Bushwhacked (1995) User Reviews

Stern is terrific

[CuriosityKilledShawn · 7/10 · 24 March 1999]

Max Grabelski (Daniel Stern in full-on Home Alone mode) is a sleazy delivery man perpetually stuck in a 1970's time-warp (puh-lease tell me where I can get one of those shirts). He struts his way down the street to Bee Gees tunes and behaves like Disco Stu from The Simpsons. He's got a little con going on after working hours in which he delivers clandestine packages to some rich guy (a weak Anthony Heald) for big tips. He needs escapism and the mystery of the con makes him feel like a spy. Until that is, when Max is framed for murder and has to run for his life.

While trying to intercept the last in the series of suspicious packages (located in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest) in order to clear his name, Max is mistaken for a world famous Scout Leader and has to lead a bunch of adventure-hungry kids into the wilderness and shake off the pursuing FBI.

Daniel Stern's physical comedy is just plain hilarious and his comic timing is perfect. For anyone who liked him in Home Alone 1 and 2 you'll love him in this also. The kids are surprisingly not that annoying. Usually I hate kids in movies (Jurassic Park, Hook, The awful Von Trapp children) but they had enough character and laughs among them to make it okay.

I only ever had a problem with the ending. It was just too tame for a PG-13 rated movie. Instead of Gordy's far-fetched fall into the ravine I would have preferred that the entire balcony of the cabin to collapse and the bad guy fall to his death. Plus the bad guy is kind of weak, his accent is just plain odd and he has this strange sort of campness and not scariness about him. Too bad since Anthony Heald has played some true scumbags in his time.

These 2 complains aside Bushwhacked is great adventure movie with a lively score by Bill Conti (why is there no soundtrack CD?). It's probably best enjoyed in Spring/Summer and is perfect for the whole family. An admirable amount of laughs indeed.

The DVD is a godsend for anyone who had to suffer the terrible pan-and-scan video (like me), which half the picture missing. Now Bushwhacked is presented in full 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and it looks just fine. The sound is simple Dolby 2.0 but it's more than adequate. Extras are thin, consisting of just a Bushwhacked trailer (quite good) and couple of other Fox family movie trailers.

But for the price, Bushwhacked is a must, regardless of extras or not. Though this time I would I liked to have seen some.

Fun family movie with Daniel Stern.

[clauzy82 · 7/10 · 27 December 2021]

Pretty enjoyable and wacky film. Daniel Stern as always puts on a first class performance and has the natural comedic presence to add. The kids don't faulter in their roles, they can be the make or break in a family movie for the big 'uns watching. I've seen this film loads of times and I still laughed out loud a dozen times, always a fun revisit. Not the greatest but fun, safe and simple.

A little funny but not totally hilarious

[soranno · 5 November 2002]

Daniel Stern has some good and funny moments (though they're rather scattered) with his comedic starring role in this 1995 20th Century Fox release. He portrays Max Grabelski, a hapless delivery man who winds up being framed for murder and forced to go on the run as a wanted fugitive. While attempting to leave town, he adopts the identity of a Cub Scout leader (Brad Sullivan) and leads a group of rowdy kids on a trek through the wilderness. Predictably, Max, who used to hate kids learns to bond and get along with them and predictably, the film sometimes uses Stern's presence as an excuse for some "Home Alone" references (after all, he did costar in the first two films of that series). Other parts are predictable too and that may be one of the problems but otherwise, it's an overall fair comedy.

Kids' adventure with Daniel Stern

[Wuchakk · 5/10 · 26 March 2015]

Released in 1995, "Bushwhacked" is a kids' adventure movie starring Daniel Stern as a delivery man who's falsely accused of murder. He avoids capture by impersonating a scout leader and leading a group of adolescents on an amusing frolic in the wilderness.

While this is a kids-oriented movie, it tries to be "edgy" rather than Disney-like family fluff (not that there's anything wrong with that). For instance, Stern's character attempts to explain the "birds and the bees" to the kids using Barbie & Ken dolls and there's a scene of the kids urinating over a cliff and, unbeknownst to them, on the antagonist. Despite these few sequences, the movie's harmless and it's mostly just an amusing trek through the forest with the expected problems of having a fake scout leader. I've never seen Stern in a movie before, but he's so over-the-top here that he constantly looks like he's on the verge of a coronary, not that it necessarily mars the movie; actually it fits.

