the disreputable rival salesmen who become mortal enemies after a minor fender bender dings their new Cadillacs. Both are reliable comic talents, but the highlights of the film are the lengthy digressions from the plot, with a (largely unknown) cast of supporting actors improvising loopy, crisscrossing conversation over coffee and donuts. Despite the effort Levinson may have put into his screenplay it's the unscripted banter that leaves the best impression, winning points for unpredictability in an original but otherwise uneven comedy.

Good Morning, Baltimore

[sol- · 7/10 · 26 June 2016]

Rival aluminum-siding salesmen find themselves an increasingly hostile tit-for-tat feud spurred on by an automobile accident this Barry Levinson movie. One of two films that Levinson made in 1987, 'Tin Men' never quite found the same audience as 'Good Morning, Vietnam', which is a shame as it is arguably better, even if its lack of appeal to some is understandable. Both protagonists are, after all, very lowdown and despicable characters and while both have their occasion quirks, this is one of those films in which there is not a single likable character in sight. This is a deliberate move by Levinson though as the pair's feud is constantly contrasted against their shady business practices and salesmanship techniques, such as dropping a $5 note and insisting that it is not yours to convince a potential client of your honesty. The feud also coincides with the whole aluminum-siding industry being investigated for unfair selling practices and there is a sense that the protagonists are driven to their extremes as a result of the way they have learnt to work; "deceit is an occupational hazard" as one claims. Knowing this does not make Barbara Hershey's subplot any more credible, nor does it render either lead especially sympathetic, but it does provide some sense of perspective as the idea here is to observe how the characters operate, not to get to like them for who they are. Add in some genuinely funny moments (Dreyfuss realising that DeVito actually doesn't love his wife) and 'Tin Men' is a flawed film that still works surprisingly well. The conclusion is pitch perfect too.

Something kind of tinny here

[videorama-759-859391 · 6/10 · 20 December 2015]

Yeah I finally watched it. I heard my Dad commend it back a couple of years, after it's late 87 cinema release. Coincidentally it opened up the same day as Hellraiser, which is kind of what these two, smooth talking aluminum salesmen (better known in the field as tin men) bring down on each other after a little vehicular ruckus. Both roles are filled with the right shoes, that of talented Devito, as the ill cautious, and accidental hitter, Tilley and Dreyfuss, overzealous, fired up, BB as the reckless, backer out er, in what is a rental car too. What ensues, is a warring feud of car wreaking and insults, and near punch ups. Dreyfuss, the real eager vengeful beaver, ups the revenge, when he makes a move on Devito's wife, Nora (the always great Hershey, who like her co stars and some others were enjoying the fruits of their careers thanks to Touchstone video) Of course, he falls in love with her, and as for Devito's reaction, you could say it was like that of Ruthless People. Look, I did enjoy tin men up to a point. It just didn't live up to my expectations. Not enough things happened for starters, between our rivals, like a consistency of revenge tricks and stunts. There were not enough plot turns, or developments, or things happening in the movie. There was like holding back, where I did feel, short changed. The dialogue, although very good, was too serious to be funny, I only cracked a couple of laughs throughout the movie. What I did like, funnily enough, was Dreyfuss and Devito's reconciliation, where they finally made peace, and Hershey as the woman in the middle, made the right choice, I think. I loved the reconstruction of the period, 1963 (same as in The Wanderers) that was excellent, and I really enjoyed John 'Frasier' Mahoney's performance as tin man legend, Moe, one of BB's mob, as I did enjoy Brad Sullivan, (Slapshot's dirty old man) as the Grill chief of the union. Too the much missed J.T Walsh, a great actor way too soon. Take Tin Man, an entertaining well shot film noir, comedy drama, where if a salesman, you can draw your own verdict. Fine Young Cannibal's string of appearances in this, go together like chips sprinkled with sugar.

Two for the Road

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 16 March 2014]

This oddly titled "Tin Men" has nothing to do with "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). It's about two men who sell aluminum siding, which was an apparently popular home improvement in 1963. The story takes place in Baltimore, Maryland – a favored setting for director Barry Levinson. Herein, after buying a brand new Cadillac, Richard Dreyfuss (as Bill "BB" Babowsky) backs his car into Danny DeVito (as Ernest Tilley). The serious fender bender results in a near-violent confrontation. To make matters worse, the men are rival aluminum siding salesmen. For revenge, Mr. Dreyfuss decides to take Mr. DeVito's wife to bed. Fighting over Barbara Hershey (as Nora) is complicated because she and DeVito were initially nearing divorce, and Dreyfuss decides he likes her more than he thought. Fine Young Cannibals provide untimely but oddly complimentary soundtrack songs. The setting is very well done, but the story is not engaging.

