Real Men (film)

Real Men is a 1987 American comedy film starring James Belushi and John Ritter as the heroes: suave, womanizing CIA agent Nick Pirandello (Belushi) and weak and ineffectual insurance agent Bob Wilson (Ritter).[1]

For the album by John S. Hall and Kramer, see Real Men (album).
Real Men
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDennis Feldman
Written byDennis Feldman
Produced byMartin Bregman
Starring
CinematographyJohn A. Alonzo
Edited byMalcolm Campbell
Glenn Farr
Music byMiles Goodman
Production
company
Martin Bregman Productions
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • September 25, 1987 (1987-09-25)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$873,903

Plot

After scientists accidentally spill a deadly chemical into the ocean, that will eventually kill all life on earth, a group of aliens offer to help humanity. They offer a choice: the 'Good Package' to clean up the mess, or the 'Big Gun', a weapon capable of destroying the planet. The aliens only ask for a glass of water in return, which must be delivered by CIA agent Pillbox (John Ritter), the only human they entirely trust.

While on a run-thru of the alien meetup, agent Pillbox is shot and killed in a forest by an unseen assassin in an inside-job. FBI computers find Bob Wilson (also played by Ritter), an insurance agent who looks just like Pillbox, and suggest sending Wilson in Pillbox's place. However, Wilson is a meek office worker who we initially see being easily pushed around by a group of local bullies and by a milkman who is trying to seduce his wife.

Tough guy government agent Nick Pirandello (James Belushi) is sent to recruit Wilson and escort him to the meeting; he is also to build-up Wilson's confidence and decrease his insecurities. He meets Wilson at Wilson's home, with Russian agents close on his tail, who want a unique map to the meeting place. Wilson thinks Pirandello is an intruder and tries ineffectively to attack him, culminating in a shoot-out with the Russians that devastates Wilson's house.

Pirandello explains the mission as the pair head to meet the aliens near Washington, D.C. Wilson doesn't believe the story, and instead believes that Pirandello is insane. He repeatedly tries to escape, forcing Pirandello to stop and try to convince him they're real. After a series of rather unconvincing demonstrations, one finally convinces Wilson of their authenticity.

Wilson is then willing to do the job, but lacks skills and confidence. The pair meet corrupt CIA agents dressed as clowns, part of a splinter group that would rather receive the Big Gun. Pirandello tells Wilson that he is in fact a Russian sleeper "Super Agent", at which point Wilson charges into battle and is knocked out with one punch. Pirandello defeats the clowns, but leads the waking/groggy Wilson to believe he did it. Wilson gains a new macho attitude.

Pirandello, weakened by love for a dominatrix he meets in a bar in Pittsburgh, abandons the mission, leaving Wilson on his own. During a final shootout between the rogue CIA element and Wilson, Pirandello comes to his senses and rejoins the mission; together they defeat the others, including Pirandello's boss. Wilson meets with the aliens and receives the Good Package to save humanity.

Wilson returns to his home, which has been repaired. With his new-found machismo, he deals with the bullies and the amorous milkman, bringing the film to an end.[2]

Cast
  • Jim Belushi as Nick Pirandello (as James Belushi)
  • John Ritter as Bob Wilson
  • Barbara Barrie as Mom Pirandello
  • Bill Morey as Millard Cunard
  • Isa Jank as Dolly (as Isa Anderson)
  • Gail Barle as Sherry
  • Mark Herrier as Bradshaw
  • Matthew Brooks as Bob Wilson, Jr.
  • Mariah Dobson as Heather Wilson
  • Stephen Corvin as Russian Agent
  • Charles Walker as Mahoney
  • Dyanne Thorne as Dad Pirandello
  • Don Dolan as Ufoe
  • Mary E. Thompson as Elderly Woman
  • Suzee Slater as Woman in Bed
  • James Le Gros as Buddy MacGruder (as James LeGros)
  • Richard Brestoff as Henderson
  • Travis McKenna as Oaf
  • Drew Blake Gordon as Bully
  • Hugh Gordon as Bully
  • Bruce M. Fischer as Steelworker
  • Brian Libby as Steelworker
  • Richard Partlow as Perkmeyer
  • Hardy Rawls as Cop
  • Todd Jeffries as Cop
  • Billy Long as Milkman
  • Peter Looney as Stiletto man
  • Lawrence Lott as Donald the Clown
  • Isabella Hofmann as Barbara Wilson
  • Kevin Finney as Man Leaving Store
  • Barry Doe as Meat Hawker
  • Buck Kartalian as Produce Hawker
  • Stan Kamber as Bartender
  • Joe Lazo as Check Out Girl
  • Ed Corbett as Meat Hawker
  • Barbara Bingham as Woman in Park

Production

According to DVD Verdict, Real Men was barely released theatrically. The distributor, United Artists, was still suffering the aftereffects of the Heaven's Gate (1980) fiasco and financial troubles were still in full force.[3]

Reception

Upon release, the film received mediocre to poor reviews. In particular, the plot was panned as not credible.[4][5]

Years later, however, The A.V. Club called it one of the most underrated comedies of the 1980s.[6]

References
  1. New York Media, LLC (21 September 1987). New York Magazine. New York Media, LLC. pp. 56–. 00287369.
  2. "Real Men". HiDefDigest, July 14th, 2015. Matthew Hartman August 7th, 2015
  3. Spears, Steve (14 July 2011). "Retro-review: Punching clowns, watering up aliens in 'Real Men'". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  4. "Real Men". Radio Times, Alan Jones
  5. Emmis Communications (June 1987). Orange Coast Magazine. Emmis Communications. pp. 159–. 02790483.
  6. "Real Men is one of the most underrated comedies of the '80s (But don't make a big thing out of it)".
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