I gave this an '8', which is one or two more points than it really should get, but the simple fact is - I enjoy watching it over and over. John Candy shines as Uncle Buck. He brings the character alive and you can't help but wish you had a crazy guy like that as an uncle.

Well, maybe a distant uncle, but still he's warm, lovable and helpless in so many ways. As one would expect, the story is simple, the scenes mostly predictable (except maybe the ax-murder scene?) and of course there's a happy ending.

The little kids, Maisy and Miles, played by Gaby Hoffman and a slightly younger Macaulay Culkin, are simply adorable! The teenage daughter (Jean Louisa Kelly) perfectly portrays a teenage girl in the throws of that classic imbalance between childhood and adulthood.

Anyway - no one dies. No one loses an eye or an arm. No houses burn down. There are no explosions, no fighter jet scenes, no wild car chases - just plain old silly fun.

Go watch it. This is not a request! Uncle Buck says watch it!

There are some very negative critical reviews on this movie, which I think personally is unjustified. This film is very funny indeed, especially when the bowling ball falls on Buck's head. John Candy gives possibly his best performance here as Buck Russell. John Candy was one talented actor, evident in Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Cool Runnings, and I think comedy lost a truly great actor when he died, and I don't think he ever got the respect he so rightly deserved. This film is very funny indeed, sometimes the jokes are a little over-familiar, and the sentimentality gets in the way at times. Out of the child stars, who were all excellent, Macaulay Culkin of Home Alone fame is a standout. Cute and self-assured suits Culkin like a glove. There was great chemistry between the stars, and in conclusion, see this gem, of which I will award an 8/10 Bethany Cox.

Really, this is funny from start to finish, and pretty smart too. A great comedy, this is also a fine movie about growing up - for every character in the film. Obviously, the most important is Uncle Buck himself, a man- child long overdue for some responsibility. But his nieces, nephew, sister-in-law, and even "Bug" ("What is his last name? Spray?") are in for some character development. Of course, Candy and his half-hang-dog, half- know-it-all, and half know-nothing (yes, that's too many halves) together carry the film, but the others hit their marks as well -- kids, teens, and adults as well. There are some classic moments - I think about Buck's friend down at the crime lab who can analyze a toothbrush to make sure the kids brushed their teeth every time my kids claim they've brushed their teeth when I know they didn't spend enough time in there. But mostly this is a comedy with an actual plot, and nicely done.

I've seen several of the movies John Hughes made in the 80's (the decade I was born), none of which have failed to impress me. I first saw his 1987 film, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" starring John Candy and Steve Martin, in 2006, and thought it was a great comedy. I watched it for the second time late last year, over three years after my first viewing, and this didn't change anything. "Uncle Buck" is another movie written, directed, and produced by Hughes and starring Candy, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. I had known about this film for quite a while by the time I finally saw it, and I wasn't expecting it to be as good as the 1987 movie, which it isn't, but it was still enough to leave me with a good feeling.

Bob and Cindy Russell recently moved from Indianapolis to Chicago with their three offspring, Miles and Maizy, who are both under ten years old, and Tia, who is now a teenager. Cindy is informed that her father has just had a heart attack, so she and her husband plan to go to Indianapolis to visit the ailing man, but first, they will have to find a sitter for their kids. After several failed attempts, it seems they have no choice but to call over Bob's unmarried brother, Buck Russell to take the job, even though he is a lazy, irresponsible slob, which means this could lead to disaster! Nonetheless, Buck agrees to come over and stay with Miles, Maizy, and Tia while his brother and sister-in-law are in Indianapolis. Inevitably, his presence in this household does lead to some trouble, especially with Tia. She does not appreciate her uncle's presence and is currently going through a phase of teen angst and rebelliousness.

At the beginning of this movie, it's not all that great. When Tia (played by Jean Louisa Kelly) first appears, it doesn't take long for one to realize that she is a very unlikable, snotty character, though there are some fairly funny lines in that very early scene with the Russell siblings. I also didn't think Macaulay Culkin (in the role of Miles Russell) talking about a certain dog being a "ball-sniffer" that funny. However, as I had hoped, John Candy does a great job playing the title role. He plays the same kind of character here as he did in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", a lovable slob. I think his talent really helps carry this film, and his character's antics are probably the main reason why so much of it is funny, with the slapstick and comical dialogue. Around the time when the character leaves his apartment and goes to the family's house, I was laughing very hard, with scenes such as his phone conversation before he leaves and Buck knocking on the wrong door when he arrives. If it stayed this way for the rest of the film, I would be giving it at least an 8/10, but it doesn't. Tia continues to be snotty, and for much of the film, I laughed a lot but not as hard as before, but Candy's antics still make much of this film entertaining, sometimes hilarious, with the lead character annoying Tia, scaring her boyfriend, the explosion sound his car engine makes, his conversation with the elementary assistant principal, etc. It helps that there are also some good dramatic moments in the movie, especially towards the end.