****** Tin Men (3/6/87) Barry Levinson ~ Richard Dreyfuss, Danny DeVito, Barbara Hershey, John Mahoney

Deserves More Recognition

[Steve-304 · 9/10 · 18 January 1999]

I have never quite understood why this flick has not achieved more critical and popular acclaim. I rate it a 9, which is very high for me (10s are reserved for a handful of all time classics). Beyond the great acting, super dialogue, and tremendous comedy -- which everyone seems to recognize -- there is also a very serious movie inside. Of course, as everyone says, it's an interesting slice of Americana: Baltimore in the early 1960s (before the flood). And on that basis alone, Tin Men is a great film. Few movies have ever given such an accurate portrayal of a particular time and place in America as well as this one.

But the movie is more than that. Tin Men is a story in which the historical tension between America's atavistic entrepreneurial spirit (as exemplified by the "tin men") and the regulatory forces of the state (as exemplified by the "investigating commission") are at an important crossroads. From the start it's obvious that the tin men have no chance and will lose this fight. It's a passing of a way of life. Much in the tradition of other great American works of art that examine the trade of salesman (Death of a Salesman, etc.), Tin Men is an indepth (and very funny) portrait of their psychological and social world. Their world outlook is now dying and there is a touch of wistfulness about that passage in the film. Are we as viewers supposed to be sad about it too? Or should we be happy? After all, the life of a tin man was hard and brutal (as well as free): witness the death of one of them to a heart attack.

On the other hand, is this way of life genuinely dying or just metamorphisizing? The ending was excellent because it brought ambiguity to that question. When DeVito and Dreyfus spot a new business opportunity: Volkswagens, we realize these "tin men" are irrepressible! They won't be stopped despite the new regulatory environment of the modern world. For my money, this movie is Barry Levinson's best by far. (Excellent soundtrack by Fine Young Cannibals, as well.)

Uncanny dramatic comedy with a slight accent of dark humor!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 14 March 2019]

By far an underrated comedy with a slight accent of dark humor, DeVito doesn't need any introducing such greatness career as comedian, those smart lines are already recognized by the viewers even when we talking to himself, in opposite tendency by Richard Dreyfuss a serious actor, nonetheless a smart screemplay suggest an attractive and endless possibilities to create a dense atmosphere to the picture to evolve by in own means, leting us to a pleasant journey with, a wise plot and sub plot with many secondary characters with the same amount, pity is a forgotten gem from the real cinephile, which deserves a second chance.

Resume:

First watch: 1993 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.5

A fine cast, but a boring pointless mess of a film

[peterjmella · 4/10 · 26 April 2006]

A chance car prang by the two main protagonists leads to a drawn out snoozathon which seems to last way longer than its 110 minutes.

Despite fine performances from both Devito and Dreyfuss, and the very occasional flash of laugh out loud humour in the script, serious flaws make this almost unwatchable.

Firstly the characters' unbelievable reactions to events. Are we really to believe Devito is so unphased by a man stealing his wife? And are we to believe the wife Dreyfuss stole is really going to forget everything and marry him so easily, after she discovers he has lied and deceived his way into her pants simply to annoy a man who reversed into his car? And secondly, the two men's occupation hardly elicits shudders of excitement in the audience. At one point Dreyfuss says, to one of the undercover agents looking for corruption in his trade, something along the lines of: "we only sell aluminium siding. Why are you so interested?". He may as well be addressing the audience directly.

Unbelievable, soporific nonsense, that cannot be saved by a fine cast and a few good jokes.

