The Money Pit - A Movie Review

Always remember to check on everything in a new house or the stairs will come crashing down.

The Money Pit was released to theaters in 1986. A young couple moves into their dream house. The roof leaks, the stairs come crashing down, and the tub smashes through the floor. Finding help to fix up the house, Walter and Anna struggle to stay sane.

I laughed so hard watching The Money Pit that my insides actually hurt. Comedy is nailed. It also contains an impressive performance by Tom Hanks in his early years of acting. Aside from a number of hysterical scenes, The Money Pit is a lesson for all new homeowners who are thinking about buying a house.

As much as I love Tom Hanks in his dramatic roles, he needs to be in more comedy films like this. I had no idea that Hanks had terrific comedic timing. Walter endures endless bouts of predicaments in this nightmare house. The scene where he breaks into hysterical laughter snorting like a donkey is my favorite! That and getting stuck in the floor are memorable scenes.

Upon watching this movie I had never heard of Shelley Long. Long also had great comedic timing. It is hard for me to pick one scene, but I enjoyed Anna’s reaction when she finds a creature in the dumbwaiter You can just see Anna’s temple about to explode from all the chaos. Comedy is all about facial expressions to which Long deserves an award.

Walter and Anna’s relationship is the most important part of the film. They acted very well together in scenes. As a young couple, owning this disaster house teaches them about trust. It also teaches them to be on their toes and make sure that no raccoons are lurking about.

There is no small part in The Money Pit. An ensemble dedicated to acting as bungling construction workers were the best part. Watch closely and you’ll see the late Michael Jeter in the background of some scenes. Other credits to include are Alexander Godunov, Maureen Stapleton, Joe Mantegna, Philip Bosco, Josh Mostel, and many more.

I know that I don’t want to live in the house used in the film, but boy did it go through a makeover. Honestly, you have to see this movie in order to believe the chaos that ensues. At the actual time of filming, the house was actually on sale!

Unlike comedy films now, The Money Pit does not take a break. I can just picture the writers for this movie having the best time coming up with ideas. The jokes sustain the whole film and never lose their comedic flare.

I was surprised to learn that critics bunked The Money Pit when it was first released. Disaster strikes at every second in The Money Pit. In order to show the chaos, there is never a dull moment. For some that may get tiring, but I did not feel bored at all waiting to see what else could happen in this unpredictable film.

Richard Benjamin did a fantastic job mixing in comedy and drama. Unlike how most comedy films try too hard, Benjamin played things more naturally. He gave his actors great direction making sure that everyone was safe performing stunts. I like how he incorporated a dramatic subplot that did not take away from the action. Life is all about the unexpected.

I suggest that you find The Money Pit on Netflix if you are in need of a laugh. Literally, just thinking about this movie makes me giggle. It has become one of my new favorite comedies.