User reviews

For all the bad reviews it tells a relistic story of a man who got out of prison and faces the world.. and its a daunting task.. I think for a first director .Tim did well.. I think all his co stars played their parts well I don't know why everyone cant just enjoy it as a movie???

Part of Tim Allen's story is of course his time in prison as a young man. Knowing that I'm sure he used that time and his observed behavior of people inside and freshly on the outside for some good source material for Crazy On The Outside. It's a film about a man freshly released from committing a crime of video piracy for which he took the fall alone for his boss Ray Liotta. He was in for about 18 months.

Coming out Allen goes to live with his sister Sigourney Weaver and her less than thrilled husband J.K. Simmons and their family. He has a parole officer in Jeanne Tripplehorn and a longing for his old girlfriend Julie Bowen who has now hooked up with a rich auto dealer Kelsey Grammar.

As you can see Allen has quite the full life and a lot of life choices to make. I won't say more, but it does all work out. I will say though that Sigourney Weaver is quite the manipulator behind the scenes and moves both subtly and with the force of a sledgehammer at times.

The good ensemble cast gives director Allen a good show and star Allen good backup. More than fans of Tim Allen will appreciate crazy on the outside.

I thought this was going to be more of a laugh your ass off comedies, but that was not to be.

Now, I am not saying the movie is bad, and it does have its moments with good comedy. But "Crazy on the Outside" is more of a warm story movie. There is something heartfelt to the story. And the build up and turns in the story are nice, especially the way the story progresses around the lies.

The acting in the movie was really good, on everyone's part. And good to see marvelous performances from Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Ray Liotta, as usual. Actually nice to see Allen and Liotta back in a movie together. And with only supporting roles, Weaver and Liotta does one heck of a job with their roles.

If you are expecting an all-out laugh your ass off comedy, this is not the movie to pick. But I think people should watch this movie at least once, because it is quite nice.

I'd say enjoy it for what it is. Tim Allen's comedy 'Crazy on the Outside' was made to make people laugh. The title should be enough to suggest so. I don't know why people were and why they should be expecting otherwise. I for one had a great time watching it. with actors like Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, J.K. Simmons and Kelsey Grammar, who wouldn't have fun? Agreed that the story isn't exactly one of a kind but the humour is more than satisfactory. The dramatic sequences are a little clichéd but they are short and well acted. Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, J.K. Simmons, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Helen Slayton-Hughes, Ray Liotta and Kelsey Grammar act very well but it's Sigourney Weaver who's the scene stealer as she delivers a sincere and natural performance as Tommy's slightly crazy sister. Overall, if you don't take it too seriously, it will make you laugh. Don't pay too much heed to the negative reviews.

I've had actually quite negative initial approach to this movie, regardless Sigourney Weaver's involvement who is one of my favourite actresses. That was mainly caused by many extremely negative reviews. Crazy on the outside is an another example of underrated movie, totally crushed by the critics. I have really enjoyed that movie. It's a debut of Tim Allen (Galaxy Quest, Toy Story) as a director. He also plays a main role, a guy called Tommy, who has just left the prison and wants to start a new life, far from his criminal past. The story shows that it won't be very easy for him. He is fully supported by his crazy sister, played by Sigourney Weaver (who teams up with Allen again, after brilliant performance in Galaxy Quest, 1999). And actually Sigourney, who isn't the main character in the movie, is one of the best, if not the best elements of Crazy on the outside. Of course story isn't very innovative, dramatic conflicts are obvious, but this movie is a great fun and provide solid dose of humour. It's really worth of your time.

This movie should have been good, but just fell flat. I can't put my finger on why exactly. From the first minute, it's boring. The acting is not good, even Sigourney Weaver is not good! The script is flat.

Nothing really happens. We watched this for about 45 minutes and just couldn't take it any longer.

The main character is released from prison and supposedly trying to restart his life. It doesn't make much sense. The grandmother supposedly believes he's been in France for three years rather than prison. The sister (Weaver) is domineering towards her husband but flakes when around her brother. Doesn't make sense. The parts that are supposed to be comedy (Allen's character daydreams about violently attacking various characters) - aren't funny in the slightest.

I felt like it SHOULD have been at least okay, but just wasn't!

This movie was fairly well done. Tim Allen was his usual self; funny and charming. The rest of the cast was excellent - loaded with great actors, such as JK Simmons, Ray Liotta, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and the timeless Sigourney Weaver, it didn't lack for good performances. I thought Sigourney Weaver was outstanding as Tim Allen's sister. She sort of stole the show. The movie started off fine, and had lots of funny quips that made me chuckle. It kind of dragged in the middle, for awhile, though - and as many of the other reviewers have indicated, it was pretty predictable in a lot of ways. However, I still found it enjoyable for what it was. A light, simple comedy with some heartwarming themes. Plus it's filled with great actors, so even when it starts to drag a bit, the next scene will have yet another great actor doing a really good job of putting their part across. And the ending was kind of fun (though yes, it was somewhat predictable) - again, Sigourney Weaver did her magic to make the most out of it. I recommend this movie for some light enjoyable comedic fare.

