MovieChat Forums > Dead Heat (1988) Discussion > comedic relief

comedic relief

posted 16 years ago by cscanlon-1
3 replies | jump to latest

This movie could be a true classic if the majority of dougs jokes didn't fall flat. He seems to have a smart remark for every line which is understandable for a comedy/horror hybrid but his delivery of the lines is terrible. I understand there were definite budgetary limitations for a film of this kind but shelling out the money to cast bill Murray as doug would have done this movie wonders. Does anyone else have qualms about joe piscopo in this role or suggestions of actors more suited for this role?

[–] lonewolf22-1 16 years ago

to be quite honest, i REALLY like Joe Piscopo in this role. the character is meant to be a muscle bound meathead....and piscopo plays those pretty good :)
whether it's in those 80's beer commercials (one in which he portrays a "bruce lee-like" character) or movies like sidekicks (w/ chuck norris. his character of "kelly" obviously meant to be a nod to Martin Kove who played "Kreese" in The Karate Kid)....

[–] delicreep 16 years ago

Piscopo sinks this movie. I was a somewhat undiscerning young horror hound when this movie came out. After reading about Dead Heat in Fangoria for a few issues, I was stoked. It was one of the few horror/comedies that sounded interesting. What a disappointment. The script was weak, and the filmmakers completely waste Darren McGavin and Vincent Price!

Piscopo's character was the worst part of the film. He and Treat Williams have absolutely zero chemistry, and Joe's awkwardness with the role turns the character into nothing more than an annoying quip machine.

The make-up and practical FX are the only things that keep this movie afloat--and only barely.

[–] 16 years ago

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