The Prince of Pennsylvania (1988) Reviews

• Probably one of the best of Keanu Reeves' unknown movies..

  KnatLouie2008-12-20

  Back in 1988, before anybody had even *thought* of "The Matrix", "Speed", or even "Bill & Ted", a 23-year old Keanu Reeves got one of his first major parts in a studio movie, and in this Pittsburgh-shot production, he gives what could be one of his best performances ever (certainly better than a lot of the stuff he's been doing lately). The troubled teen (or "post-teen") Rupert is having problems at home, where his controlling father Gary (Fred Ward, "Tremors") is ruining the family-life with his narrow minded approach to everything has already destroyed his own marriage, leading his wife Pam (Bonnie Bedelia, "Die Hard") to have an affair with Gary's best friend Jack (Jeff Hayenga). Rupert wants his mother to have a happy life, and therefore decides to kidnap his father, in order to get him to sell some land he had inherited, and thus get enough money to provide for both himself and his mother (and his younger brother Roger), when they escape the dead-end that is their current home (in Pennsylvania). Rupert has an affair with an older woman (Amy Madigan, "Streets of Fire"), much to the annoyance of her ex-husband Joe (Jay O. Sanders, "The Day After Tomorrow"), who wants Rupert to shape up and clean his act. But Rupert doesn't want to grow up and become a miner like his dad, and tries everything he can to escape being stuck in nowhere.. one of these things being kidnapping his dad.. but who can/will pay the ransom? You'll have to see it to find out.. This is a very touching movie, kinda like "Feeling Minnesota"/"My Own Private Idaho", but different.. at least Reeves has a weird haircut in this one, which looks pretty funny.. I give it 8/10, because it's an underrated gem, which really deserves to be seen before it fades into oblivion. P.S: I found my copy on an old used VHS-cassette, but I'm sure there's a decent DVD-release somewhere in the world..

• Clasic rebellious youth comedy

  kiddanno1999-03-08

  This movie has to be the best movie that no one has ever heard of. It has an all-star cast, great acting, and an entertaining story line. For anyone whose parents didn't understand why you didn't "fit in"... This movie is for you.

• Where has this movie been hiding?

  billyace1999-05-02

  What a great movie. Great find at the video store. Keanu Reeves is tremendous and so is Fred Ward. Why do kids rebel. See this and you'll laugh about it. Though 10years old it feels current. Where has this movie been hiding.

• A seriously funny movie

  star-womack2009-05-17

  I have never been a fan of Keanu Reeves. I decided to watch this movie because of the rest of the cast. Fred Ward, Bonnie Bedelia, Amy Madigan & J.O. Sanders are some of my favorite actor). So I figured I couldn't go wrong. I spent my time laughing out-loud for the better part of the show. I had never seen Fred Ward in a farcical comedy before but he was really good. Amy Madigan drew quite a few laughs, too. Even J.O. Sanders, who usually plays heavy parts came in for some chuckles. Bonnie Bedelia is always a joy to see. Keanu really surprised me. He was truly good in the part. There are quite a few tender moments but for the most part this is a seriously funny movie. 8 out of 10.

• Sweet and funny

  Luxn2007-01-04

  Watched this for the first time today. Not sure how I managed to miss it all this time. The film doesn't suffer from the passage of time. Rupert's dress sense is so way out that it doesn't date it. The others in the film dress pretty conservatively (befitting their lifestyles) so you really cant tell by looking that this is a mid-80's movie. I found this film to be thoroughly enjoyable. VERY funny in some parts and poignant in others. Keanu is absolutely adorable (and gorgeous) and very convincing as the weird but charmingly brilliant misfit. Fred Ward's performance also stands out. This film will make you laugh out loud. The story is not too deep and I do worry it will make Keanu bashers think this is the only type of role he can play (as he does it so well). He has every right to be proud of this movie. Great cast, great fun.