Alright, fellow tape-heads, remember shuffling through the comedy section down at the local video store, maybe past the flashy covers of Ghostbusters or Beverly Hills Cop, and landing on something a little… different? Maybe you picked up a copy of Volunteers (1985), drawn in by the familiar, beaming faces of Tom Hanks and John Candy. If you popped that tape in back in the day, you were in for a ride that was pure, uncut 80s – a blend of fish-out-of-water laughs, surprisingly sharp satire (sometimes), and that specific kind of slightly chaotic energy that defined so many comedies of the era.
### From Yale Privilege to Thai Peril
The premise is gloriously Reagan-era: Lawrence Bourne III (Tom Hanks, in one of his early, purely comedic leading roles before becoming the Tom Hanks) is a smug, pampered Yale graduate in 1962 who racks up a hefty gambling debt. To escape his angry creditors (and his disapproving father), he ditches his identity and hops on a plane with the Peace Corps, swapping his blue blazer for boots on the ground in Thailand alongside earnest do-gooder Beth Wexler (Rita Wilson) and the boisterously enthusiastic Tom Tuttle from Tacoma (John Candy). What could possibly go wrong?
Right off the bat, the film throws Hanks into a situation utterly alien to his character, and much of the humor stems from his entitled attempts to navigate poverty, manual labor, and a completely different culture with the same smarmy confidence he employed back on campus. This isn't the relatable everyman Hanks we know now; this is snarky, sometimes unlikeable, but undeniably funny early Hanks, showcasing the sharp comedic timing that was always there. It's fascinating to watch him here, knowing the dramatic powerhouse he would become. And Retro Fun Fact: This set was famously where Hanks met his future wife, Rita Wilson. Their on-screen chemistry definitely has an extra spark when you know that little tidbit!
### Candy, Communism, and Chaotic Construction
But let's talk about the force of nature that is John Candy. As Tom Tuttle, the Washington State University grad bursting with misplaced optimism and nonsensical college chants ("Go Cougs!"), Candy is pure gold. He’s the perfect foil to Hanks' cynical schemer – genuinely eager to help, utterly clueless, and hilariously loud about it. Tuttle’s attempts to bond with the Thai villagers, often through mangled language and boundless enthusiasm, provide some of the film's biggest laughs. Remember his insistence on bartering? Classic Candy.
The plot, involving building a bridge for the local villagers while dodging CIA operatives, Communist insurgents, and a ruthless drug lord (played with menacing charm by Ernest Harada), feels almost secondary to the character interactions and situational comedy. Helming this comedic chaos was Nicholas Meyer, a director many knew from the bridge of the USS Enterprise, having directed the much-loved Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) just a few years prior. It might seem like an odd fit, but Meyer brings a certain grounded quality to the proceedings, even amidst the absurdity. Retro Fun Fact: Meyer actually stepped in to direct relatively late in the process, bringing his knack for character and structure to a script penned by TV comedy veterans Ken Levine and David Isaacs (whose credits include MASH* and Cheers). You can almost feel that sitcom rhythm in some of the dialogue exchanges.
### 80s Production Values and Practical Charm
While not an action film per se, Volunteers has its share of physical comedy and moments of peril, particularly centered around the construction and eventual defense of the crucial bridge. Filmed primarily on location in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico (standing in for Thailand), there's a tangible sense of place – the heat, the jungle, the river. You can almost feel the humidity radiating off the slightly fuzzy VHS picture on your old CRT. The bridge sequence itself feels refreshingly real compared to today's CGI extravaganzas. You see the wood, the ropes, the sweat – the practical effort involved. There’s a certain low-fi charm to the action beats, like the escape attempts or the final confrontation, that relies on stunt work and physical presence rather than digital wizardry.
The film wasn't a massive blockbuster ($19.8 million gross on a reported $15 million budget), and critics at the time were somewhat mixed. Some found Hanks' character too abrasive, and the satire occasionally landed awkwardly (the Peace Corps reportedly wasn't thrilled with the portrayal initially). But like so many 80s comedies, Volunteers found a solid second life on home video and cable, becoming a fondly remembered piece of Hanks' and Candy's early filmography for many of us who discovered it nestled on those rental shelves.
### Still Worth Enlisting?
Watching Volunteers today is a fascinating time capsule. Some jokes definitely feel dated, reflecting the sensibilities of the mid-80s, but the core comedic performances remain incredibly strong. Hanks is sharp and energetic, Candy is effortlessly loveable, and their chemistry is undeniable. The supporting cast, including Tim Thomerson as the cynical CIA agent and Gedde Watanabe (Retro Fun Fact: just a year after his iconic role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles) as the clever village leader, adds solid comedic backup. It’s not a perfect film – the pacing sometimes wobbles, and the plot can feel a bit episodic – but its charm is persistent.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: While hampered by some dated humor and an occasionally uneven script, Volunteers scores high on the sheer comedic wattage of its leads. The Hanks/Candy pairing is electric, the fish-out-of-water premise delivers consistent laughs, and there's a tangible 80s charm to its slightly ramshackle, practical production. It captures a specific moment in comedy and the careers of its stars, earning it solid replay value for nostalgia hunters.
Final Thought: Volunteers might not build a bridge to cinematic immortality, but it’s a sturdy, often hilarious comedic structure built with pure 80s star power – a reminder of a time when big laughs often came with a slightly rougher, more practical finish. Definitely worth digging out of the archives.