Scavenger Hunt (1979)

This film is such a turkey. I hoped that with all the star power that SOMETHING good would have to come of it. I wasn't expecting high art, and I like gag-centered comedy, but I don't think I laughed even ONCE. It was one bad attempt at a joke or physical comedy after another. I did make it through to the end, but wish I didn't. I just couldn't believe how awful this was, since so many reviews here are so good. Funniest movie ever? God, that's depressing.I'd stay away from this at all costs. Midnight Madness is infinitely funnier. This was just an awful experience. Leachman and Mulligan were barely 'decent' and almost got me to crack a slight hopeful smirk, but nope. The acting is totally overdone, and it seemed like every scene was one team after another screaming as loud as they could. I am not sure who would find this an enjoyable hour and a half. It was just awful. 1/10

I guess this is what is meant by the term "screwball" comedy. Scavenger Hunt has an odd assortment of family members and servants gathering up various items around San Diego for the chance at winning a $200 million inheritance. That would be great money today. Thirty years ago it would have been astronomical. The cast has more familiar faces and cameos than one could easily count. Successful people, soon to be successful people, washed up people, and flavor of the month types like Dirk Benedict and Willie Ames round out the impressive cast. The film has some interesting stunts and car chases, and makes good use of the filming locations. A good many of these cast members have since perished.When watching this film, one thing is certain. The director was not interested in reigning in anyone's performance. Most of these actors over-act to the point of delirium. Richard Masur, for example, is lucky he ever got work again as the spoiled son of Cloris Leachman. But somehow he went on to serve two terms as the SAG president. Go figure. Perhaps it was his serious turn as a Slavic train station worker in Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate the following year that set him on a greater path.Speaking of Cloris Leachman, we should all wish for even a fraction of her energy and longevity. Still as active as anyone in this cast at age 82, may she live on forever. She spends much of this film hiding under a black mourning veil, as she plays the sister of the millionaire who just died. All in all, there isn't a serious moment to be found here amongst the silly scenes and car chases. There are cameos by such an eclectic bunch as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pat McCormick, Vincent Price, Meat Loaf, and even the Doritos guy who plays a stressed out zoo keeper. Give the film a try if you can find it. It's worth about 6 of 10 stars. 7 if you add the Scatman Cruthers bonus star I like to award.The Hound.

Thank God for HBO playing this movie over and over in their infancy. My brother and I saw this hundreds of times, memorized most every line, and wore out the VHS tape we had of it. It's one that just grows on you. At first, yes, it's admittedly horrendous. Though throw that stuff aside and it comes out as a great comedy with slap-stick characters in goofball situations. Come on Meat Loaf as Scum and Governator as the gym instructor. But Stuart Selsome, what typifies the 70s better than his character.Great for quotable one liners, and very few people that actually know of or remember this movie. Makes for great coversation.

Funny in a 70's way. This film I enjoyed as a kid, but seeing some of it as and adult, the move was too much. I guess as a child I seen movies in a childish way, and as an adult opinions change. There still is a few funny moments,but this movie is dated in a 70's way. I give this one a 5 or 6 out of 10.