My mediocre rating is for adult viewers; for kids it gets a solid "B" grade.

The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in Alta, Lake Tahoe, Placerville and Los Angeles, California.

GRADE: C+

scout leader

[kairingler · 6/10 · 28 December 2013]

Daniel Stern is a courier who winds up in a bad spot, and has to make an escape,, problem is he needs to get away really quick,, and all there is around him is a bus and kids,, well he proceeds to grab a uniform,, drive the bus, and pretend to be the kids scout leader, he takes them on a trek through the wilderness. while trying to keep up with his original job of courier,, he needs to find an address and uses the kid's trip as a guise to get there,, along the way though he seems to bond with the kids,, even though he really doesn't like kids all that much , very touching and predictable,, but funny nonetheless,, overall not a bad picture,, with tons of gags and laughs.

Bushwacked

[jboothmillard · 1/10 · 24 June 2005]

A while ago this used to be a bit funny, but now I think it is one of the stupidest kids films I have ever seen. Daniel Stern is a criminal or something running away from the police. He decides to secretly kidnap a scout group going on a woodland trip. He poses as a scout leader and looks after these kids as well as hides from the police. While he is with the kids he tells them naughty stories, gets sick with them and has to rescue them sometimes. In the end the group come back with out any injuries and the scouts believe Stern has done a good job of being a leader, even though he's a crook. In the end, he has to take absolutely all scouts on a trip. A good actor, but in the wrong film. Poor!

A committed star

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 18 September 2021]

You know, I generally hate kid's movies, but I loved this one purely for Daniel Stern. He gives an excellent physical performance taking you right back to the slapstick hits of the 1920s and 1930s. Sure, the entire film is negligible, but Stern did it for me with his commitment to the role.

Poor And Weak Film

[RECB3 · 1/10 · 25 March 2024]

I have no idea at all what the crew were thinking or trying to do when they were creating this film. Everything about this film did not make any sense at all. This film was confusing and disappointing. The storyline of this film was basic and straightforward and weak and did not have any real direction at all. The cast selection could have been a lot better and stronger. They did not at all commit nor connect to the storyline nor to their respective characters. There was not a sign of real chemistry throughout this poor and weak film between the cast members. This film should never have been created.

Funny which is most important

[Apollo15AnnoPianoCatDogSnailAnt · 6/10 · 4 July 2020]

Histrionics of Dan Stern is great. The nature theme is also great, nature is great.

Inappropriate

[bethlori · 1/10 · 11 March 2021]

This movie has Daniel Stern which I like Daniel Stern's goofy performance and some of his movies but this movie is just inappropriate and it has playboys in it and it's just not a kids movie that's why it's really PG-13 and I get this movie at a garage sale expecting it would be a goofy Daniel star movie because I've seen him at home alone but it was not we turned it off 30 minutes into the film and left it there haven't seen in like five years Your parents don't let your kids watch this

Great acting by Daniel Stern

[ruskaret · 9/10 · 2 September 2005]

Daniel Stern as Max is the main character in this movie, and he's hilarious. One of the best acting performances I've ever seen.

There's also a very good storyline which is surprising for a movie of this type, and the scenery is great. The casting of characters has been well done - and the characters in this movie fit their roles as good as can be.

This movie is a classic in my mind, but after reading some of the other reviews, I see that unless you like Daniel Stern's act you're not going to like the movie either.

Anyway, I deeply recommend you see the movie. If you're like me, you'll love it, and if not, just turn it off after 5 minutes cause it's not gonna take more than that for you to make up your mind.

Cool when nothing on to watch

[view_and_review · 6/10 · 3 September 2020]

Max Gabelski (Daniel Stern) is a simple Freedom Express delivery driver. His life changed when a wealthy man offered him $50 to deliver his packages to him at 10 p.m. What Max found was a burning room and the FBI there accusing him of murder. If Max could just get to Devil's Peak then he could find out what this whole mess was about. But to do that he'd have to pretend to be a Little Rangers troop leader, which he was ill-suited to do.

"Bushwhacked" was cute and funny--perfect for kids, though nothing special.

