Where to watch Bushwhacked
3 Stars
As Max is on the job making a delivery, he finds out that the guy who hired him was using him to move money around–and that he is dead. Afraid that the police will think he is the killer, Max flees, and gets forced to pose as a Scout leader for a bunch of kids hiking through the mountains as the police pursue him.
If you were to combine Ace Venture movies with the cinematic output of Ernest P. Worrell, you would end up with a result strikingly similar to Bushwacked. This 1995 family comedy provides Daniel Stern the rare opportunity to be the leading role, and he shines in the part, bringing the expected humor and unexpected heart to the movie. The screenplay’s threadbare plot devices don’t work at all, and the film isn’t very original in giving the Troop clever obstacles. Yet, the hardworking Stern saves the movie by turning in his best on-screen performance in a comedic role. He is a compelling actor who will most likely be remembered for his antics as Marv in Home Alone. While that film is a modern classic, Bushwhacked is a lot funnier and worthy of the yearly rewatch that has become ritualistic behavior from fans of the 1990 box-office phenomenon.
There are several 90’s family movies that have become part of the cultural zeitgeist over the last few decades. The Sandlot, Toy Story, and The Parent Trap all have lived on with audiences in the years since their initial theatrical engagements. Bushwhacked was ignored during its run and has never gained a cult following, and that’s surprising because it’s equal to, if not better than, the majority of its peers. Greg Beeman, who previously helmed two of my favorite films of that era, ‘License to Drive’ and ‘Mom and Dad Save the World,’ keeps the comedy bits brisk and the film moving along at a lively pace.
Directed by: Greg Beeman
Written by: John Jordan, Bobby Farrelly, Tommy Swerdlow
Starring: Daniel Stern, Jon Polito, Brad Sullivan