This film is amusing for the plethora of wacky characters and amusing performances, but the plotline is generic, almost non-existent outside the desperation of a small Washington D. C. cab company to stay afloat. When they do make good, owners Max Gail and Adam Baldwin, along with the loyal drivers, are accused of corruption. There's the much wasted Mr. T. (obviously cast because of recent success in a "Rocky" film and the TV series "The A Team" but givrb little to do), Gary Busey, Paul Rodriguez, a young Bill Maher, Marsha Warfield and the very funny Charlie Barnett who runs away with the film with an outrageous performance that gives the audience something to look forward every time he pops up. Annie DeSalvo overacts as Gail's girlfriend, while Irene Cara shows a sweet light as herself whom driver Barnett has a crush on.
It's impossible not to enjoy the film with the group of wacky characters, but it's just one situation after another, and nothing really tiring everyone together so while they work together as a team, they're hardly on screen at all outside of when the company begins to have issues after finally having success. By that time, it's a little too late for the plot line to begin, been way past halfway through the film. What you get is more a series of sketches and bizarre situations, although the location footage of Reagan era D. C. does provide some great street scenes and a funny brief monologue of Mr. T. acting like Jimmy Stewart as Mr. Smith, saluting the Lincoln Memorial. Too bad this didn't utilize the setting for some amusing political commentary. So it's a missed opportunity with a few great moments, but it's like a walk past the Smithsonian without getting to go into any of the exhibits.
It's impossible not to enjoy the film with the group of wacky characters, but it's just one situation after another, and nothing really tiring everyone together so while they work together as a team, they're hardly on screen at all outside of when the company begins to have issues after finally having success. By that time, it's a little too late for the plot line to begin, been way past halfway through the film. What you get is more a series of sketches and bizarre situations, although the location footage of Reagan era D. C. does provide some great street scenes and a funny brief monologue of Mr. T. acting like Jimmy Stewart as Mr. Smith, saluting the Lincoln Memorial. Too bad this didn't utilize the setting for some amusing political commentary. So it's a missed opportunity with a few great moments, but it's like a walk past the Smithsonian without getting to go into any of the exhibits.