Tin Men brilliant and underrated

[sam-fisher-2 · 10/10 · 20 September 2008]

These days we seem to have increasing numbers of movies with special fx and huge budgets but poorly drawn characters and plots. Tin Men is one of my favourite movies for 6 reasons: 1 It's set in a small world inhabited by Aluminium siding salesmen trying to sell cladding to cover up the characteristic Baltimore brick Clook and with the backdrop of a 'Home Improvement Commission' set to break all of the salesmen's scams. The scams and backdrop are really amusing. 2 The backdrop allows some real characters to shine - hopes and fears, they're very believable recognisable characters. And rounded characters. And the movie is full of fantastic cameos. 3 The plot is fantastic. It has a beginning, middle and end, and the it builds and is finely structured with the hints of what is going to happen woven in a carefully constructed progression. It has an economical structure with some believable and clear plot twists. Fantastic writing and editing. 4 The actors and setting are bullet proof. 1963 Baltimore is perfect and Richard Dreyfus, Danny deVito, and Barbara Hershey as the leads are perfection. 5 The sound track is just great. I hate most of this sort of music cold but it is an integral part of the plot. The Fine Young Cannibals, heading by the unmistakable voice of Roland Gift singing 'Good Thing' is also brilliant.

Things to watch - when Tilly (deVito) has made what he thinks is his comeback sale and they go to the bar and FTC are singing,- the atmosphere shots in the bar of all the punters is one of my favourite movie moments. - When Sam describes finding God at the smorgasboard and then later when Tilly tries to have his own spirtual experience at a smorgasboard. - The sales scene near the beginning of the film where we learn about the industry - the growing feud between the two main protagonists - Tilly appearing before the commission - the diner lunches that Tilly's team have when they keep going on about TV (Bonanza and other shows).

I think this is Barry Levinson's best work.

Lovely, witty and lighthearted portrait of 2 husslers in the sixties. Great acting performances by Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss.

[imseeg · 7/10 · 1 September 2019]

If you either like Danny DeVito or Richard Dreyfuss, then I would highly recommend this movie to you, because their acting performances are witty, endearing and full on energetic. Both actors were at the peak of their careers when they made this movie. Really great to watch both these acting talents butt heads in this endearing story about 2 quarrelling salesmen in the early sixties.

This is not a straight comedy, but more of a kind hearted, witty portrait of the early sixties, in which 2 salesmen get into an argument with each other. One thing leads to another and before they know it they are both sworn enemies. A lot of witty conflicts follow. A budding romance can be enjoyed as well.

Any bad? It aint a comedy classic, but it surely deserves more attention than the less than 50 Imdb reviews, although I guess that the typical Barry Levinson slowburning direction style is the reason why this comedy hasnt gotten very popular, when it was first released. I personally like that particular slowburning direction style, although I did notice that this comedy lasts almost 2 hours, while most comedies never go beyond 90 minutes for a reason. But those 2 hours are being effectively used to inject some (light hearted) drama at the end of this movie. I liked that extra bit of true to life drama near the end in this comedy, but some might be put off a bit by the lack of speed and jokes near the end.

I hope you enjoyed reading my 600th review on Imdb. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this charming, nostalgic and very witty movie!

Pretty darn bad...

[gracegibson · 2/10 · 24 August 2005]

I just plain didn't like this movie. I didn't think any of the jokes were funny and it was boring. Who wants to watch a movie about TIN salesmen? I don't think Richard Dreyfuss or Danny DeVito are that funny. Plus, it was weird when Danny DeVito's wife had an affair with Richard Dreyfuss. I can't imagine Richard Dreyfuss having a romance in ANY movie. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me on this one, but I thought this was an awful movie. Bad comedies are the worst kinds of movies, the kind no one wants to watch. This is one of them. People who watch this movie are wasting their time. No doubt Richard Dreyfuss is a good actor, as we have seen from his Oscar for "The Goodbye Girl". I also enjoyed him in "Jaws". I just don't think comedy or romance is his vocation. As for Danny DeVito: he plays the same role each time and is good at those kinds of roles, but he's missing humor.

'Tin Men' is the most underrated comedy in film history!

