Wacky Taxi

I bought this for £3 at a fleamarket as I collect old obscure films. The cover said, 'Family Comedy Colour' one of these didn't fit. Sure it is a family film and it's in colour, but there isn't much comedy in it except for the little bits where they really tried to inject some in. Actually it is quite a entertaining story of a poor man with kids who dreams of leaving his job at the canning factory and start up his own business. And he does, by buying an old junk heap car and painting taxi on the side he ferries people around town. But many things go wrong and he's discouraged from trying all the way by his brother in law but he carries on. It's a little strange in parts but this helps to keep you interested. Overall it's a nice family film with a bit of a grimy touch it manages to be a better than average tale of a man and his dream. 7 / 10

This is not a great movie but I would have been OK with sitting through it at the drive-in back in the day. My daughter says that any movie you can sit through should get at least a 3. I might even give this a 3.5. The story is about a man who wants to be more than a low paid factory worker and dreams of establishing a successful business. There are a lot of reasons to be discouraged but his family supports him through it all and he never gives up on his dream. I didn't like the final wrap-up at the end. It wasn't really needed. Otherwise it might have gotten a 4 from me, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Nice little G rated family movie.

Pepper (John Astin) is a guy who's never happy on a job. He quits his latest job and decides, spur of the moment, to open up a cab business. Sadly, he's never considered any of the details--insurance, a reliable car, licensing and much more. Not surprisingly, his dreams of riches and steady work come to nothing through most of the movie...and it's all a bit painful to watch....especially as he tries to make it work with a broken down old 1959 Cadillac.

With a title like "Wacky Taxi", you would expect the film to be a comedy. Sadly, however, there really isn't much about this picture that would make anyone laugh...in fact, it's a bit dull. No....it's a LOT dull. Considering how dull the film is I am not surprised that it's a title few have heard of and it's rarely seen. I found it on YouTube...and wish I'd just kept looking.

I loved it. Perfect for the era. A pick me up, feel good flick with no frills. Just real. Love it or hate it...just watch it. John Astin is a pro, here and everywhere. Loved the craziness of the filming. The plot is simple. We all want the American dream, but are scared to take the risk. This film takes all the risk and doesn't worry about losing. Many may see this as a "wacky" film, but it's perfect for its intended purpose. To motivate and entertain. No big budget, no special effects. Seemed more like a current reality show. I put this on because it seemed old, wacky and out of sorts. It was exactly that and exactly what I needed at that moment. It's wacky for sure. Watch it to the end. Thank you John Astin.

This movie premiered as "Pepper" at The Lakewood Center Theater, Lakewood is a suburb 25 miles outside of Hollywood, which should have been indicative of the low expectations the studio had for this film. The meandering plot was impossible to stay involved with. And it simply wasn't funny. I did get to meet John Astin, so I give it an extra star.