With the passing recently of Producer Richard D. Zanuck, I thought I’d take a look at one of his more obscure career highlights.
Whereas the first (and last) comedy reteaming of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi was expected to be a high energy romp from fans, the 1981 Neighbors was instead a dark satire unexpected by everyone.
The comedy legends supposedly decided to switch roles before the cameras started rolling and play against type. I think it works. I love the straight-laced Belushi and I find that Aykroyd knows how to play obnoxious character with actual menace.
Impacted also by the film of course was the even darker force of Belushi’s drug addiction. The actor relapsed during production, and this would be his final on-screen credit.
Aykroyd certainly made far worse comedy vehicles like Nothing But Trouble and Caddyshack II, but we never got to experience what should have been the penultimate teaming with Belushi – Ghostbusters. Spies Like Us expertly paired Aykroyd with Chevy Chase, with Eddie Murphy in Trading Places and with John Candy in The Great Outdoors. The Blue Brothers is comedy gold, yes, but Neighbors is not without its moments and for fans it’s worth another look.
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