The VHS Strikes Back
Hudson Hawk (1991) Review
Published: 26 March 2025 at 05:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
When it comes to supporters of the show, Tony Farina is the OG. And when it comes to stitch ups, the same could be said! Back when Chris and Dave were still finding their way with Comics In Motion, Tony found the podcast and suggested both Speed Racer and Tank Girl. And at the time, Chris believed these were the worst movies he'd ever seen. Fast forward to 2025, Tony has chosen a favourite of his. The much maligned, Hudson Hawk.
Hudson Hawk was an infamously chaotic and overblown affair, marked by creative clashes, ballooning costs, and a shifting tone that left even the filmmakers unsure of what they were making. Conceived as a pet project for Bruce Willis, who co-wrote the story, the film was meant to be a stylish, fast-paced heist comedy with a quirky sense of humor. However, as production went on, the film became a strange hybrid of slapstick, action, and self-aware absurdity. Director Michael Lehmann, best known for Heathers, struggled to balance the various tones, while Willis—at the peak of his Hollywood power—reportedly had significant influence over creative decisions, leading to constant rewrites and improvisation on set.
Adding to the mayhem, Hudson Hawk had a bloated budget of around $65 million, due in part to its globe-trotting locations, elaborate stunts, and extensive reshoots. The film was primarily shot in Italy, making use of grand European backdrops for its bizarre plot about an art heist intertwined with Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Despite its high production values and an ensemble cast including Danny Aiello, Andie MacDowell, and Richard E. Grant, the film flopped spectacularly at the box office and was widely panned by critics. Over time, however, Hudson Hawk has developed a cult following, appreciated for its sheer audacity, oddball humor, and the sheer spectacle of witnessing Hollywood excess at its most baffling.
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Trailer Guy Plot Summary
In a world where stealing priceless artefacts is just another day at the office, legendary cat burglar Hudson Hawk is fresh out of prison and ready to go straight, until he's blackmailed into pulling off the heist of a lifetime. With his loyal partner Tommy Five-Tone by his side, Hawk must dodge ruthless criminals, corrupt CIA agents, and a deranged billionaire couple who want him to steal Leonardo da Vinci’s secret alchemy machine. From the rooftops of Rome to high-speed chases and over-the-top action, Hudson Hawk sings, cracks wise, and fights for his life in a high-stakes adventure where the only thing more dangerous than the mission... is surviving it.