Tim Allen's directorial debut is very hit and miss...sadly, mostly miss. The movie needs a lot of editing and a completely different third act.

The film starts as an offbeat comedy...and even though there are no hardy belly laughs, there are a number of clever ideas and lines (many delivered by the under-appreciated JK Simmons). But with an all-star comic cast, you would think there would be more, ahem...comedy. Halfway through the film becomes more of a family drama. The humor totally disappears and the quirky oddball characters become normal. The third act is very cliché, generic and melodramatic. But all the performers give it their best---even players like Ray Liotta and Kelsey Grammar are playing parts that could have been done by anyone. And the film's one running gag is actually funny for a while, but it goes nowhere after the 100th mention.

Hello Mr. All. I just want you to know that I really enjoyed this movie. The negative ratings are hogwash. For your first time out as director you made an enjoyable comedy/drama. I really liked your character,it was convincing. I paint houses so I could relate to that part. It was pretty accurate all the stuff about painting and customer relations. You must have painted for a living? I thought you should have cut the part where your worker makes nasty comment to woman customer. Anyway, I may watch it again. It was fun. Put the peas on his nuts. That's funny stuff. I have to make this ten lines or they won't post it. I did laugh out load several times which usually does not happen. Your movie was way better than Eddie Murphy offerings that's for sure. I also liked all the American cars the characters drove. Chevrolet and ford etc. It was nice to see that. Later. [email protected]

Yes...it was a comedy..sort of. It was also suppose to be entertaining as well...which is barely was. The characters had no depth..you could tell these people were acting..and that the script wasn't something worth bringing to the big screen much less as a bargain rental from a Red Box. The movie offered major stars struggling through as if they never bothered to learn their lines...or simply did not care to. I get that Tim Allen obviously is a major player in Hollywood...and seeing how his other films have been HUGE successes...this one falls flat. No one could possibly believe this character had committed ANY crimes at all..no matter how minor. Even the "bad guys" seemed weak. Ray Liotta has made his mark in films being a bad ass...here he seemed about as dangerous as a kitten. I hope if Mr. Allen and company decides to do another film...they find a storyline with more depth to it...Please.

Such a fun, nice movie. Tim Allen is a classic, just like Robin Williams, and this film gave me cozy 1990s comedy vibes. I loved it, and his sister played by the sexy Sigourney Weaver is so perfect in the role, that I came away in love with her! I think I'm gonna watch more Sigourney now. What a woman! And what a perfect sister. Great movie! And it offered me some confirmation about a project I'm working on too. Arrrr, matey!

Ok here is the deal. Big talent, with writers who are vets of good sitcoms. Tim Allen directed. The premise is kind of good. Unfortunately, they phoned it in. The writing was mediocre. The acting was mediocre. A lot of times Allen should have called cut and gone for another take. The music score was top notch, and reminded me this movie wanted to be a feel good family fun outing like we used to have in the sixties.

Well now to the autopsy. What went wrong? Well for one, my number one rule is NEVER under any circumstances mix drama with comedy. Soap operas are never funny and comedies never make you sad or emotional. You never kill off the hero in a comedy. Even Shakespeare knew that. If the hero dies, its a tragedy, not a comedy. If there are jokes in it and everybody lives, it's a comedy.

The Bird Cage is my model perfect TEN comedy movie. It doesn't get any better than that. Good rich characters with a lot of energy and direction that keeps the energy flowing and makes the audience feel like they are right there. And Bird Cage kept you wondering what was going to happen next, but you were always surprised from the next curve. And juxtaposing Williams and Lane with Gene Hackman was a perfect voltage opposite.

I wanted it to be good. I mean, you have A list sitcom actors and Sigourney on her own can carry a movie, like Sandra Bullock can. Ocean's 11 it was not. No voltage, no excitement, no "wow" factor. Ocean's is a movie that kept you guessing.

Crazy on the Outside was a movie with few turns and you could see the end coming a mile away. Perhaps some comedy friends just wanted to get together and make a little money. Ray Liotta was not used to the best of his comedy ability.

Several times I wanted to say... they needed a closer shot, the camera should follow the action, the scenes were too casual, there was not enough urgency. I did not buy the scenes and I kept popping out of the movie. Sometimes in comedy in the crunch times of the plot you need to speed up the dialogue and push the camera in tight in order to put the audience into the scene. Mad Mad Mad Mad World comes to mind. There was a very well made movie that is a textbook for young movie makers.

Jack Benny and Jonathan Winters, Buddy Hackett and Milton Berle all gave you "crazy." Like Bird Cage, the degree the actors characterized the roles sucked you right into the movie with them. It was a fun ride. And that is exactly what this movie lacked. This movie was not a fun ride. This movie was the Teacup ride at Disney World.

Anyway, if the choice is between watching your paint dry on the four walls or watching this movie, you could do worse than to pick watching the movie. There were shining moments. Allen had some funny lines. I would love a shot at rewriting the script to punch it up and deleting some of the drama. Also I would tighten the shots, bring up the lighting a bit, and speed up the energy of the dialogue and the action. This movie could be fixed.