[info-3270 · 29 October 2004]

'Tin Men' is the most underrated comedy in film history. How's that for a bold statement? I'm sure you've heard of this movie. Many of you probably saw it. Then turned it off, and said, 'That was cute.' In fact, most will remember it more for launching the brief career of the Fine Young Cannibals. (A couple of their songs were featured in the film) I very well might have been one of you, if it hadn't been for my father's devotion to this film. It was because of him I saw it a half dozen times growing up, and much like 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Sherlock Jr.', the more I saw this film, the more I fell in love with it. 'Tin Men' is about two aluminum siding salesmen (working for competing companies) who get into a car accident, and both believing the other is to blame, decide to get revenge on one another. Richard Dreyfuss and Danny Devito (two of the more underrated actors around) deliver some of the funniest scenes you'll ever see. Things get complicated when Dreyfuss attempts to infuriate Devito by sleeping with his wife, only to fall in love with her. DeVito plays an emotional and financial disaster, struggling to keep his head above water, while tidal waves are crashing down all around him. (And does so, with the efficiency of a Third World sweatshop) Dreyfuss, a slick, fast- talking 'nickel and dime' hustler, whose ideas about life and love change when he discovers the truth about himself and his business through his own vindictive behavior. If you actors out there are wondering how to play 'quiet desperation' funny, rent this movie. 'Tin Men' uses a clever vernacular. Including several seemingly unnecessary dialogue driven scenes done way before dialogue driven scenes became commonplace. (See, Pulp Fiction 1994, and pretty much every movie to follow) With topics ranging from 'Bonanza' not being an accurate depiction of the West, to finding God at the smorgasborg. It also displays a devotion to detail, unparralleled by any big-budget movie of today. Everything feels real. The people, the conversation, the decor, everything.

When I watched this movie again recently I came up with an hypothesis regarding its lack of real success, or longevity. It's quite simple, and when you first say it, feels lame. But the more I think about it, I believe it may be true: Like most great movies that are under-appreciated, they aren't trying to impress us. They don't have to.

A Comedy Classic

[PredragReviews · 7/10 · 7 April 2016]

If you wanna kick back, relax, and really have a great laugh, this is the movie for you.

Set around 1962, the title, Tin Men, refers to aluminum siding salesmen. This is the profession of both BB and Tilley, although they work for rival companies. Throughout the movie, we are treated to different shady tactics employed by these salesmen to peddle their wares. A wonderfully funny movie, Dreyfuss and De Vito play their parts so well, taking two fairly unscrupulous characters and making them somewhat likable. They are supported by an excellent cast including Barbara Hersey as Tilley's wife, John Mahoney, Jackie Gayle, Seymour Cassel, and Bruno Kirby. Overall, terrific performances by Barbara Hershey, Richard Drefus, Danny De Vito and, above all, the British-born actor, John Mahoney, make this film a treat at every viewing. Mahoney, whom no one would ever identify as anything other than 100 percent American in looks and in voice, almost steals the show with his portrayal of Moe, Dreyfuss's patient partner in scam.

This is a great movie that stands alone in dozens of ways. It will remain one of my all time favorite period pieces. Great sound track, great acting, great capture of the early 60's.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Classy, Funny, Levinson!

[shepardjessica-1 · 7/10 · 1 February 2005]

These boys (which is what they are) even in this time frame, Richard Dreyfuss and Dann DeVito (who usually are unbearable, even then) are American saps, which makes this film quite enjoyable. Beside the great plot, these two actors (who personally have been annoying since FAME fell on their heads) give delightful and insightful performances of American males of the time and seem loose and into it. Levinson had some cool films and some junk, but this hits a bulls-eye with casting along (including the under-rated Barbara Hershey) in a tale (with slide supporting cast) that should have been made in the 70's and been appreciated.

A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Hershey, Dreyfuss, or DeVito. American Dream town all the way with the usual bumps and divots along the way while staying in the realm of comedy while people yell A LOT. This is a cool flick that doesn't try to pander to (even the time frame) politically correct morons or whatever. Well-written, directed, with great cast that doesn't have answers for folks. It's unique. If you don't get these people, you might need to watch TV more.

Nearly good

[paul2001sw-1 · 6/10 · 15 May 2004]

Director Barry Levinson returns to his beloved Baltimore with 'Tim Men', a film about two salesmen at war in the early 1960s. Neither are very attractive characters, but both are well drawn: the film contains a fair few funny lines (although few laugh out loud moments), and there's a note of poignancy in the end. Yet overall the film is too stylised to work wholly as a character study and plotted (intentionally) with insufficient slickness to work as a comedy thriller. The result is a low key exercise in nostalgia, kept entertaining by (especially) Danny de Vito but hard to really care about, by no means awful but more like a side story than the main event.

