User Reviews

Very funny from beginning to end! I watch this movie over and over and enjoy it more every time. It's great to see the friendship and bonding develop between Belushi and Ritter as the movie progresses. And just when you think they have finally bonded, Ritter will make a run for it. and Belushi will convince him to stay. Some of the best scenes are when Ritter finally realizes his purpose, and the skills he has learned, and puts them to work, and when he finally realizes his mission and takes it seriously.

This movie is not only funny but also filled with lots of action.

Watch for the scenes with Belushi's "dad" and when Ritter clobbers the milkman.

This was one of those movies that was silly enough to expect anything, but just normal enough to be unsure of what to expect.

Bob Wilson (John Ritter) is a perfectly normal guy. He has the fortune (or misfortune) of looking exactly like agent Pillbox who was killed. Agent Pillbox was in charge of making a critical exchange with some aliens (yes, I said some aliens). Being that the aliens would only accept Pillbox for their exchange the CIA hustled Bob into being the guy. Agent Nick Pirandello (James Belushi) was the special agent in charge of acquiring and protecting Bob as they made a cross country journey to Washington D.C. to make the all important trade.

The movie is funny at times, dull at other times, and you can't ignore the fact that the plot is on the bizarre side. Could I be spending my time doing something better? Yes. Was this movie entertaining enough to fill 90 minutes of empty time? Yes.

a movie like real men is for some people quite difficult to like. i suppose in that respect it falls in the same category as 'hudson hawk', another movie that is as much vilified by its opponents as it is praised by its fans. for me, real men was an utterly hilarious experience.

when i saw the movie, i never heard of it, and was therefore without any expectations about plot, people playing in it or general need for suspension of disbelief. this is perhaps the best way to view any movie, yet also harder and harder to achieve in this day and age of mass communication. i guess that it came upon me pretty quickly that nobody in this movie took themselves seriously, and even better, played their parts over the top and had so many completely unbelievable situations happening to them that i couldn't help but be entertained. in fact, i have this movie in my private video collection, and even show it from time to time to small groups of friends who invariably can't help but laugh their lungs empty. yes, this movie might not have eminently quotable lines, a brilliant script or a beeline to the oscars for best comedy, or even the most inspiring actors, but i've seen a lot of movies that label themselves comedies yet fail miserably where this movie succeeds brilliantly; it ends with me having a huge smile on my face. not only that, but any movie which has a clown squad of elite killers should be applauded for it's complete disregard of normal and sane everyday logic. if you can enjoy a good laugh and don't have too high standards of what should and should not happen in movies, this is definitely one to brighten up your afternoon.

This forgotten about film is a little guilty pleasure of mine. I have seen this movie many times in my life and have always enjoyed it. Seeing the rating on this website, perhaps I shouldn't apologize, because it seems others have enjoyed it as well.

It's a strange and kind of ridiculous movie that if you are able to throw logic out the window for laughs and a little bit of action you might enjoy. Jim Belushi plays super-CIA agent Nick Pirandello. He's like half James Bond and half MacGyver. He has been sent out to number one find the map to where the aliens are going to meet the humans to save the humanrace and number two find the right man for the job. That man is Bob Wilson played by John Ritter. He looks like the man who was originally set up to do the job. All the while making sure the map doesn't fall into the wrong hands. I know, I know it sounds quite silly and yes it is. But both Belushi and Ritter are very good in their roles and work quite well together. Another good thing is the film doesn't let up or give you two minutes to breathe which works best for a film like this one.

In a small role is James Le Gros who plays a local toughie Buddy McGruder who has stolen Bob's son's bike. A very interesting note to me as well is there are a couple scenes where Ritter is being faced with clowns that he may have to fight. 3 years later he starred in Stephen King's IT about a crazed clown named Pennywise.

CIA Agent Pillbox (John Ritter) is killed before he is scheduled to meet space aliens. Nick Pirandello (James Belushi) is a hard-charging super-agent. He is assigned to recruit doppleganger mild-mannered family man Bob Wilson (John Ritter) for the meeting. It's to save the planet from a chemical released by the military in exchange for a glass of water. The Russians are trying to stop them. Others in their agency want a Big Gun which could destroy a planet to use against the Russians.

This is a strange little attempt at a spy action spoof. It doesn't really start out that way although Belushi as a super-agent could be taken that way. The strange concepts keep building up. It's not terribly funny but it is weirdly interesting. It does have Ritter and Belushi. Dennis Feldman doesn't seem to be that funny in his output. He's certainly not known as a director. This strange idea could work especially with these two comedic actors if the script is much funnier.

Today we lost one of Hollywood's true comedic talents in John Ritter. I write this review today in salute to him after his untimely passing.

