Saw this at the drive-in with my mother and little brother. Fun bits here and there. I would love to screen it again
21 Reviews
Harmless fun
price-8913616 May 2020
Half good .... half not so good ..........
merklekranz29 January 2014
The first half of "Hot Stuff" is definitely better than what follows. Dom DeLuise, Jerry Reed, Susan Pleshette, and Luis Avalos, open a pawn shop, specifically to receive stolen items. The nice assortment of quirky characters, and their bizarre goods, being delivered into the hands of police officers is funny. What happens is they eventually run out of money, and have to start selling off the hot items to make ends meet. Unfortunately a "Godfather" element completely misfires, as does most of the remainder of the film. There is enough here to recommend a watch, just don't expect the comedy to hold up through the entire movie. - MERK
Not great
deram-7796318 February 2020
A Burt Reynolds Film without the Burt Part
krasnegar2 October 2002
This film plays as if it was originally written with Burt Reynolds as the star, but he couldn't/wouldn't do it.
It features pretty much the Usual Reynolds-Film Suspects -- Jerry Reed, Alfie Wise, Pat McCormick and others, and has exactly that air of slightly sardonic, semi-detached humour that Burt's raised eyebrow and patented cackle/chuckle convey so well (to the extent that his laugh was used as part of an animated pre-credits studio logo sequence for "Smokey & the Bandit").
That said, the cast make an excellent ensemble, play well off each other, and deliver the goods quite satisfactorily.
Quite an agreeable way to fill in an otherwise wasted hour and a half or so; if you're not expecting Great Drama, i don't think this film will fail to entertain.
(Watch for the then-Mayors of Miami and Miami Beach in Very Funny cameos. I won't tell you where -- if you don't spot them, check the end credits.)
It features pretty much the Usual Reynolds-Film Suspects -- Jerry Reed, Alfie Wise, Pat McCormick and others, and has exactly that air of slightly sardonic, semi-detached humour that Burt's raised eyebrow and patented cackle/chuckle convey so well (to the extent that his laugh was used as part of an animated pre-credits studio logo sequence for "Smokey & the Bandit").
That said, the cast make an excellent ensemble, play well off each other, and deliver the goods quite satisfactorily.
Quite an agreeable way to fill in an otherwise wasted hour and a half or so; if you're not expecting Great Drama, i don't think this film will fail to entertain.
(Watch for the then-Mayors of Miami and Miami Beach in Very Funny cameos. I won't tell you where -- if you don't spot them, check the end credits.)
jolly comedy
myriamlenys20 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
A handful of police officers learn that their unit is about to be disbanded, due to the low conviction rate resulting from their efforts. In the nick of time they have an idea : what if they were to pose as fences ? The various thieves and crooks bringing in stolen objects could be videotaped while they made their spontaneous confessions...
"Hot stuff" is a jolly comedy with a great, cohesive cast. The action scenes, sadly, are nothing to write home about, but apart from that the movie is amusing enough. There are funny characters, lively performances and well-devised jokes. One of the running gags involves a deeply unsatisfactory guard dog unable to distinguish between friend and foe.
"Hot stuff" also contains a welcome negation of the hoary old cliché according to which a police officer about to retire is sure to meet his Maker beforehand. (According to historians, this cliché predates the invention of knitting.)
Unlikely to change your life, but a good remedy for a cold and rainy afternoon.
"Hot stuff" is a jolly comedy with a great, cohesive cast. The action scenes, sadly, are nothing to write home about, but apart from that the movie is amusing enough. There are funny characters, lively performances and well-devised jokes. One of the running gags involves a deeply unsatisfactory guard dog unable to distinguish between friend and foe.
"Hot stuff" also contains a welcome negation of the hoary old cliché according to which a police officer about to retire is sure to meet his Maker beforehand. (According to historians, this cliché predates the invention of knitting.)
Unlikely to change your life, but a good remedy for a cold and rainy afternoon.
An okay hungover Saturday morning kind of movie
pmtelefon13 January 2023
Dom Deluise's feature directorial debut was a pretty big disappointment for me when this movie first came out. (I saw it at the Bellerose Theater, Bellerose, NY.) Dom Deluise and Jerry Reed were super likeable back then. Overall, the movie is pretty much a dud. It's one okay "funny" scene of people trying to fence stolen property after another. None of them standout. Suzanne Pleshette is quite dreamy in this movie but she's given nothing to do. "Hot Stuff" is not the worst movie ever but compared to the other comedies that were coming out at the time, it's pretty tame. Maybe a more seasoned director could have pulled this one off.
