Madhouse

This engagingly nutty farce stars TV icons John Larroquette and Kirstie Alley as Mark and Jessie Bannister, an average, fairly successful L.A. couple who've just moved into their dream home. Wouldn't you know it: their serenity is almost immediately interrupted by a nonstop barrage of uninvited house guests. Circumstances spiral way out of control, ensuring that these human pests are obliged to stay at Mark and Jessies' place for an extended period of time.

At best, the material by debuting writer / director Tom Ropelewski is no more than mildly amusing. It's certainly not for everybody, considering just how abominable some of these characters are, such as Jessica Lundys' obnoxious Bernice, the wife of Marks' cousin Fred (John Diehl), bratty psycho in training C.K. (Aeryk Egan), the son of the next door neighbour Dale (played by The Exterminator, a.k.a. actor Robert Ginty), or Jessies' spoiled rotten, stuck up, gold digging sister Claudia (Alison La Placa). But the cast is so good that they keep this wacky comedy watchable for 91 minutes.

By the time the movie has ended, we'll see a baby elephant running amok, a pet cat that steadily uses up a number of its nine lives, a police raid, an on air nervous breakdown for reporter Jessie, a harness designed for the pregnant Bernice when she slips and falls, and some remodelling (when Dale and his brood move in, he takes it upon himself to make bleachers (!) for the TV set).

This talented cast makes the most of the situation; Larroquette, Diehl, and La Placa are particularly funny. Also appearing are Bradley Gregg as Claudias' no-good son Jonathan, and Dennis Miller (making his film debut), sporting his ridiculous early 90s hair as Marks' co-worker Wes.

It's all too easy to sympathize with our heroes as they try to take back their house.

Six out of 10.

Ah,Madhouse. One of those great movies yours truly can't get enough of. I saw this movie in theaters when I was 11, and it has gotten better with every viewing. The jokes in this movie are hilarious and well-placed. John Laroquette and Kirsty Alley are magnificent in their roles as Mark and Jesse Bannister. They are two,happily married people who have it mad in the shade until Mark's cousin Fred comes to visit on his vacation. Oh, he also brings his wife Bernice and the cat Scruffy. Circumstances beyond their control lead to them staying longer than expected,and this leads to everyone shacking up at the Bannister's like it was a Holiday Inn. Soon,Jesse's sister Claudia and her son Jonathen,and the neighbors all live in the same house,while managing to drive Mark and Jesse out of their ^&%*ing minds. In the end, they manage to stand up against the terror that is their family and friends. *Some of the funniest moments include Jesse's interview segments,the cat and its ability to rise from the ashes,and Mark's scene at the end where his boss attempts to give him a raise.* All,in all a 9 out of 10. Also watch for Monday Night Football's Dennis Miller in a bit part.

Tedious comedy from sitcom actors that is rarely funny and just barely watchable. John Larroquette and Kirstie Alley star as a married couple who just cannot keep their terrible relatives out of their house. The screenplay is annoying and the direction is sour throughout. Dennis Miller does well in a small supporting role, but his character is not utilized as much as he should be. 2 stars out of 5.

MADHOUSE, in my opinion, is an excellent feel-good screwball comedy which will leave you smiling! If I had to deal with a bunch of uninvited guests the way that Mark (John Larroquette) and Jessie (Kirstie Alley) did, I would go just as crazy as they did. Still, I say it's always a good idea to be a good Samaritan. Last night, before I had to leave to go somewhere, I watched half of this, and this morning, I watched the whole thing, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I even purchased it last night. Anyway, if you want to know what kind of mayhem ensues, see the movie for yourself. I guarantee you that you will have a smile on your face afterward.

'Madhouse' is a mild comedy made much funnier by the presence of it's two lead actors--John Laroquette and Kirstie Alley--who both have good chemistry together and create the necessary counterweights to a goofy situation comedy.

This is the story of a Californian couple, Mark and Jessie Bannister, who just bought a house in L.A. On short notice, Mark gets word that his wimpy cousin and his irritating wife (John Deihl and Jessica Lundy) are coming to visit. As annoying as the wife may be, these are the least of their worries since they will be followed by a number of other equally annoying characters who the Bannisters just can't seem to get rid of. It is a mild, simple situation comedy, but as the situation becomes more outrageous as the visitors become more numerous and the Bannisters more desperate to get rid of their houseguests from hell who have taken over their once-comfortable home and are slowly invading their lives (including their work). By this point, it's destined for a lot of laughs, especially as the Bannisters become more neurotic.

Fans of late 80s/early 90s mainstream situation comedies should enjoy this one. It's a good weekend afternoon snoozer comedy. It's on the order of oddball disaster comedies like Mystery Date or After Hours (although with much less humor than After Hours).