Basically, what makes this flick inferior to "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is that it's not as consistent as its predecessor, and the 1987 John Hughes/John Candy collaboration certainly doesn't have any characters that are as off-putting as the Tia character is here. In between those two films, Hughes wrote but didn't direct a comedy entitled "The Great Outdoors", which also features Candy in the cast, but I haven't seen that one, so I don't know how it compares, but "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" and "Uncle Buck" are both funny comedies which can also be serious in some scenes, with good sentiment, and Candy really stands out in both of them. The two movies can also easily leave viewers with a good feeling at the end. I can understand why "Uncle Buck" doesn't have the appeal of its hilarious predecessor, but there is a lot to make it watchable, and it can remind us of the talent Hughes and Candy had.

A decent John Candy movie and a decent John Hughes movie but does not really find a good niche for itself. The movie is very uneven, sometimes the jokes are too adult and sometimes they are too childish. I would hesitate letting my kids watch this all the way through, but at the same time about 40% of the jokes are obviously made for children.

So... It is hard to pigeonhole this. If you are an adult that can stand some humor in this being very low brow and adolescent -plus- have a thing for John Hughes or John Candy-movies then this film probably will satisfy some centra in your brain.

Decent film that suffers on some levels. All in all enjoyable.

6/10 from me.

Simply Candy's best film, second only to Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Only hughes knew what to do with Candy. He is completely charming as a total hapless slob who invades his newphew and neices life. Every scene in this film is memorable! Its sad such a comic genius is no longer with us, but he will always be rememered. If you see only one John Candy movie make it UNCLE BUCK.

Uncle Buck is a brilliant and fun comedy for everyone. John Candy plays Uncle Buck, a guy who has to look after his brothers children for a while, as his brother and sister-in-law have to go away. The kids include a rebellious teen, Tia, and two sweet young kids, Maisy and Miles. As well as the great Joh Candy starring here, the just as great Gaby Hoffmann and Macaulay Culkin also star in this movie. I give Uncle Buck a 10/10.

John Candy is Buck Russell, a character very similar to Del Griffith from Planes, Trains & Automobiles. It's not surprising since John Hughes is the writer, producer and director of both films. Buck is a simple man with simple pleasures. He likes his freedom, his leisure time, and his bowling. He has a girlfriend who desperately wants him to grow up but...he can't be bothered.

But when Buck is called to the wintry, affluent suburbs to look after his brother's kids for a couple of weeks (much to his sister-in-law's horror) he learns what it's like to be a responsible adult and does surprisingly well with his extended babysitting chore (in his own unique way).

Uncle Buck was Candy's fourth (of five) collaboration with Hughes and the role is clearly tailor-made for him. He may be a slob, and the underdog, but he's the kind of relative you'll all wish you had. The comedy is underplayed and quiet, and the drama involving without being overbearing. It's all just easy-going entertainment that's perfect for brightening up a dull afternoon, and yet another reminder that Hollywood lost someone very special in March 1994.

Uncle Buck is a lovable character who, though irresponsible at times, loves his brother's children like his own. He winds up trying to deal with more than he bargained for when he must keep track of his teenage niece who tests the limits while her parents are not at home. It is funny and touching, something Candy does very well. This is a movie worth renting and one that teens and up can really enjoy.

"Uncle Buck" is an okay movie with lots of hilarious moments. This is no slapstick comedy, but it contains some dark and morbid humor... in a funny way, without going farther than that, which is a good thing.

John Candy is pure genius here. The role of uncle Buck Russell was perfect for him. Buck is a very clumsy yet lovable guy, not to mention that he's got a great sense of humor. I also like the other side of his humor: black and sarcastic. He says many funny lines, being «What's his last name, Spray?» only one among numerous others. John Candy was a great comedian. It's sad that he's no longer with us.

Jean Louisa Kelly does a great job by portraying the rebellious and vindictive Tia Russell. Tia has a terrible temper and is spoiled and bratty. Strangely that makes her funny (probably because this is in a movie) but in real life I couldn't stand someone like her.

Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann (two talented kids from that time) star as the brothers Miles and Maizy. Both are cool kids, but Miles is the coolest and cutest of the two.

