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

In my opinion this is highly underrated. No not really a 10, but for fans of modern independent films, an unrecognized gem. John Astin is always a plus for me, like Alan Arkin or Steve Buscemi maybe? Yes, slow paced, but relatable to those who don't live in super hero tights or travel the spaceways, and worry about how day to day life sometimes goes the wrong way. Low budget and probably you'll see it in a blurry public domain version. Try not to hold that against it and relax and just appreciate it for what it is, not for what it could never be or never tried to be. Great performances by all. And Thanks to those who helped make this movie with their hearts.

I saw this while on a sub patrol in the early 80's.

We were having a competition to see who could watch the most movies during one patrol.

This was 16mm - pre vcr days.

I had to change the last reel myself, as everyone else, including the projectionist, walked out.

This movie remains the worst I've ever seen.

And that includes the documentary on iceberg lettuce I once watched at 3am in Aiea, HI while peaking on red dragon.

It's not even so-bad-it's-good - it's just bad.

I've tried to find a copy again over the years, to no avail until recently.

I see it's now available on amazon.

Watch me not reach for my credit card.

A man buys a taxi to change his monotonous existence. A mediocre movie with an ending that doesn't belong to him. The only scene I liked was the loss of the taxi. I could feel the feeling of abandonment and emptiness that captured the poor taxi driver's heart. Only decent scene from the movie or at least the only one I remember.

Sometimes in the course of movie fandom you manage to find a film that is life changing. Awe inspiring. A film that touches you on a deep and emotional level. "Wacky Taxi", however, is not such a film. This globule of cinematic wonder came to me in a box set of 100 films which cost me $17. That makes this a 17¢ movie. I was overcharged.

A short plot summary: Watch John Astin Run! Watch John Astin Purchase A Car! Watch John Astin Shave! Watch John Astin Buy Fast Food! Watch John Astin Wash A Car! Watch John Astin Emote! Watch John Astin play an immigrant from South America with no discernible trace of a Latin accent! And that is just the first 15 minutes. I...just...couldn't go any further.

I would like to take a moment to recognize robertfranz, the other reviewer of this "film" for finding the strength of will to voluntarily watch the entire thing. Sir, you are a better man than I.

If you idea of a good time is watching Gomez Addams doing mundane things then you will LOVE this film. If find yourself SANE instead, you probably will not enjoy it.