Too me Real Men is one the best worst movies ever made. I have seen it multiple times and wish it would hit dvd asap. Ritter and Belushi hit the mark in this comedy team up. While many dislike like the movie because of its whacked out plot and choppy editing, this is what endears the movie to me. The plot is so far fetched and crazy you think that Ritter's character is just being set up for something else. Is he or isn't he, as with the crazy scenarios in the film: the clown fight, the cup of water trade, the spy lunch break, the PEN, the nail gun and so much more make this a total hoot. This a true example of John Ritter at his best.

Don't miss it.

Bottom Line: 7/10! RIP John Ritter

Real Men is a great movie! It seems like nobody really likes it, but it's a cult classic to me and all of my friends. It is really a hilarious film because John Ritter is such a wimp and James Belushi is a pro CIA agent. John Ritter then gets self confidence when he is convinced that he won a back ally confrontation with renegade CIA agent clowns. People may find it unusual that this is one of my all time favorite films, but when people see it, they enjoy it just as much as I do. It's a very likeable film that nobody could hate. Check it out and see why.

I saw this movie when it came on television the first time and I loved it. Maybe it's because I love Belushi and Ritter as actors and I thought the story was cute. What can I say? It didn't bore me, I laughed and the ending rocked. I recommend it.

"Who are these Clowns?" if you have seen the movie you will be amused by those 4 words. It has it moments but appears extremely dated by the made-for TV level of cinematography and terrible score.

I really like this film. It has a simple charm to it that wins you over. I remember the night I watched it - pouring rain like crazy, feeling bummed, and then this came on tv. It picked me right up, out of my low spirits, and what would have been a boring evening at home turned into some real laughs. I haven't forgotten that, and I won't forget "real men". It's really a sweet, funny film.

I must be missing something here, subliminal messages or something.

From the evidence gathered here, I'm almost certain that there HAS to be another movie named "Real Men" from 1987 starring James Belushi and John Ritter that has a better script, fewer embarrassing situations and more sense.

Anyway, this has got to be one of the biggest disappointments I have seen since "Batman Returns". I am a fan of both Belushi and Ritter, I even liked the trailer for this movie (where both guys just talked into the camera about their contrasting lives) and the idea of a macho CIA operative (Belushi) clashing with a milquetoast-y middle class guy (Ritter) had some promise.

But every time they try to make a funny scene, there's either too much gun fire, too many explosions, too many painfully un-funny one-liners or too much S&M. And the whole clown thing was kind of a head-scratcher (Sure, you would have to be good to be able to get away with that, but why go to all that trouble?).

In the end, Ritter becomes a little more assertive through his adventures and Belushi gets in touch with his more tender side (thanks to a girl who is into leather and electrical current).

If I made any of this sound funny, it was a mistake. My bad, sorry.

"Real Men" - real bad.

Three stars. One each for Belushi and Ritter and one more for the business with the ink pen. THAT was cute.

Man, you realllllllly have to have a broad sense of humor for this one. It totally has to hit you the right way, or it could easily end up on your worst of all time list. Which is only one of two places it could end up. You either love it, or despise it, I can't imagine there being a middle ground for anyone. You could write an entire review (which I probably will) moreso on the type of humor in the film, than the actual film content itself. Well, here, I'll try anyway. Belushi is a confident, expertly trained CIA agent who knows all the right moves. Ritter is a look-a-like of a dead agent who the CIA needs to help deliver a message to aliens (see, here we go). Belushi pseudo-kidnapps Ritter to go along with the mission, which is where the laughs really began for me. Ritter's angry resistance is so hilarious and Belushi's sauveness is extremely catchy. The film then turns into a road movie with Ritter going through a transformation from the wuss to a more confidant guy. The fever pitch of the film is the much mentioned clown fight with a classic line from Belushi of "No hittin' in the n*ts, allright?", then BANG, he delivers a foot to a clowns groin. Belushi starts to go a little soft toward the end and it's up to Ritter to (you ready for another one) deliver a glass of water to an alien-human in exchange for the secret to a better earth. Now, in just those few examples you can tell if you'd be in for the whole ride or not. As it is, it's only 85 minutes and was released to (if it was lucky) a hundred theaters. I didn't even mention Belushi swinging from a balcony by his shoelace(!) or the moment he feels up his FATHER. Something must be said as well for the music, which is itself, too, funny-stupid, an oddball mix of southern violin work and Italian mob music. The tone is set early so you are at least prepared for what you're in for. An absolutely dopey, silly comedy that may just hit you the right way.

I think the only reason this hasn't made it onto the "worst 100" list is because no one's ever heard of it. Or perhaps former viewers brains, in a desperate attempt to save themselves from febrile nightmares for years, simply erased it from their memories. No, really; a couple of weeks after seeing this piece of schlock my friend and I saw a poster for it in a video store and he couldn't even remember it.

I can't even figure out where to start describing how bad this movie is. It seemed to start off OK, but within maybe 2 or 3 minutes it just fell completely flat. It tries to be funny through absurdity, which can work out just fine if you do it well, but in this case it was just unbelievably lame. The story simply wasn't funny, it was just dumb. They tried to add some "direct humor" with jokes and setups, but they were even dumber. So we end up with a continual stream of horribly telegraphed "jokes", none of which were funny even if we didn't see them coming. And to add to the insult, the delivery and timing was all over the place.