This film was funnier than I expected. Actually, I didn't know what to expect. I don't think I have ever seen Tim Allen in anything, and have only seen Sigourney Weaver in dramas. She ended up being the funniest character in this movie.

While her brother Tommy was in prison, she told their grandmother he was in France, and Grandma keeps talking to him in French; as well as doing his whole bedroom over with French decor; including a painting of Napolean.

This is both a comedy and a drama. There are some serious scenes showing a man dealing with the outside world after spending three years in prison. Yet there is lots of humor, too, and it's not a wasted hour and a half.

When tom gets out of prison, he moves in with his sister and the family. And falls for his probation officer. It's a pretty well worn plot... the ups and downs of trying to stay on the straight and narrow life, while old, much more lucrative schemes are presented. Can tim, i mean tom stay out of trouble and out of jail when things get tough? It's cute. Some huge names in here... directed and starring tim tool time allen. Sigourney alien weaver, ray tough guy liotta. JK insurance commercial simmons, kelsey cheers grammer. It's entertaining enough. Currently showing on roku channel.

Considering the amount of talent in this film, it speaks to Allen's directorial debut how incredibly slow and boring this film is.

While being boring, it is also formulaic and extremely predictable.

Let me first state the fact that I can watch and enjoy just about anything. This, however, was a slow, rough ride. "Crazy On The Outside" deserves an award for the most predictable movie ever made. I liked the cast but as a comedy, drama, or even a love story, it was weak. Also it seemed like the whole movie was shot too dark for the kind of film it was intended to be. The only characters that really achieved any depth at all were Allen's and Weaver's. I gave this a generous 4 out of 10.

And another thing that irritated me was all of the little special effects they kept tossing in as (non)humorous filler. I am referring to Allen's mother in black and white in the truck and the anger-meter when his sister made him mad, etc.

Also the two love interests were annoying despite the fact that Julie Bowen is one of the most visually perfect women to have ever walked the face of Earth. Jeanne Tripplehorn's character left me thinking that Tommy would have been better off in prison.

Crazy on the Outside isn't so crazy. It's really a heartwarming story about an ex-con who just spent 3 years in prison. Now he's trying to normalize his family life, avoid falling into a life of crime again, and reconnect with a lover he was told had died.

Things take a twist when he finds out his ex lover is still alive and has moved on but he struggles to let her go. Meanwhile, he develops a relationship with his probation officer.

This isn't a laugh-out-loud comedy but it's at least mildly humorous and serves up a few laughs. It has an all-star cast, so the acting is good. The story line is simple and easy to follow. It's a fair watch if you just can't decide on what you want to watch.

I give it a 6/10 because it's better than average. Don't let the negative reviews discourage you. Grab some popcorn and enjoy!

On paper, this movie seem to have be half decent. But nothing clicked for me. I think it suffered due to lack of laughs. There were a few smiles here and there, but things were just too predictable. We know how it was going to end.

And the part about the young boy trying to play matchmaker to his mother and an ex-con was idiotic. Also the part about mother accepting it was more idiotic. The kind of faith that she puts in him was just too naive, especially considering that she is a parole officer.

Sigourney Weaver's role was also very contrived. They could have taken the whole thing out of the movie without taking anything from the whole plot. The whole movie is mess really. There is no narrative coherence. Parts have been stacked on just to get some laughs. Alas, If only there were laughs. This is an old wine in an old bottle.

This is a fine film, well written and well-acted with several deft directorial touches that will probably go unnoticed by the majority of viewers. (The baseball scene, anyone?) It is respectful of its subject matter, which is the re-adaptation period of an ex-convict to his former life. I found it more akin in nuanced subtlety to Fench comedies than anything made in America recently. It strives for realism and emotion while avoiding over-the-top mayhem and improbable situations. Sigourney Weaver is fascinating to watch in comedy mode as always and Tim Allen is believable in his part. I also liked that Tim Allen's crime was electronic pirating, a reality that is seldom even mentioned in Hollywood films. It's a given that all American comedies must rely on misunderstandings but, given that cliché, I think the trip to France cover story for Allen's incarceration was well-handled and (for once) not offensive to any foreign nation. I rented this DVD out of despair for the lack anything interesting on the horizon and was pleasantly surprised. I don't understand that it didn't make any impact on the box office given its star power and general appeal. This is another one of those little gems that can only be classified as "too good for America".

P.S.: The film got a Zero score on the Tomatometer by Critics and Top critics and a 62 % score by the community, which is an indication of how far removed those critics are from their public. What this means, of course, is that the public likes Tim Allen in whatever he does but that the critics choose to penalize him when he does something totally unpretentious. The IMDb user ratings also show two major disconnects: the first between men and women (men liked it, women didn't, probably because Tim Allen is not conventionally pretty and he acknowledges the differences between the sexes) and US and non-US users, proof that it helps to be non-American and not know anything about Tim Allen to recognize excellence and like this film.