Tin Men

[jboothmillard · 6/10 · 16 September 2005]

A bit of weird film when I think about it, just about two guys having a bit of a fight but not actually doing much except seeing each other. But this is quite an interesting comedy like film. Basically Richard Dreyfuss as Bill 'BB' Babowsky and Danny DeVito as Ernest Tilley accidentally crash into each others cars. At first they both take it really seriously a say to each other that they are going to pay, literally and in the fight sense. After a little while I think they kind of forget what happened and only keep seeing each other to talk. And that's pretty much it. But besides just a tiny bit of a pointless plot it is a good film. Good!

One of My Favorites

[Gloucester Man · 9/10 · 2 February 2005]

Tin Men is one of my favorite movies of all time. The thing that always strikes me whenever I watch this movie is that while the characters of Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito are seemingly feuding non-stop throughout the movie, in reality they are actually kindred spirits. It's like they see themselves in the other but don't really like what they see. Barbara Hershey is great as the haggard housewife who looks for something more fulfilling in her life. All the supporting cast is excellent. I love the diner dialog which is reminiscent of Barry Levinson's previous film "Diner." The background scenes of Baltimore landscape add to the realistic atmosphere of the movie. Overall, I think this movie is vastly underrated. I'd love to see a sequel with Dreyfuss and DeVito as partners in a VW dealership.

Passable...

[markovd111 · 7/10 · 18 June 2021]

When I read the movie's premise, I expected a tale of two guys fighting each other for the prosperity of their businesses. The way I understood it, their businesses were the main theme of the movie, their insane acts being the thing that makes us laugh. "Tin Men" is not that kind of a movie. Instead, "Tin Men" is a movie about two guys who get in a fight due to a car crash, and then they make each other lives miserable. One guy even steals other ones wife. It's a drama more than it's a comedy. You will laugh at the few scenes, mostly at Danny DeVito's performance, but that's about it. It's not that "Tin Men" is a bad movie per se, it's just that it isn't such a memorable comedy. It has it's few moments, but nothing you will remember and laugh like a maniac in the middle of the day. That's why I give it 7/10! A good movie, but just a passable comedy movie.

Fast Forwarding Suggested

[gengar843 · 4/10 · 25 March 2004]

SPOILERS AHOY! Maybe it's because I consider Richard Dreyfuss one of the most annoying actors in history, or maybe it's the stupid way in which the plot unfolds. I don't know. One reviewer here said that Barbra Hershey is the only character with morals in this film. Pardon me, but when did adultery become moral? If you're bored with your marriage, get a divorce and THEN go dating! OK, enough preaching. lol The ending was especially unbelievable, given the history of the two main characters...it was like watching the end of a Cheech and Chong movie--but, hey, I LIKE Cheech and Chong! The most interesting character, Mo, is given a ... considering his fate. Some of the aluminum siding scams were amusing, but were not properly developed, in my opinion. The best gag, I thought, was the eggs. But, then again, maybe it's because I consider Richard Dreyfuss one of the most annoying actors in history ;-)

A Levinson Winner

[glgioia · 8/10 · 19 December 2005]

Chronicles the adventures of Frazier Crane's father, Mo, before he retired to Seattle on a bum leg.

While very few Barry L movies ever make it past contrived unfunny nonsense, Tin Men is a definite winner. Barry takes us back to his revered 1960s Baltimore and the ensemble cast has graduated from Diners drifter 20 somethings, to of all things, aluminum siding peddlers on the threshold of middle age. For some inexplicable reason, its not as dumb as it sounds. The performances are, to a man (and woman in Hersheys lone case) first rate. The script witty and touching. Above all however, is Tin Men's ability to get a laugh. From the Bonanza discussions that Tarentino would later graft onto his own Reservoir Dogs, to the 'tit for tat' revenge storyline, its all very very good. Even old Richard Dreyfuss who is probably the most all round unlikeable dude to ever carry the title of 'leading man', gives an uncharacteristically suitable performance. The mincing, whining, face-making exaggerated body language, in this film all works to perfection. DeVito with his extremely limited range, again lands himself in a movie that totally welcomes his character.

You would like to have seen just how Fraziers dad (Mahoney) injured his leg, but for some reason it is not detailed here. Levinson cant help being Levinson and strangely inserts the music of the Fine Young Cannibals into a film supposedly set 25 years earlier. Go figure.