FINALLY out on DVD!!!
henrilondon3 January 2011
This is a funny movie. It was way too long in coming to DVD. I bought it for my sons and brother for Christmas. We worn out the VHS copy.
The ensemble cast is excellent. Each character has its unique personality. Very well acted, and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this. Sadly most every one of the main characters are gone now.
It does have the repertoire company of Burt Reynolds, but I think it is a better film with this cast then if Burt had taken the lead.
I wish Dom DeLuise had made more films. He became more interested in cooking later in life. He was a very funny man. I used to love him on Johnny Carson.
Please take the time to seek out this movie. You'll enjoy it!
The ensemble cast is excellent. Each character has its unique personality. Very well acted, and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this. Sadly most every one of the main characters are gone now.
It does have the repertoire company of Burt Reynolds, but I think it is a better film with this cast then if Burt had taken the lead.
I wish Dom DeLuise had made more films. He became more interested in cooking later in life. He was a very funny man. I used to love him on Johnny Carson.
Please take the time to seek out this movie. You'll enjoy it!
The leading lady is hot stuff. The film, not so much.
mark.waltz14 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There are quite a few moments that are funny in this caper comedy, but a lot of the laughter seems to be forced and the plot itself is ridiculous. Fortunately it has a charming cast and they are trying to raise it above the average matinee fare that would be forgotten once it got released for television or to home video. Dom DeLuise, Jerry Reed and Luis Avalos are undercover police officers in Miami trying to break stolen goods rings. Their efforts fail with the crooks always getting off scot-free so they decide to open a pawn shop where the crooks will try to unload it so their partner, Suzanne Pleshette, can film the culprits for evidence. A bunch of oddballs come in and out of the shop, and they even discover that there are police officers on the take.
There are quite a few last surrounding the variety of people who come in and out, including a Thurston and Lovey Howell like couple who are selling dope, a kid trying to sell a stolen dog so he can get money to feed the family, a stereotypical Yente who comes in wanting to buy something so she can say she's helping a struggling business, and various shady characters with tough guy personalities but little inside the head, and even a few tough looking men dressed in drag as a disguise.
So what you get in the quality and quantity of funny characters, you don't get much in the way of a real plot, and when they try to break into a story line, it falls flat on its face. Obviously made for the "Smokey and the Bandit" crowd, the three leading men aren't interesting enough although DeLuise does get a few laughs. Pleshette could maintain your attention by reading the phone book with that gravelly voice (and that eternally gorgeous face), so she saves the film from being a bomb. Familiar character actors like Barney Martin and Bill McCutchen have nice little bits, but the script is weak and the action forced. Fine as a one shot deal for fans of action/comedy, but I felt hungry for something a little more intellectual and substantial than what this is able to give.
There are quite a few last surrounding the variety of people who come in and out, including a Thurston and Lovey Howell like couple who are selling dope, a kid trying to sell a stolen dog so he can get money to feed the family, a stereotypical Yente who comes in wanting to buy something so she can say she's helping a struggling business, and various shady characters with tough guy personalities but little inside the head, and even a few tough looking men dressed in drag as a disguise.
So what you get in the quality and quantity of funny characters, you don't get much in the way of a real plot, and when they try to break into a story line, it falls flat on its face. Obviously made for the "Smokey and the Bandit" crowd, the three leading men aren't interesting enough although DeLuise does get a few laughs. Pleshette could maintain your attention by reading the phone book with that gravelly voice (and that eternally gorgeous face), so she saves the film from being a bomb. Familiar character actors like Barney Martin and Bill McCutchen have nice little bits, but the script is weak and the action forced. Fine as a one shot deal for fans of action/comedy, but I felt hungry for something a little more intellectual and substantial than what this is able to give.
Wacky Characters Make For Fun Movie
ccthemovieman-17 October 2006
It's funny how it was decades since viewing this movie again but I always remembered Dom DeLuise experimenting and lighting up a joint, and then laughing hysterically. That laugh put me in tears laughing so hard at him laughing and wheezing!
DeLuise, who I was sorry to see abuse the Lord's name in vain so much in this film, at least early on, is still fun to watch as are his partners in crime in this story: Suzanne Pleshette, Jerry Reed and Ossie Davis. Actually, DeLuise, Reed and Pleshette play undercover cops in a sting operation, if you can believe that!
If you enjoy seeing oddball characters, you'll like this movie. It certainly has it's share of wackos.
DeLuise, who I was sorry to see abuse the Lord's name in vain so much in this film, at least early on, is still fun to watch as are his partners in crime in this story: Suzanne Pleshette, Jerry Reed and Ossie Davis. Actually, DeLuise, Reed and Pleshette play undercover cops in a sting operation, if you can believe that!
