Cast
View All
Billy Crystal
as Mitch Robbins
Daniel Stern
as Phil Berquist
Bruno Kirby
as Ed Furillo
Patricia Wettig
as Barbara Robbins
Helen Slater
as Bonnie Rayburn
Lindsay Crystal
as Holly Robbins
Noble Willingham
as Clay Stone
Jack Palance
as Curly Washburn
Tracey Walter
as Cookie
Josh Mostel
as Barry Shalowitz
David Paymer
as Ira Shalowitz
Bill Henderson
as Ben Jessup
Phill Lewis
as Steve Jessup
Jake Gyllenhaal
as Danny Robbins
Jeffrey Tambor
as Lou
Crew
Director
- Ron Underwood
Producer
- Irby Smith
Reviews
Peter McGinn
This is is a fairly funny movie. Billy Crystal’s character and two friends head out for a dude ranch for an adventure vacation. The jokes come vast and furious as do the sight gags. Jack Palance made a bit of a name for himself with his cowboy antics and one-armed pushups.
My favorite scene had nothing to do with dude ranch stuff. Mitch (Crystal) is explaining how a DVD recorder doesn’t even require the tv to record a show, and his friend just isn’t getting it. It’s hilarious. This isn’t a movie classic or anything, but plenty entertaining enough.
Aug 27, 2020
CinemaSerf
As their fortieth birthdays loom large and illustrate to "Mitch" (Billy Crystal), "Ed" (Bruno Kirby) and "Phil" (Daniel Stern) that their high-powered city jobs are ultimately quite unfulfilling, they decide to take up the challenge of herding some cows from Mexico up to Colorado. Completely unused to the wilderness, or indeed to anything without air-conditioning and comfort, they are put under the charge of the gnarly "Curly" (Jack Palance) who's disdain for this hapless trio is fairly clear from the outset. What chance they can adapt their city attitudes to cope with all that nature can throw at them? Well on that front there's not the slightest bit of jeopardy, it's all about their "journey". There, I think it will all depend on whether or not you like Billy Crystal's style of semi-slapstick comedy. I don't really and so wasn't particularly engaged as this sort of merged John Wayne with Laurel and Hardy. Palance looks like he's enjoying himself, and easily steals the show with his facial expressions conveying just as much as the rather predictable script. Stern also delivers quite entertainingly as they battle with the cattle and the snakes that rattle amidst some stunning New Mexico scenery that sets up the story perfectly. It's a story about recalibrating life and on that score it sends quite a powerful message about people stopping every now and again to appreciate what they had/have and to take stock of what they want to come next. That thrust epitomises the difference between the urban and the rural, their population's who do and those who talk about doing quite well - but the humour was just all bit lame for me and the whole thing takes too long to finish where I always thought it would.
Jan 17, 2025
Thematic Analysis
City Slickers represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Ron Underwood brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of City Slickers took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $27.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 199 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While City Slickers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Marley & Me, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, City Slickers subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Captain Ron and 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag explore similar territory, City Slickers stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 7, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Budget: $27,000,000
- Revenue: $179,033,791