Mmmm...I love it

[fojin · 8 October 2002]

This movie is absolutely amazing. Ever since I saw it in the theater in 1995, I was in love with it. I missed my opportunity to buy the video when it first came out, and made up for it when it was re-released, recently. This funny movie about a group of scouts, who kinda-get-kidnapped-but-not-really is sure to keep the whole fam laughing. Gotta love Daniel Stern, aka SPIDER! Simply, go RENT IT!

Scouts Failure

[dustinclousher · 6/10 · 31 January 2022]

The writing wasn't good. It had a few lol moments but not enough to go back and rewatch it. Most of the time it was predictable eye rolling moments with some cringe moments. Very predictable and just didn't have the home alone slap stick vibe they where going for.

Max the Spider and the adventures at Devil's peak with a bunch of boy scout!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 13 March 2023]

The crooked nose Daniel Stern, curly hair was born with a comic vein, every single picture with humorous guidance, he is one my favorite comic actor, he already proves in countless sequence its undeniable charisma to make people laugh for its funny face, also his startled expression, plus he displays in your character on purpose, as devoid of intelligence staying more endearing and more uproarious.

The picture starts emulating opening sequence of Saturday Night Fever, Daniel Stern plays a delivery man Max Grabelski , who was in charge to delivery a sealed box in a house of the rich fancy guy Reinhart Bragdon (Anthony Heald) that sadly was burn at own house, escorted by two crooked F. B. I. Agent Palmer (Jon Polito) and Agent McMurrey (Tom Wood).

Thay set up the whole operation of stolen money, framed Max and throwing all the guilty of murder and stolen money in the shoulder of foolish Max, he runaway however he is easily found by the cunning police officer Jack Erickson (Brad Sullivan) at wilderness place nearby Devil's peak, somehow he is conflated by a notorious Scout leader that has taken the newest boy scout climb the highest Devil's Peak.

Max shortly is dubbed as Spider, the clumsy Max as a city guy doesn't know the rules of a true Scout leader, smoking all the time throwing away the empty cigarette case at jungle, often chewing gun, wearing cloths improper to walk in the jungle, also Spider had a hardest experience with a couple of bears, meanwhile he was chase by the FBI agents fully followed by the dauntless Jack Erickson, worst due Max odd behavior the boy scout figure out that Max actually a dangerous murder and all the children settle a plan to rid off him, before it was too late, aftermaths they felt in the rapids in a serious danger.

Indeed a family flick feature, please don't take it so seriously, it a bunch of misunderstood as a vehicle to Daniel Stern showcase, also him was a executive producer, pure entertainment for those cherish the sense of humor of Daniel Stern.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 1999 / How many: 3 / Source: TV-Cable TV-DVD / Rating: 7.

Max Grabelski aka (the spider) aka (the lizard)

[JakeRfilmfreak · 7/10 · 16 April 2023]

Bushwhacked is definitely a fun film for the whole family. In my opinion, this is a beloved 1990's comedy classic that I enjoyed a lot as a kid. Most of the jokes still make me laugh to this day when I watch it.

A simple story of camping gone wrong. Mad Max Grabelski impersonates a scout leader, and takes his young scouts on an overnight through the mountains. All the while trying to escape the law, the bad guys who framed him, and the scout leader himself.

The comedy is for kids, so don't overthink it when going in. But as an adult It's still a good fun movie to sit back and enjoy with a bowl of popcorn.

Great comedy!

[Movie Nuttball · 10/10 · 19 January 2005]

Bushwacked is an excellent comedy film that stars Daniel Stern, Jon Polito, Brad Sullivan, Ann Dowd, Anthony Heald, and Tom Wood! The acting by all of these actors is very good. Stern is excellent in this film and Jon Polito also performs good. The action is really good and the beginning of the film is excellent. The movie is hilarious. I was laughing so much when I watched this film. The film is always exciting and the music is very good by Bill Conti. I noticed that Conto put a lot of his Masters of the Universe score and even a bit of John Willaims' Home Alone films music into his own score for this film. If you own the CDs and/or are familiar with the films then you will know what I mean. Watch Shakedown and compare it! If you like Daniel Stern, Jon Polito, Brad Sullivan, Tom Wood, and the rest of the cast I've mentioned above, exciting non-stop hilarious comedy films then I Strongly recommend this film!

