The Money Pit

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes take on "The Money Pit", the 1986 comedy starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long.

Both Mike Butler and Mike Field really enjoy the movie whenever it focuses on its disastrous house renovation. The jokes land, the slapstick works, and the escalating destruction of the house gives Tom Hanks plenty of opportunities to show off the kind of physical comedy that made his 80s films so much fun. Shelley Long is equally strong, and the movie is packed with great lines and memorable supporting characters.

Butler does have some trouble relating to Walter and Anna as struggling homeowners. Walter manages famous musicians, Anna is a concert cellist, and while money certainly becomes a problem, the movie never quite makes their financial situation feel as desperate as it might for more ordinary homeowners trapped inside an actual money pit.

The bigger issue for both Mikes is Max. Instead of allowing the house, the mounting bills, and the stress of the renovation to become the thing that nearly destroys Walter and Anna's relationship, the film shifts much of its third-act drama toward Max lying about sleeping with Anna. Anna then allows Walter to believe she cheated on him, only to become frustrated with his completely understandable reaction. Even after Max finally admits that nothing happened, the movie treats the deception surprisingly casually.

That subplot takes attention away from what both Mikes think should have been the heart of the story: two people being slowly driven insane by a house that is consuming their money, patience, and relationship. There are also several entertaining supporting characters who could have been incorporated more heavily into the renovation itself and helped keep the movie centered on its strongest material.

Still, when "The Money Pit" is being a comedy about Tom Hanks and Shelley Long desperately trying to survive the worst home purchase imaginable, it is an absolute blast. Great gags, great performances, and peak 80s comedy Hanks make it easy to recommend. Just don't expect the plot holding everything together to be nearly as sturdy as the laughs.

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0:00 - Introduction

4:12 - Film Facts

10:22 - Film Discussion

31:52 - Reviews

37:10 - Who Would You Recommend This To?

41:53 - Why Is This Forgotten?

44:51 - Plugs

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