Customer Reviews

Dc Cab [VHS]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

For 11 years I drove for a small mom-and-pop cab company in Seattle, Washington, and this movie--set in the Other Washington--struck many true notes, from the appauling condition of their taxi cabs, to how they entertain themselves when it's slow, to who they are and why they drive a cab. It is NOT a Message Movie and it is NOT High Art, but it IS entertaining. After the 1st time we saw it, my brother cabbies and I spent the next several months quoting lines from the movie, much to the dismay of our long suffing dispatcher. As I understand it, the actors portraying the cab drivers had each taken a Real Life turn behind the wheel of a taxi cab prior to the making of this movie. I watch it when ever I need a smile; your mileage may vary.

While watching D.C. Cab (1983) last night, I couldn't help but think how different this film might be had it been made today instead of some twenty years ago. There'd probably be no nudity (there's some in here), and much of the off color humor would surely be removed. As far as who would star in it? I wouldn't even begin to speculate...my point is, the early to mid 80's was a particularly interesting time for comedies, as studios hadn't quite realized the lucrative nature of the teen market (this is why so many films now have their R-rated material watered down to get the much sought after PG-13 rating), and we hadn't yet known the joys of being politically correct, as people could still make jokes about anybody, despite their race, without it being considered a racial slur and creating a national incident (but never fear, it's still okay to make fun of Whitey...that never goes out of style). Written and directed by Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys, Batman & Robin), the film actually has no lead star, focusing more on an ensemble cast featuring Adam Baldwin (he played Ricky Linderman in the film My Bodyguard), Max Gail (most will probably remember him as Detective Stan 'Wojo' Wojciehowicz from TV's Barney Miller), Mr. T, Charlie Barnett (who reminds me of a cross between Dave Chappelle and Chris Tucker), Gary `Mr. Head Injury' Busey (The Buddy Holly Story, Lethal Weapon), Marsha Warfield ("Night Court"), Bill Maher (Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death), DeWayne Jessie (who will always be remembered by me as Otis Day, from the film Animal House), Paul Rodriguez (Born in East L.A.), Whitman Mayo (better known as Grady, from TV's Sanford and Son), muscle bound twins Peter and David Paul aka The Barbarian Brothers (The Barbarians), and Ms. Irene `What a Feeling' Cara.

On the outset, we see Albert Hockenberry (Baldwin) arriving in Washington D.C. on the back of a turnip truck, literally (well, he was on the back of a truck, but whether or not there were any turnips is subject to debate). Albert, who, until recently, resided in `The Sticks' (that's everything east of California and west of New York, or so I'm told), is looking up Harold (Gail), a friend of his recently deceased father, as Albert has ambitions of being a cab driver (don't aim too high there Albert), and Harold owns a floundering cab company called D.C. Cab, which also happens to be the title of the film...didn't that work out nicely? Anyway, Albert begins learning the ropes from Harold and his motley crew, but trouble is never far away as the company is constantly being threatened to be shut down by the city, the bank is on the verge of foreclosing, the cabs are falling apart, they can't afford grease the local palms for access to areas that offer more lucrative fares (the airport, for example), and employee dissatisfaction is at an all time high. The situation seems dire, but an opportunity does present itself, and now the drivers must decide whether or not to take the money and run, or risk their newfound wealth by re-investing it into company, becoming partners. Oh yeah, there's also a kidnapping plot near the end...

I've always had a soft spot in my heart (or my head) for this film, despite its shortcomings. Looking at the DVD case you'd think Mr. T is the star, but he has a relatively minor role. His prominence in the advertising was due to, not only he being a colorful character, but also his popularity stemming from appearing in the very popular Rocky III, as Clubber Lang, a year earlier. I think the main problem with the film is the lack of a strong lead, such as Steve Guttenberg's character in the film Police Academy, which also featured an ensemble cast. Some films can get away with it, like Animal House, but that's because in a film like that, each character is infused with very real, individualistic nature very early on, providing a sense of familiarity in terms of being able to say you either knew, or know someone like that....regardless, the film is still pretty funny, if not formulaic (the whole `let's pull together and save the [fill in the blank] before they close us down' routine). I didn't really buy Adam Baldwin's naïve hillbilly routine, but the others were fun to watch, especially Charlie Barnett, Mr. T, and Gary Busey. The film does have a number of memorable and quotable lines, one of which I used for my title, and was used in one of my favorite scenes. The set up is Albert, along with two, young children of a local ambassador, get kidnapped, and the ambassador is at his home, surrounded by police and recording equipment, waiting for the kidnappers to call with their demands. The phone rings, he answers, and it turns out to be a seductive, female voice referring to the ambassador as `Stud Muffins', which could be heard by all, especially the ambassador's wife, who is now giving him the dirtiest look I've ever seen. He claims it was a wrong number, and shortly afterwards the phone rings again, the ambassador is hesitant to pick up, and his wife utters the line from my title...it's funnier seeing it than having me explain it, really. Most of the humor is silly, often stupid, and I would normally give this film 3 stars, but it did make me laugh, and I'm feeling a little nostalgic, so I will go with 4 stars. If you like this film (even if you didn't), I would recommend checking out The Hollywood Knights (1980).

