Reel Quick: Used Cars

Used Cars (1980)

Starring: Kurt Russell, Gerrit Graham, Jack Warden, Frank McRae, Deborah Harmon, Lenny & Squiggy

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis (who would go on to direct an even better movie about a DeLorean)

Synopsis: New Deal Used Cars is in trouble after the untimely death of its owner, caused by his evil twin brother who owns a competing used car lot across the street. It’s up to wiseacre Rudy Russo, the awesome Jeff, and the Jim the mechanic to save the lot and THE WORLD!

Best part(s):

Worst part: After a hilarious first half, the second half is kind of a desert car race.

Best line: Rudy: “Best salad bar in town: Airport Lanes!”

Best song on the soundtrack: “The Stripper” Disco Version

Nudity: “Hey look, bare tits!”

Overall: The best comedy of 1980 that involves a lot of cars (sorry, Blues Brothers). Everyone is hilarious in this and cast perfectly, especially the immortal Gerrit Graham as Jeff. I’m not sure why this movie doesn’t get more mention among all time comedy classics but it should. It’s raunchy at times but always smart, and holds up well even though it’s a time capsule of the era. What can I do to get you to watch this movie today?

Score: 8.5 great reasons to buy this used Ford Pinto (out of 10)

9 thoughts on “Reel Quick: Used Cars”

My brother in law loves this movie too. A few years ago one of our friends died and we were sitting around after the funeral. He told me that when he dies, he wants me to throw his body in a ditch.

A year or so later, at another funeral, I asked him if he still wanted me to throw his dead body in a ditch and he clarified that he actually wants to be buried in his ’69 Camaro like they do in this movie.

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