Finders Keepers (1984) Reviews

• Jim Carrey eventually found fame and kept it; plus, I see a tiny link to current events.

  lee_eisenberg2007-01-03

  In the grand scheme of things, "Finders Keepers" is one of those silly comedies that they cranked out in the '80s. This one has a scam artist (Michael O'Keefe, of "Caddyshack" fame) accidentally getting mixed up in a wacky larceny case on a train after he has to escape the cops and a roller skate team in 1973. You see, he thinks that a coffin on board the train holds a man killed in Cambodia, but it actually holds an exorbitant amount of money stolen by a woman believed to have been kidnapped. If that sounds overwhelming, just wait 'til you see what happens on the train! The point is, this movie makes no pretense about being completely goofy. Probably the main reason that anyone would notice it nowadays is the presence of a pre-fame Jim Carrey as...well, I might spoil a major part of the movie if I explain it. But one can see a slight hint of the roles that would later make him famous. Speaking of the present day, there's a link in "FK": Watergate. Throughout much of the movie, we hear about Pres. Nixon (Nickerson?), the Watergate investigations, and how Spiro Agnew may not last in his position. Agnew was of course replaced by the recently deceased Gerald Ford. Personally, I believe that Ford doesn't deserve the praise that he's been getting (what really did he do besides fall down?). But anyway, this is a pretty funny movie. You're sure to like it. Also starring Beverly D'Angelo, Louis Gossett Jr., Pamela Stephenson, Ed Lauter and Brian Dennehy. Back when Richard Lester was directing The Beatles' movies, who ever would have guessed that he would direct this flick?

• Probably the funniest movie you haven't seen

  budikavlan2004-02-23

  Despite a fairly well-known cast, this one never made too many waves. I recommend you give it a try, however, in the interest of having a very good time. Even more mistaken identities, boomeranging cons, and wild coincidences that you ever thought you'd see punctuate this slambang farce, but the tone is so wifty and lighthearted you never lose faith. Great lead performances by O'Keefe, Gossett, and D'Angelo are teamed with great supporting performances by Dennehy, Lauter, and an early one by Jim Carrey. The funniest one of all, however, is David Wayne as the oldest conductor in America. Do yourself a favor and see this.

• This movie should be in DVD

  m_rappaport-12009-05-30

  I saw this movie on HBO in 1985, taped it and watched it again and again over the years. It's a wonderful screwball comedy, and Michael O'Keefe is great as the con man character who's trying to pass himself off as a soldier taking his dead buddy's casket home for burial. I would have thought it would have found its way to DVD long before this, even if only because it was Jim Carrey's first real movie role. His part is small -- only a couple of scenes -- but it was easy to see he was going to be a big comic star. Other great actors in it were Beverly D'Angelo, Louis Gossett Jr, Ed Lauter and Brian Dennehy. And who could ever forget Dennehy's great line when he says the mother of the dead soldier is "prostate with grief?" It's also the only movie I can remember that used Don McLean's "American Pie" over the closing credits. Please, let's get this out on DVD.

• Good luck finding it

  craigjclark2001-06-15

  I managed to catch this on TV several years ago and haven't seen hide nor hair of it since. This is a shame because it is quite funny and full of Richard Lester's trademark humor. As with most films about con men (and women), a simple description of the plot would be anything but, but suffice to say Lester and his cast do an admirable job of keeping all the balls in the air for most of the film's running time. Watch for Jim Carrey in an early role as the dim-witted draft dodger. "Finders Keepers" won't solve world peace, but it's good escapist fun and an excellent antidote for Lester's sub-par "Superman III."

• Young, but good Carrey- Finders keepers alright.

  buzznzipp19952006-06-29

  Okay some may like it some may not, so what. For me, Jimmy C' is young and funny and upcoming, in this sideways-cock-eyed caper of 'Dennis' & 'Lester' ,however I have to say for me that David Wayne, "MR. Stapleton" (the 'Old-school' train conductor with the booming voice and bad hearing) who I had never really remembered from before, took 75% of the comedic performances. Performing a comedic duo (with F.B.I. man Ormond(played by: Jack Riley of 70s 'Newhart' fame) 'Stapleton'- slices words and grammar like a surgical steel blade in pudding while side kick-in' it with-Ormand F.B.I. In addition Ed Lauter is a great 'slender thug', Louis Gossett Jr. with his cool delivery and under control attitude exudes charm and for me, doesn't fail either. The chase in this movie is off the wall and the irreverent mode that Michael's character operates in, is fast, funny as heck and furious! The humor without giving anything away, is 'black' and very un 'P.C." and thats what makes this one totally under-appreciated, brick of comedic gold!! Not enough people have seen this movie for themselves. The audio seems a little antiquated, but what they are saying is right on the funny-money!!! This is one of my best of comedy films and with all the new comedy stuff coming out, it's appreciating in value every year. I had never seen this movie before I bought the VHS on vacation in Santa Barbara. I hope to find it on DVD, this is one of my Top-100 movies. It was and is funny, every single time I watch it. Though some scoff, to 'Richard L' I say, the cast is perfect and this one still packs a riotous-wallop! Now, to who ever owns the 'Rights' to it, digitally remaster it, (audio & music score too) and get it out on the web and in stores!!! Plus ad some old or recent interviews with cast if it's possible. Please no sequel or remakes, it doesn't always work. Thanks-BGW