Checking Out

I reckon this is a great movie! Jeff Daniels is so good in it! I think the jokes are funny! him being a Hypocondriact is funny... but also as you watch you can see how hurt he is inside and you feel sorry for him. Jeff looks quite cute in this. It's got a bit of Monty python style humour in it. which is very good and enjoyable. Awesome soundtrack! containing The Traveling Wilburys and Roy Orbison, etc. and was even made by George Harrison's company "Handmade films" This movie makes you appreciate the fact that you have good health. and that you shouldn't spend your life worrying about things, when you could be living you life to the fullest. A great movie indeed! :)

Airline executive Jeff Daniels (as Ray Macklin) is startled when his childhood pal and adult co-worker drops dead at an annual fête. Worst of all, Allan Havey (as Pat Hagen) expires right before the punch-line of the joke question, "Why don't Italians like barbecues?" The tragedy turns Mr. Daniels into a raging hypochondriac. Preoccupied with sickness, Daniels loses his sexual urge for unsatisfied wife Melanie Mayron (as Jenny). Daniels thinks he's going to die while we're laughing at all the funny scenarios involving his expiration. It turns out the there is a surprise ailment for Daniels along with some vividly dreamy sequences...

The punch-line to the repeatedly-uttered joke, "Why don't Italians like barbecues?" is finally given, if you're waiting and wondering. It's not much of a joke, if you ask me; but, it apparently wasn't meant to be. Since this flat, slap-sticky comedy was produced by "Nelson Wilbury" aka Beatle George Harrison's HandMade Films, you do get a cool credits listen to The Traveling Wilburys' "End of the Line" and will also hear "Lefty Wilbury" aka Roy Orbison sing for "Only the Lonely". Among the interesting cameos is Mr. Harrison sweeping the floor in Heaven. Just thinking about that for a moment ought to put a smile on your face.

**** Checking Out (4/21/89) David Leland ~ Jeff Daniels, Melanie Mayron, Allan Havey, Michael Tucker

This movie had one of the most funny moments I have ever seen. I have rarely laughed so hard. It was purely situational and lacked a punchline. It takes place when Daniels meets that fellow hypochondriac that is a multi-millionaire. He places so much faith in this guy and his so called health secrets. The fact is the rich health nut is a total hypocrite. He's a complete slob as depicted when he throws down his food wrappers. For a guy so concerned with his own health he ruins the very environment with which he occupies. The culmination of this reality hits Daniles like a mack truck when he sneaks into the limo of the "afluent health guru"-ha ha. The place is an utter pig sty. The limo is filled with rotting food and trash. Even funnier is all the books and health gear that is rat packed into this limo. It is at this moment that Daniels realizes he has been duped by his own madness. He realizes his misplaced faith in such a moron. Giddy with excitement from his moment of epiphany he starts laughing hysterically and starts trashing the contents of the limo. It's so funny because moments ago he thought this guy was all put together. Quite literally he can throw everything and anything around and this health nut wouldn't know the difference.

Other than that the movie is just OK. If that scene fails to impress you so be it.

Although many "comedies" turn out to not be so funny, this one never even tries! There are no jokes or humorous situations to be found anywhere in this film. If I didn't know better I'd say Checking Out was written as a drama then re-edited into a comedy.

This movie really could have been funny if it had been better written.

I have seen too many films to count in my 63 years. This one is on my list of top 10. Cynical, absurd, wise, full of unforgettable characters and situations. It may not be everyone's kind of funny, but certainly is mine. Not everyone appreciates dark comedy and this one is dark. I seldom laugh out loud at films, but this one kept me in surgical stitches all the way through.

Absolutely chocked full of amazing performances. Check out Jo Harvey Allen in a scene with Jeff Daniels in the front seat of his car. Classic! Michael Tucker does a great turn as Jeff Daniel's Boss. Stephen Tobolowsky is unforgettable as a whacked out pharmacist. All of the actors are given some great material to work with. It must have been a joy for all of them.

Keep your eye peeled for David Byrne in a small role as a bar tender. Producer George Harrison (yes that one) also has a small role as a cleaner in heaven. Which is where he currently resides. He is wearing an orange jump suit pushing a broom!

I think I will sign off now and go check my blood pressure.