Other actors good in their roles are: Amy Madigan as Chanice Kobolowski, Garrett M. Brown as Bob Russell, Elaine Bromka as Cindy Russell, Laurie Metcalf as Marcie Dahlgren-Frost and Jay Underwood as Bug. (that's really his name? lol)

Another strength of this movie is in its soundtrack. There are plenty of nice and catchy songs, such as "Rhythm of life", "Tweedlee Dee", "Juke Box Baby", "Mr. Sandman" and "Wild Thing".

Uncle Buck's car is awesome. What a cool piece of junk/old land-yacht! It's a 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham. That car produces unbelievable amounts of smoke through its exhaust pipe and the engine does that explosion-like noise, which only accents the comical effect. But in real life, a car polluting the air like that would make the driver get easily caught by the police. As much as Buck's car is an old wreck, it seems to be a strong car, although a slow one. I also like very much that mouse-like gray Volkswagen Beetle (Pooter-the-Clown's car) - it's sooo cute!

It is clear and obvious that writer/director John Hughes had the pulse of 1980s suburban/teen comedy and drama, what with films like "The Breakfast Club" & "Home Alone" on his resume. When it comes to "Uncle Buck", however, those themes are sparse to begin with and largely overshadowed by the goofiness of the whole piece. Were it not for the physical comedy of star John Candy, this one might have been a complete disaster.

For a very basic overview, "Uncle Buck" tells the story of a suburban family whose mother (Elaine Bromka) hears news of her father's heart attack and must quickly skip town. The only recourse to take care of the children in her and husband's (Garrett M. Brown) absence? Buck Russell (Candy), the juvenile "black sheep", of sorts, of the family tree. When Uncle Buck comes to town, he struggles mightily to win the affection of recalcitrant teen Tia (Jean Louise Kelly) and little tykes Miles (Macaulay Culkin) & Maizy (Gaby Hoffmann).

Without a doubt, the biggest draw here is Candy. His enormous stature lends itself admirably to a unique brand of physical comedy that is almost unmatched. Scenes of him bowling and dancing around the kitchen are truly hilarious. Truth be told, I wish this was utilized more throughout the film.

There are also at least attempts at relevant themes in "Uncle Buck"--things like the titular character's struggle with being a sort of man-child as well as the usual teenaged angst that is a staple of all Hughes flicks. Unfortunately, most of these attempts at emotional material are all but completely undercut by the high level of slapstick or goofy humor (over-the-top visuals and even sound effects, at some points).

So, while it was fun to get a few laughs out of Candy and interesting to see the genesis of he and Culkin's roles in the later "Home Alone", "Uncle Buck" isn't one that will stick with me. The setting and themes are pure Hughes, but the tone is all wrong to have any of it be taken seriously (or even at face value).

It's a John Hughes flick, don't expect anything deep and philosophical, or even anything unpredictable. What counts is John Candy is the star, and watching this movie on the Disney Channel helps me better realize how much of a great comedian he was. It's been a while since his death, and that's why it's good that they show this movie to pay homage to the great John Candy. The script is sometimes lame, and some of the bits don't work, but most of it does due to Candy's funny antics. His perfect handling of comic moments, including frying up a giant pancake and beating up an alcoholic clown, helps overcome the predictable, fluffy script. Plus, since the movie was made in the late 80s it was great to hear Tone Loc's "Wild Thing."

"Uncle Buck" is harmless family entertainment--far from great, but definitely watchable and quite funny.

My score: 7 (out of 10)

From the same director that gave us "The breakfast Club", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". Each of them are comedy classics with a gentle heart...

This movie is in the same spirit as "Home Alone" but only this time around John Candy and a teenage girl are the main focus of the movie, with Macaulay Culkin only playing a smaller supporting role.

The good: this is one of the best John Candy films. Funny (sometimes hilarious) and charming and even with a lighthearted, warmhearted "dramatic" final. Suited for young and old.

The story: John Candy is a bum, who loves to be a bum and who loves his freedom to drink and gamble and bum around. Suddenly he has to take care of his brother's kids for a weekend, which he has never done before. Chaos and wild antics follows and what a joy it is to watch it all !

Uncle Buck is never included many times in a list of good John Hughes films and I think it's because our protagonist is not an adolescent. Uncle Buck is a forty something man who at least is chronolically an adult. He's the kind of footloose character who just won't settle down.

It's a crisis at the Russell household as Elaine Bromka's father has a heart attack and she wants to rush to his side. In this emergency the only available baby and house sitter is her husband Garrett Brown's older unmarried brother good old Uncle Buck played by John Candy.

The younger two Gaby Hoffman and MacCauley Culkin are happy to have their Uncle Buck there because in many way Candy is not that much more mature than them. His real antagonist is teen Jean Louisa Kelly who is not real happy about a lot starting with the Russell family recent move from Indianapolis to Chicago.