I have to agree with the other reviewer in that Ritter can be under-appreciated, but even though he actually seemed to be trying (unlike Belushi, who couldn't be bothered), nothing could possibly save this movie. It's simply so stupid that I couldn't help feeling the joke was on me, that some jaded burned-out exec in Hollywood was laughing at MY stupidity for thinking that a movie with two "stars" couldn't be THAT bad. Maybe he's still laughing today, judging by the continual stream of garbage that's come out over the last couple of years.

Really, don't see this movie, it's not even good as camp.

This is a very very funny film that has gone by almost unnoticed. The plot is simple, all life on earth will be dead in a few years if Jim Belushi cannot get John Ritter, a milquetoast, that he has it in him to save the world. Simple. Along the way you meet a rogue CIA group dressed as clowns, aliens from another world who want a glass of water and the KGB. I say this all matter of factly because that is exactly the attitude that Jim Belushi's character does. He's seen it all before and the hilarity comes when you take someone who has never had an exciting experience in this life (Ritter) and team him with someone that has had so many crazy and wild adventures that even saving the world is mundane. This is a great satire on our national security.

John Ritter is one of the greatest comedic actors of all time and Belushi is in top form as well. A perfect cast all around. What's really fun about this movie is how the characters change. John Ritter starts off a wimp and turns into a tough guy just as Belushi changes from tough guy into a wimp! The cultural references to the time period are well placed (Cold War Era) and most importantly, the movie is unique and original. The laughs are abundant.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

This has become well known from cable television. It didn't do anything in the theaters, but it is very funny. I don't know why this was not a hit. A wonderful spoof. I'm not a John Ritter fan, but he and Jim Belushi are really good together. Next time it pops up on cable check it out.

A fun little 80's gem. Not really much of a gem but okay. One thing for sure, the Men in Black series was heavily inspired by this film.. and also so much better than this film.

This is quite possibly the worst movie I have ever seen. I had to sit through it while my spouse watched it, and I can honestly say I'd have rather been at the dentist's office!! Of course it's unbelievable; that's to be expected. However, the jokes all fell flatter than John Ritter's hair, and the performances were worse than Jim Belushi's clothes! Don't watch this movie. Your time would be better spent watching paint dry.

... you didn't like this movie. I had the opportunity to watch this movie again (possibly my 20th time) this weekend and laughed all the way through it. The only reason why I'm leaving this comment is due to the overwhelming amount of negativity in many of the responses. Of course, "funny" is such a relative term and so interpretive that you cannot say this movie would appeal to everyone. If you fancy yourself a "sophisticated" person - you may not like it just on its lack of snob appeal alone. The only way to reference the humor in this movie is to compare it to other movies such as: "Used Cars" or "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". If you have seen these movies and NOT enjoyed them (even as a guilty pleasure)- please don't waste your time on "Real Men" - you simply don't have that sense of humor. - This movie is not Ben Hur - it exists to make you laugh - it's a comedy.

I am not sure this movie made it to the theaters or not back in the day, I only know it used to come on quite often on HBO and I would usually watch it when it did come on. It was not super great or anything, but it was a rather funny comedy that passed the time quite nicely. The story has a man that is an everyday kind of fellow, thrust into the middle of a very strange government plot involving aliens and spies. The reason he is thrust into this role is that he looks like the man that was supposed to receive a package from aliens, and he is the only one they would apparently give it to. That man is shot at the beginning of the film, thus this replacement is recruited against his will. A super type spy is sent in to use him to get the package from the aliens and he is also told to encourage the guy and make him feel he is doing great. There are chases and stuff like that, attacks of clowns and during the course of the film the bumbling everyman does get good. He is played by the late John Ritter, and though I am not really much of a fan of his, he does a particularly good job as the everyman being a bit of a unwilling participant at first, but getting better as time goes on. Jim Belushi plays the super spy, he does not look the part, but he does an okay job with the role. I am not going to blame him for being cast in a role more fitting for someone more polished looking. As for the rest of the cast, a treasure trove of virtual unknown stars, thankfully though the movie focuses on Ritter and Belushi's characters and the carry the film quite well.

Let it be known that I'm a huge fan of madcap, underrated comedy like Hudson Hawk, Wild Hogs, Last Action Hero, etc. For me, the secret to humor is surprise and I saw literally all but two of the gags coming well before they were executed -- badly. For those two times, and the subsequent laughs they gave me, I give this film two stars. :-)

As far as the plot goes, it was equally predictable. Normally, I do not mind that in this kind of movie. After all, it's supposed to be about kicks and giggles, not about telling an interesting story. But, without the requisite giggles, I found it nearly unwatchable. Belushi was absolutely impossible to like, and his chemistry with John Ritter was virtually nonexistent. Do yourself a favor, and avoid this film.