The Crazy 80’s … ‘Neighbors’ (1981)

I really wish I could tell all of you to rush out and rent, or even buy, this classic gem from the eighties … but, it wouldn’t do much good. This movie is a rare one to locate these days. In fact, I recall trying to find this movie about ten years ago and it was difficult to find then! The video is LONG out of print and has yet to see a DVD release. Honestly, I wonder if there’s some sort of rights issue getting in the way? As is typically the case with hard-to-find OOP titles with any kind of fan-base … eBay will run you anywhere between $10 to $30 for a former VHS rental copy. If you’ve still got a functioning VCR, you’re willing to fork out the cash and aren’t too squeamish about paying money for a former rental VHS over 20 years old … then dive in cause you’ll enjoy the ride!

Neighbors, directed by John G. Avildsen, stars the Dan Aykroyd along side the late-great John Belushi in a film few people remember when talking about his short but sweet career. The movie was billed as a comedy nightmare due to its very dark and hilarious story of Earl (Belushi) and Enid (Kathryn Walker) Keese, who must deal with their strange and eccentric neighbors Vic (Aykroyd) and Ramona (Cathy Moriarty).

Earl and Enid are a quiet, well-mannered conservative couple living a peaceful life in suburban USA … until one day Vic and Ramona move into the abandoned house next door. At first, the Keese’s do their best to be friendly neighbors. Unfortunately, almost as soon as they movie in the new neighbors prove themselves to be trouble incarnate. As the neighbors provide one nightmarish experience after another, the tension just snowballs out of control until Earl begins to question his own sanity. Of course, unaccustomed to these new “lifestyle” experiences, Earl doesn’t help matters with his actions.

As an added rare treat, enjoy this original theatrical trailer for Neighbors I found on YouTube. I was actually surprised to have found this …