The widescreen anamorphic picture on this DVD looks very sharp, and the audio (Dolby Digital 2.0) comes through clear. There are no special features (given the price I wasn't expecting a lot), not even a menu, as the film starts the moment the DVD is put into a player.

Cookieman108

Although originally slated as a Mr. T movie, DC Cab is a surprisingly well written comedy about a group of misfit cab drivers who live in Washington DC and get in all kinds of madcap adventures.

The movie features strong performances by what is by today's standards an all star cast. While in 1983, much of the world had not heard of the likes of Bill Maher, Paul Rodriguez, Adam Baldwin, Gary Busey and Marsha Warfield, they all came into their own in later years. Ironically, Mr. T, who was used to sell this movie, has a small part.

As for plot, this is your typical 80's movie about a team of misfits who gets a new member. Adam Baldwin sees the cab company at its worst, dedicates himself to the band of misfits, then things work out really well (montage included), until some inevitable moment messes things up for the taxi company. The heroes then band together at the end for one last scheme.

Que the parade at the end of the movie with a hot Irene Cara song at the end.

The movie features some good shots of DC, plenty of humorous moments, interesting discussions about race in Washington DC (at a time when the city was in the midst of some radical changes), and a great performance by a young Adam Baldwin. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves DC, Adam Baldwin, 80's movies about misfits, and to people who want to have a good time at the movies. Plus, you can pick it up at local stores for usually less than 8 bucks.

I think this would be one of those movies that receive the 89's cheese award. However it's one of my favorite movies. I love those zany madcap humorous movies. This movie stars Adam Baldwin (Independence Day and no relation to the Baldwin brothers), Max Gail (Barney Miller), Gary Busey, Mr. T, Irene Cara (she has a cameo as well two songs that she sings on the soundtrack), Marsha Warfield (Night Court), Paul Radriguez,Bill Maher and the Barbarian Brothers (David and Peter Paul).

The movie takes place at a taxi cab company in Washington D.C. They are pitted against a rival taxi company called Emerald. D.C. Cab is owned and operated by Harold (Gail) and things aren't going right. They are on the verge of closing down and loosing this drivers. Out comes Adam Baldwin who's father served with Harold in the Veitnam War. Albert (Baldwin) has always wanted to be a cab driver and looks to Harold to guide him. What leads up to Alberts arrival is madcap humor and hijinks on the road and at the D.C. Cab company. Dell (Busey) blows his windows in his cab showing Albert his new sound system, Mr. T. trying to fight drug dealers (he suspects) and tried to get his neice to steer clear of the "nice har" the "drug dealers" often show on the corner of a street. 'It's the car, Albert, It's the car," Mr. T's character Samson replies angrily.

As D.C. Cab is on the verge of shutting down (Harold's wife Myrna collects the reward money for helself because she found and returned a priceless violin that had been missing. Albert uses his life savings to rescue the company complete with new cars, repainted building, and a remodeling and updating the interior as well. Oh and lets not forget the snazzy jackets and airport licenses that Emerald has. Trouble ensues when Albert is taken hostage and Harold tries to round up the troops to make a bold rescue. With his zanny cohorts help?

For anyone who likes comedies then this is a nice addition to your DVD library. The DVD includes Dolby Digital and that's about it. Anyone who is a 80's film nut (like me), it's a must have as well.

I really enjoyed DC Cab, it was always one of my favorite movies.To see some of the stars from the eighties and compare them to where they are today was interesting to say the least. The music was excellent for that time period, brought back fond memories.

This needs to be on DVD. This is so stupidly funny. I always laugh when I see this. The lovely Irene Cara, Gary Busey, Mr. T, et al. It does not get much funnier than this.

Never thought a film about a financially struggling cab company with a host of misfit drivers would capture my attention, but this one was absolutely hilarious. With Mr. T being the featured actor on the movie cover, the viewer may think he is the main star of the film. In reality, the main stars are Max Gail and Adam Baldwin along with a cast of not-so-known folks that really make the film gel. Paul Rodriguez, Bill Maher, Gary Busey, and Marsha Warfield to name a few. An actor by the name of Charlie Barnett who played "Tyrone" stoled the show. The movie needs to be on DVD.

This movie would have you laughing all the way through. All the characters are funny.

All I can say is that this movie is a classic in my mind. Whats not to love when you combine Mr. T, the 80's, and a taxi company?! Me and my friend stumbled across this and watched it twice, then had our friends come over, and we watched it 3 more times. It is fairly short, so it made it easier. There are soooooooo many one-liners in here that you will wish you knew. All I can say is that everything that Gary Busey says is gold "you know--Bruce Lee, he ain't dead...." = GENIUS. So if you like Mr.T or the eighties, or specifically Mr.T in the 80's, then check this out!

I was "around" during the filming of D C Cab and most of the actors and most of the crew were coked up throughout the filming. Most scenes were shot and not even edited because of budget restraints. Look carefully at Gary Busey's eyes during every single scene. He's so high he can hardly slow down his lines. The same is true of most of the other actors who are either conspiculously quiet and speechless in scenes or are over animated. Coke is the reason that this film has so few close up shots and why, in almost every scene, the actors are just running, jumping around and/or screaming- both inside the cab sets and out. This movie, from my view, is a sad example of a possibly funny movie devolving into a cocaine fueled manic mess of scenes strung together into a releasable product. The project was such a negative experience that few or none of those involved would ever work together again.