Richard Dreyfuss And Danny DeVito Elevate A Bland Story!

[gab-14712 · 7/10 · 20 October 2020]

Barry Levinson's Tin Men is not a particularly good movie. It is also not a particularly awful movie. It is just a bland film with some amusing moments and attempted humor. Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito are reliable as always, but even their combined power cannot completely save a dull, contrived script from Levinson. Fortunately, Levinson had a much better film that came out in 1987. I was a little surprised about the good reviews the movie received. Maybe I harbor some ugly hatred towards salespeople? Who really knows. The real fault lies in Levinson's script. It is a talky, rather bland movie about two con men at war against one another. Starting with Diner, Levinson created a series of films in the 80's and 90's that tell the stories of everyday folks in Baltimore. "The Baltimore quadrology" Mr. Levinson called it. Interestingly enough, this is the only one out of the four films I have seen to this point. My interest is piqued enough where I want to see the other films because the director does have some interesting spotlights on Baltimore. As much as I found the story and the characters dull, I actually was fascinated on the history of these "con" men. The film takes place in 1958 and a commission was taking place to review the tactics the salespeople use. There were several scams at play. My personal favorite is "The Life Magazine scam," where a picture of a house is given to show how ugly a house is before aluminum siding is added. If you think salespeople are bad now, it seems like they were worse back in the day. See how they truly operate! This film is basically an escalating war between two middle-aged men. Yeah, these characters are acting like man-babies over something dumb. BB Babowsky (Richard Dreyfuss) is a smooth, fast-talking hustler and also a ladies man. Ernest Tilley (Danny DeVito) has little money because he can never make a sale and is in debt thanks to a major gambling issue. Tilley's wife, Nora (Barbara Hershey) is unhappy with him. These two men begin their feud over a minor car accident and it grows larger and larger to the point where the two men are trying to ruin each other's life. It gets worse when the government sticks their nose into their affairs and decides to investigate them for their tactics. The performances are fine and reliable. Dreyfuss plays a similar character to 1986's Down and Out in Beverly Hills. Both smooth-talking womanizers. DeVito's character is amusing, especially when you see him fail miserably at making a sale. You kind of feel sorry for him. Barbara Hershey is likewise good. You feel her pain when she gets wooed by BB because Ernest cannot please her well enough. The film managed to put together a nice ensemble that features John Mahoney, Bruno Kirby, Jackie Gayle, and Richard Portnow. Tin Men is fine for what it is. It's not good or bad, just an average, bland comedy. It is one of those films that you will find amusing in the moment but will forget about maybe even an hour later. That said, you cannot go wrong watching Dreyfuss and DeVito spar with one another. Maybe they just hate each other because they hate themselves and their idea of being con men. My Grade: C+

Hate Motivates . Hate Destroys

[Theo Robertson · 5/10 · 1 May 2004]

The premise of this black comedy is far from complex - A couple of salesmen get caught up in an escalatiung feud . So writer/director Barry Levinson is left with the dillema of wondering what to do to fill up the running time and wisely chooses to concentrate on the human drama . Ernest sits in a diner discussing BONANZA wondering who`s going to pay the bill and goes home to his wife where he discusses picnics while BB sits in the office giving out advice to his collegues on how to make a fast buck . Thinking about it this is a good movie to show to aliens who are interested in what it`s like to be human* It`s not as crazy as it sounds after all everyone is motivated by if not love then at least a need for a sexual partner , everyone is motivated by greed , and alas everyone can be motivated by hate , without doubt the most destructive impulse within the human condition

Levinson`s screenplay is very good especially if you`re entertaining Martians who are interested in film scripts as well as the human condition but I do wish he`d handed the script over to Martin Scorsese to direct . There`s nothing wrong with the performances of Richard Dreyfuss and Danny Devito but just imagine DeNiro as BB and Pesci as Ernest . Is that a sigh i heard you gasp at what might have been ? And let`s not forget Scorsese can make an audience laugh out loud at the most tragic of circumstances , look at TAXI DRIVER , MEAN STREETS and THE KING OF COMEDY , under Scorsese this possibly would have been a classic . It`s also strange watching a movie made in 1987 , set in 1963 with The Fine Young Cannibals performing a song that was a hit in 1989

* Best movie involving the human condition ? PINK FLOYD`S- THE WALL