The CIA is hard at work brokering a deal with some alien beings. On the case is charming, sleazy, and unflappable super agent Nick Pirandello (James Belushi, in the kind of role that fits him like a glove). Because another top agent involved was betrayed and gunned down, Nick must find a doppelganger for this man to complete the mission. He finds Bob Wilson (John Ritter), a wimpy, average guy in the insurance business. Bob is understandably very put out when his life is continuously put on the line, and doesn't believe himself cut out for this sort of thing.
But in predictable enough fashion, Bob will gain self confidence, and Nick will likewise learn something about being "sensitive".
The filmmaking debut for screenwriter Dennis Feldman ("The Golden Child"), this doesn't work all that well. Mostly, its attempts to be offbeat and clever just sort of fall flat, although it is mildly amusing to see top agents in clown garb, in one memorable bit. Some viewers may grow weary of it all, and have thoughts such as "What were they thinking?".
The capable comic actors in the leads do their best with basically third rate material. Belushi and Ritter are well cast, and they do have their moments. Ritter once again proves himself adept at physical humour. There are a number of familiar faces in the supporting cast: Barbara Barrie, Mark Herrier, Suzee Slater, James Le Gros, Richard Brestoff, Brian Libby. However, what makes "Real Men" a curiosity for lovers of cult and exploitation cinema is seeing Dyanne "Ilsa" Thorne in a rare mainstream role as Belushis' *father*.
"Real Men" is likable enough, and on occasion it generates some chuckles, but again, that's because of the performers, not the script.
Five out of 10.
But in predictable enough fashion, Bob will gain self confidence, and Nick will likewise learn something about being "sensitive".
The filmmaking debut for screenwriter Dennis Feldman ("The Golden Child"), this doesn't work all that well. Mostly, its attempts to be offbeat and clever just sort of fall flat, although it is mildly amusing to see top agents in clown garb, in one memorable bit. Some viewers may grow weary of it all, and have thoughts such as "What were they thinking?".
The capable comic actors in the leads do their best with basically third rate material. Belushi and Ritter are well cast, and they do have their moments. Ritter once again proves himself adept at physical humour. There are a number of familiar faces in the supporting cast: Barbara Barrie, Mark Herrier, Suzee Slater, James Le Gros, Richard Brestoff, Brian Libby. However, what makes "Real Men" a curiosity for lovers of cult and exploitation cinema is seeing Dyanne "Ilsa" Thorne in a rare mainstream role as Belushis' *father*.
"Real Men" is likable enough, and on occasion it generates some chuckles, but again, that's because of the performers, not the script.
Five out of 10.