Take This Job and Shove It

This movie is much ado about nothing. But, then, what could you expect out of Dubuque, Iowa, where nothing ever happened except the filming of F.I.S.T.? The early 1980s was a big beer-drinking time, though, with everyone partying and being an urban cowboy. This movie is basically a chance to see an early version of Bob Chandler's Bigfoot (before he was such a monster) and hear some country music. It's kind of a lighthearted, fun, partying romp. In fact, the writer very well could have written this movie in a state of intoxication. There's a scene where Robert Hays's character is supposed to throw a beer can into a trash can. Duh! Iowa beverage cans had a 5 cent deposit on them. This must have been written by someone from out of state!

Don't anybody get me wrong! This movie is one of the funniest, wildest movies I've seen in my life. And it is a classic with a capital C! Robert Hays of "Airplane" (1980) goes from an idiot who can't fly a plane to a tough but reasonable head brewery chief in "Take This Job And Shove It". And can he get the women here in this movie. Whoo! Barbara Hershey is the hottie to watch for. Lord, if I was Robert Hays' character, I'd be drooling like a hungry wolf over her. She was hot! Of course, the highlights of this movie are the music, the barroom scene where all the gang is playing football with a roll of toilet paper, and a couple of "giving the finger" scenes that when aired for network TV, are cruelly chopped out, yet I thought were quite funny at best.

David Keith plays the arrogant Harry, who really turns out to be a decent guy toward the film's end.

Tim Thomerson is the wild and smart-aleck country boy from hell Ray. The man drinks more beer and has a mean streak in him that sure can't be dealt with.

Art Carney does a fine job as Mr. Pickett, head of the beer company that Robert Hays is owner of the brewery. He's packed on a few pounds since his "Honeymooners" days, but you need not bother! Eddie Albert rounds out the cast in my opinion as the overbearing egotistical Mr. Ellison, who always wants something, including coffee. He is a big contrast from his days on "Green Acres" here. It makes one think if Arnold The Pig could handle such a domineering old fart like Ellison here.

Altogether, this is a great movie. Despite what anyone else would say, you can't turn down an offer to watch this movie, or would you just say "Take This Movie And Shove It"? I would say "Take This Movie And Watch It" and hopefully, you'll love it!

I sure watched it! And I loved it! (I still love it!)

I was surprised to see the low ratings from the few people that had written reviews of this movie. I remember Siskel and Ebert giving this film a glowing review when it came out. They were absolutely right, it was perfectly cast, and it captured a moment in time perfectly. The cast was stellar, especially Eddie Albert. I think since the title of the movie comes from a goofy song, people expect somekind of lighthearted romp. The movie is funny, but not in a cheap, obvious way. It's a very thoughtful film, sort of a dramady.

If you're looking for something to watch where you can just turn you brain off and laugh at fart jokes, leave this one on the shelf and rent Dumb and Dumber. But if you want to see a witty and intelligent comedic film, then check this one out.

I watched this film because I love the song, because I knew it took place in Iowa (where I grew up) and because I have always enjoyed movies that were entertaining without being condescending. Other than the fact that almost all the main characters sound like they live in Texas instead of Dubuque, Iowa, it's pretty much a harmless, fun, little-guy-beats-big-guy film. Robert Hayes is appropriately handsome & earnest, Barbara Hershey is appropriately girl-next-door-cute and angry/supportive. Bonus points for the monster trucks. A harmless way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you love beer. Don't miss Lacy J. Dalton & friends singing "You Can Count on Beer".

While Hays has certainly done better films, during his heyday (no pun), this one stands at about a C+. Perhaps 'Airplane' was one of his top, better ones, but heck -every actor has the right to "step down" into a smaller venue. He still pulls his own here. Okay - so Hershey isn't standing firm in a strong, fem role this time. But she also holds her own. And she's allotted moments where her true talent as an actress, comes out. That's the beauty of loving Hershey. Even in a very supportive role, she still paves her own.

For the most part - this film high-fives the typical, old-day blue-collar, Midwestern, parody; which for its time, was much appreciated. Just another example of the typical condescending, stuff-shirted Corp. puff attitudes. Here, David Keith (Harry) brilliantly portrays; alongside costar Thomerson (Ray), a feast-or-famine challenge. The game is on: workplace upgrades, threats of buy-out and the mgmt. changes - none of it for the better. Harry and Ray pull together, retaining the 'working man' dignity - and bravely shoot against the grain. Their portrayal is another example of the "worker" daring to confront the "big boys"; a common post blue-collared-ghetto movement of the time.

In the end (very decently directed, and out-laid) Hays (Macklin) wises up, realizing he; and his commadarie, were nearly side-lined by the very honchos who pretended to have his back.