In this comedy Candy plays a lovable oaf who does a bit of growing up himself in his babysitting gig. Candy and Kelly are a pair of nasty antagonists and she won't believe him when he says that Jay Underwood who is hot to trot for her lacks character. I mean wouldn't you think so if the character had the nickname of 'Bug'?

Candy also gets a chance to reassess his relationship with long time girl friend Amy Madigan. These two have been going out longer than Nathan Detroit and Adelaide.

Best scene in the film is when Candy pinch hits for mom at a parent teacher conference with Suzanne Shepherd, a most uptight assistant prinipal. Him telling her off is priceless.

One of John Candy's best films, still very funny indeed.

John Hughes' Uncle Buck is a comedy that isn't as recognized as much as his acclaimed films (Home Alone, Pretty In Pink, Weird Science, Breakfast Club, 16 Candles), but this is just as funny and heartwarming as the others. Courtesy mainly of the lead John Candy as Buck Russell. He brings to the screen sarcastic humor that works best for him. Enjoyable throughout, even if sometimes the mushy stuff is unbearable. Favorite line "He, he, he, you ever hear of a ritual killing? hehehe". A-

This in My opinion is one of the late great John Candy's best films! The story,acting,music,and cast is just right.The film is very funny and it is never boring.I just love the Uncle Buck character.The character always wants to have a good time,is always kind and does small and big things for people that he doesn't even have to do. I wish more people in the world was like this.Anyway I have seen it many times and in My opinion its a classic!If you haven't seen Uncle Buck and love John Candy,silly and serious comedies then check out this great movie!I highly recommend it!

Released in 1989, "Uncle Buck" stars John Candy as a black sheep uncle who housesits in a Chicago suburb while his brother and sister-in-law take an emergency trip. The teen daughter, Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), takes a dislike to her eccentric uncle and he doesn't help matters by opposing her boyfriend, Bug (Jay Underwood). Amy Madigan is on hand as Buck's sorta girlfriend while Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann play the younger kids.

This movie has garnered a decent reputation over the years, but I didn't see it until last night. It's an entertaining, but unexceptional dramedy with Candy as a likable slob, which he plays well. There are quite a few laughs and the conflict between Buck and Tia is entertaining. The redemption of one character and the growth of another are kinda heartwarming.

The film runs 100 minutes and was shot in the 'burbs south of Chicago.

GRADE: Borderline B-/B (6.5/10)

In many ways, your standard John Hughes movie, even if the balance between light and serious is a bit off; Hughes seems to go out of his way to make the oldest daughter unlikable (there's eventually reason for that, but still). Anyway, that's all I have in the way of nitpicks.

"Uncle Buck" warms the heart, tickles the funny bone and showcases John Candy at the peak of his charismatic power. He has an excellent rapport with the kids, and he doesn't have one line of dialog that isn't enjoyable. All of the housekeeping gags -- the laundry, the giant pancake, the backfiring car -- work beautifully. Maybe I wasn't expecting this to hold up after so many years, but it does. Man, does it ever.

It's also easy to see how Macaulay Culkin got the "Home Alone" gig. The kid's an absolute charmer.

Of the four main players in here - John Candy, Jean Kelly, Amy Madigan and Macauley Caulkin - the only one I've never heard about (at that time) was the one that annoyed the heck out of me and ruined the film. Well, she must have done a decent job of acting to make me want to throw her and the VHS into the garbage pail. I am referring to Kelly in the role of teenage brat, "Tia Russell." Ironically, six years later she played a stunning and extremely likable role in the person of "Rowena Morgan" in "Mr. Holland's Opus."

Candy, as usual, is fun to watch as "Buck Russell," or the title character, "Uncle Buck." Few actors were better at playing a lovable, hapless slob than Candy. I enjoyed his character in here, but I cannot watch that spoiled teen girl more than once. Also, in the first few minutes of the film, the little boy "Miles" (Cauklin) says the word "G-damn." How bad is that, having a six-year-old kid saying the Lord's name in vain on film? These Hollywood people are such sickos. No wonder many of their child actors turn out to be mentally screwed up, Caulkin being a case in point.

There isn't really much to be said about Uncle Buck. It is very good but it is a simple little film, one of those nice films to watch on a Sunday afternoon without having to rack your brain or think too hard.

The late John Candy excels here as Buck Russell who at first glance is a slob and without much going for him. However, as the film goes on, we learn that Uncle Buck does indeed have a heart. The film really is about a guy who looks like the type of man you would keep your family away from but who is in fact a guy with a heart of gold.

I recommend Uncle Buck to anyone who fancies watching a nice simple little film for the whole family to enjoy. And watch out for the scene with the drunken clown on the doorstep!