Another Childhood Favorite!!!

[Pumpkin_Man · 10/10 · 3 January 2011]

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved this movie. It has a great storyline about an average delivery guy named Max Grabelski who soon becomes a fugitive in a murder case. The police think he killed a millionaire named Reinhart Bragden. He finds out that another package is supposed to be delivered to Mr. Bragden on a mountain called Devil's Peak. On the way there, he wants to prove his innocence, but he is mistaken for a great Scout leader and is forced to take Troop 12 of the Ranger Scouts on an overnight in the woods. Soon, the FBI and Scout Leader Erickson are hot on his trail. Along the way, he begins to care for the kids, and wants to help them get their badges. I highly recommend BUSHWHACKED!!!

A fun comedy for all the family

[xxGlitterxx · 10/10 · 21 September 2009]

A harmless misfit who's on the run after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, is mistaken as an experienced boys scouts leader who was hired to bring a group of youth's on a hiking-trip. Hoping to divert the attention from himself by concealing his identity and reckoning it would be an "easy" escape-route, he decides to play along with it. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he ends up on an adventure-filled scouts trip he's not likely to forget for a long time! The children are cleverer than they look and when they they stumble upon his I.D. and realise he's not who they thought he was, they take no prisoners in showing him who's boss! This is an excellent family movie with quirky humour, a fun storyline and good acting. A must see!! I absolutely loved this as a child and still do as an adult!

Bushwhacked is a MUST see!

[nasher781 · 10/10 · 9 January 2005]

Before I go on about Bushwhacked I must tell you: BUSHWHACKED IS VERY UNDERRATED! I don't know what people were expecting from the movie, but I got a lot out of this movie. It is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again and not get sick out it. I was upset reading other people's reviews for this movie. I guess they were expecting an action/adventure-triller which it isn't. It is supposed to be an adventure-comedy and that is what it feels like. It is the same genre as City Slickers. Anyways, Daniel Stern is perfect for the role of "Mad Max"! I started watching this movie since I was since it came out in 1995 (We were only 5-6 years old) and we still watch this movie. It is a classic in our minds.

Outstanding!

[Da reel Mikestar · 10/10 · 30 October 2001]

10/10! This film is fun, witty, warm and adventurous! All round good guy, yet naive Daniel Stern finds himself framed for a murder. Not one to give in to the odds, he poses as a scout leader and takes a group of ranger scouts into the mountains for fun, thrill, chills, a bit of romance and adventure!

Daniel Stern does what he does best, plays the lovable idiot who's constant antics always raise a smile. The scene with the bear cub is his funniest work yet, and the scouts are headed for big things! Outstanding performances all round, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this production. It has the requisite of leaving your brain at the door, but once you do that, expect the laugh of your life!

Marv from Home Alone is back!

[m667 · 8/10 · 10 December 2020]

When I first saw this movie I kept thinking of it as seeing Marv moving forward and becoming a good guy. I think if you like Stern and you like Home alone movies you will like this and will most likely think of it as Marv from Home Alone as a good guy.

good film

[scotty_burdick · 8/10 · 14 January 2007]

I like the film because it was decent and funny. The scenery shots were good and the plot was funny. The role for Stern is a whole lot different than his role in Blue Thunder! I do like him in the Home Alone movies too.

I live in Alta, so I recognize the town and surrounding shots around Donner Lake and Truckee area.

Pretty cool to see your hometown in a movie.

By the way, the store interior is accurate and still looks like it does in the movie. As the car pulls into Alta you can see the railroad grade crossing in the background. I wonder how many shots were interrupted by trains going by.

average family movie

[reservoirdogs07 · 16 March 2004]

this movie is okay, its pretty cool, but nothing special you havent seen before. in fact, most anything you think of is better. karate kid, little giants, honey i shrunk the kids. this movie has dumb one liners and hijinks that have all been done before and stolen from other movies. yet daniel stern is hilarious as "mad max". i guess the question is, should you watch this movie? if your thinking about paying to see it (renting or buying)definitley not. but if you see that its on in the cable guide, it wouldnt be a bad idea to sit down and watch it if you have the time. Overall, its amusing and if your a daniel stern fan, you'll enjoy seeing him as the dimwitted troop leader.