D.C. CAB
(director/writer: Joel Schumacher; screenwriter: story by Joel Schumacher/Topper Carew; cinematographer: Dean Cundey; editor: David Blewitt; music: Giorgio Moroder; cast: Max Gail (Harold Albert), Adam Baldwin (Albert Hockenberry), Mr. T (Samson), Timothy Carey (Angel of Death), Paul Rodriguez (Xavier), Charlie Barnett (Tyrone), John Diehl (Head Kidnapper), Anne DeSalvo (Myrna Albert), Jill Schoelen (Claudette), Irene Cara (Herself), DeWayne Jessie (Bongo), Scott Perry (FBI agent), Peter Paul (Barbarian Brother), David Paul (Barbarian Brother), Gary Busey (Taxi driver; Runtime: 100; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Cassius Vernon Weathersby; MCA Universal Home Video; 1983)
“What can you say about a film that has Mr. T in a starring role?“
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
What can you say about a film that has Mr. T in a starring role? Mediocre filmmaker Joel Schumacher(“Batman Forever”/”Blood Creek”/”Tigerland”), the former costume designer, dresses this unremarkable raucous comedy up with brashness but never gives it a plot that wears well. It’s based on Schumacher‘s story of a run-down Washington D.C. taxi company, where all the drivers are misfits, jokers and bad drivers. But they do capture the kidnappers of the ambassador’s children.
The script by Topper Carew is mindless. There’s one sight-gag scene after another, with most jokes falling flat. Though it might have a lot of energy, the material is awful. To get into the mood of the film, the viewer must be willing to go along with it for the cheap ride.
Max Gail is the ‘Nam vet who owns the taxi company. The drivers include Mr. T, who breaks down a few doors. Adam Baldwin as the new driver. Paul Rodriguez as the one who tells Hispanic jokes. Charlie Barnett is the representative jokester for the blacks. Gary Busey is the jokester Elvis fan, who refuses to work January 8 on the King’s birthday. The only drivers who made me laugh were the giant Barbarian Brothers (Peter & David Paul). Anne DeSalvo plays the boss’s bored wife.
REVIEWED ON 4/2/2015 GRADE: C+