Hostage for a Day

The first time I saw this movie, around 1996, I was very disappointed. After nine years I gave this movie a second try. This time I enjoyed the movie. John Candy's small cameo as Yuri Petrovich is funny, although I wonder how it would have been if John had played George Wendt's part. Don't get me wrong, George Wendt is a great actor but he hasn't got much chance to be funny, because you feel sorry for his character all the time. Christopher Templeton is really terrific as Wendt's childhood sweetheart Diane St. Clair. I think the big problem is that the movie's sensitivity doesn't match with the silliness and vice versa. Sadly, when this movie premiered on television John Candy had already passed away.

Why on earth John Candy let himself be associated with this loser of a picture is beyond me. The plot is simple and it is rife with possibilities for great humour but it doesn't take advantage of them. George Wendt is not the greatest actor that ever hit the screen but his years at Cheers should have taught him how to create a laugh...apparently they did not. He is so un-funny at times it hurts. I wanted to get up and deliver the line the way it could have been but...well. At any rate if you're looking for a good sit-down to watch a good comedy and maybe have a beer...don't drink the beer too fast, I suspect you'll be on your way out to the store for another movie and you shouldn't drive intoxicated!

The year that John Candy left this life, he starred in one of the most atrocious movies that I've ever seen ("Wagons East"), but also directed - and appeared in - this light, interesting TV movie. George Wendt plays a suburban everyman completely fed up with his life. So, he pretends that he's been taken hostage in his house, leading to a media frenzy and the police surrounding everything. Only then, some real thugs take him hostage (Candy plays one of them).

"Hostage for a Day" makes neat use of Wendt's mannerisms, and is a fairly perceptive look at apparent satisfaction in the suburbs masking deeper frustration (along with media hype). Then again, maybe I'm the only person who interpreted it as such. For all that I know, it might have just been intended as a silly comedy. But I still assert that it's worth seeing. Also starring John Vernon.

I really enjoy the movie, it's really funny. It's sad that John passed away after his directorial debut. The plot is kind of out of the ordinary compared to another black comedy movie. But who cares? I always enjoy Candy's movie. He's naturally funny and perfect for the character "Yuri". Don't get me wrong, George is funny too. But in this movie he's never get a change to be really funny. Probably it's because the script. Look at cheers. He is pretty Hilarius. Anyway, I've seen the movie once, and I'd like to watch it over and over again. Btw, does anybody know where I could download this movie or get a DVD version? I really appreciate the information

I remember seeing this movie on one Saturday afternoon like 5 years ago. I cant believe that I remember it but I actually do but I couldn't remember the name of it until I stumbled on it here. This wasn't a bad movie. I found it silly, light hearted, cheesy and kinda cute. George Wednt character isn't that funny but there are a few good gags in this movie, and he plays the role in a way where you can root for him. It left me satisfied for a Saturday afternoon movie. So what I'm saying is if you ever run into this movie on TV one (most likely) weekend afternoon, you'll probably enjoy it if you take it for what it is and not really take it seriously.