Retro 80's Movies Reviewed by The Drama Queen: Uncle Buck

Hi there! Drama Queen here.  In an effort to better understand my 80's obsessed (and forever quoting!) parents, I thought it might be fun to spend a chunk of my summer watching some of their favorite movies from the 80's. Not only do I get to spend some quality fun time with them (and contrary to popular teenage attitudes, I actually do like to spend time with them, because my parents are...what's the 80's phrase? Oh yeah...Totally Awesome!), but I also get to witness some good and bad 80's movies and see first hand where some of the things Mom and Dad constantly say/quote actually come from...

Let's begin our most excellent adventure!

Papa Bear gave me my very own 'Rating System' to use for the movies I watch in addition to reviewing them:

 

I'll rate and review each movie and Wicked Chef or Papa Bear might make a few comments here and there too...

So, let's begin with the 1989 film, Uncle Buck...

 

Drama Queen Rating:  4    

I loved this charming, hilarious and delightful movie! Uncle Buck is the story of a jobless, irresponsible and single uncle called upon to take care of his two nieces and one nephew.  This movie had me cracking up and laughing out loud from the moment I started watching it! I loved the point of the story, as well as the amount of heart.  This movie sweetly proves that family always comes through in the end - no matter what. John Candy has now become one of the most treasured actors in my book. Sadly, I learned he is no longer with us...and that is a very sad thing.                                                                                                                                                                        

I would have to say that my favorite character in the film was Tia Russell, played by Jean Louisa Kelly. I liked watching her mature through the story. It was easier to connect to her character because I'm going through the same trials and tribulations of adolescence as we speak.

                                                                                                                         

I was particularly fond of this scene because it's great to see someone (and yes, I am aware this was only an actor talking) "bashing" the school system. The system is always trying to control the kids and make them way too serious for their age(s).  My favorite line/quote from the movie was when Tia says to Buck, "Have a bad day today? It hurts when someone screws with your life, doesn't it?" because that is so, so true! I also enjoyed the tone in Miles' voice (Macaulay Culkin) when he sees Buck cooking breakfast and turns to Tia and says, "Holy smokes! He's cooking our garbage!"

Wicked Chef Says:

John Candy is one of my all-time favorite character actors ever.  Uncle Buck is the uncle I wish I had growing up. Wait a sec - I think I married an Uncle Buck!! Lucky me! This is my favorite Candy movie (outside of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, of course) and I picked this one for Drama Queen based on this, as well as the storyline. I was hoping she would identify with the character of Tia and see some of herself in that and come away with the "Family is King" message that she ultimately did. Not that my precious DQ is anything remotely like Tia, mind you...but she does have her 'teen angst' moments!

In keeping with the Uncle Buck spirit of this post, here is a recipe for one of the best pancake breakfasts ever!! Although not quite as large as the pancakes that Buck makes for the kids, these are just as filling!!

Cheesecake Pancake Stack with Cherry Sauce

For the pancakes:

2 eggs

1-1/2 cup milk

4 Tbsp melted butter

2 cups all purpose flour

2 Tbsp sugar

6 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp cinnamon

For the cheesecake filling:

(Warning: make this several hours ahead for proper chill time!)

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the topping:

Whipped cream

One 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling

Prepare the cheesecake filling first:  With electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and beat in the vanilla.  In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.  Cover and chill for several hours.

Prepare pancake batter:  In large bowl, whisk egg until fluffy.  Whisk in milk and melted butter until combined.  Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes.  Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium high. Spray with non-stick spray or grease with a little butter.  The griddle or pan is hot enough when water droplets 'dance' around the pan.  Pour about 1/4 cup worth of batter onto surface and let cook. When bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake and begin to break, turn over and cook a minute or so more.

Heat pie filling in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep warm on low until ready to serve.

To assemble:  Place one pancake on plate. Top with (about a 1/4 inch high) layer of cream cheese filling. Top with another pancake. Top with another thin layer of cheesecake filling. Add whipped cream and warm cherry pie filling.