If you enjoy seeing oddball characters, you'll like this movie. It certainly has it's share of wackos.
A comedy without the comedy
utgard1411 April 2020
This is a real stinker. A lame comedy starring two friends and co-stars of Burt Reynolds, Dom Deluise and Jerry Reed. Deluise also directed. Neither of these guys provides one single laugh. Suzanne Pleshette and Electric Company regular Luis Avalos are also in this. I don't know what else to say because it's such a pedestrian one-note effort that there's not much to analyze or critique. It simply isn't funny or even fun. Hell I don't claim Cannonball Run is funny but I sure enjoy watching it because it's so goofy and everyone involved is clearly having a good time. Can't say the same here. This looks like work for the actors and that's never a good thing with comedies. On the plus side I did like Jerry Reed's theme song.
Very funny comedy that deserves a peek!
Dark Star19 November 2000
This was actually a very funny film! The laughs were nonstop, and the acting was great! Even the action scenes had some laughs as well! Dom Deluise, Jerry Reed, and Suzanne Pleshette made a terrific team! don't forget Luis Avalos (Ramon)! He was OK too! If you haven't seen this movie, GET IT! You will not be disappointed! There is nothing really objectionable, Just a few swear words. In a nutshell, Great comedy, well written and directed!
Corny But Harmless
arfdawg-127 March 2024
Pretty low budget comedy flick with a bunch of TV actors. Suzanne Pleshette sure was hot back in the day. Real hot. Surprising she migrated to comedy instead of being the hot toddy in movies.
It's a thoroughly harmless movie with really corny jokes that will cause groans not laughs.
Everyone is a capable actor and Dom Deluise directed it. He was an OK director. Would have faired well directing TV movies.
In fat the entire production seems like a TV movie, not a theatrical release, although I believe this did go to the movie theatres.
Got to admit I stuck with this flick just to see Suzanne.
It's a thoroughly harmless movie with really corny jokes that will cause groans not laughs.
Everyone is a capable actor and Dom Deluise directed it. He was an OK director. Would have faired well directing TV movies.
In fat the entire production seems like a TV movie, not a theatrical release, although I believe this did go to the movie theatres.
Got to admit I stuck with this flick just to see Suzanne.
Great Movie
Juanita_Velez7 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is a Hilarious movie. It is my go to when feeling down. I love all whole DeLuise family and they are all in this film. Dom, his wife Carol Arthur and his 3 sons Peter, Michael & David. Add in Jerry Reed (They work great together) and the rest of the cast.
Oh and best pot smoking scene ever!!! This movie is guarenteed to give you a laugh and cheer you up if your down.
Hot Stuff Holds Up
educatingben8 September 2020
I saw this movie in the theater back in 1979 and it was always one that I remembered. There was quite a lot of laughs and fun humor from the gang, Dom DeLuise, Jerry Reed, and Suzanne Pleshette. Most of the costars were also well-known actors at the time who went on to continue to work for decades. Recently I purchased the DVD which recently became available and I watched it again. I left just as I did the first time back in 1979, plus it was fun to see everybody again in their prime. They've mostly long since passed away.. Dom DeLuise in 2009 died at the age of 75, Suzanne Pleshette in 2008 at the age of 71, and Jerry reed in 2008 at the age of 71.
This movie is fun, funny, and highly entertaining. Dom DeLuise as a director gave all of the actors the freedom to use their own styles which melded very well in this threesome of great actors. I rate this movie at 10. It's worth watching and it's worth owning. Enjoy!
This movie is fun, funny, and highly entertaining. Dom DeLuise as a director gave all of the actors the freedom to use their own styles which melded very well in this threesome of great actors. I rate this movie at 10. It's worth watching and it's worth owning. Enjoy!
Hot Stuff delivers the GOODS!
Psalm5219 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Someone plse explain why Dom DeLuise has not directed more comedies!? This is a very enjoyable comedy that is-what-it-is ... a character ensemble w/ no pretensions and A LOT OF LAUGHS! All the actors and their supporting players are just perfect (ie.- the elderly stoner couple, Carmine, the female shopper who just wants "to buy a gift", and the cigar-box bomber) Once the story's set-up is underway the film is basically a series of sketches (Dom's getting stoned ranks up there w/ the parents getting stoned in the funny "I Love You, Alice B. Toklas") and the one love story is presented subtly w/ the conclusion being obvious. This gem is a great way to pass 92 mins. Again, I ask: Someone plse explain why Dom DeLuise has not directed more comedies!?
A Real Treat featuring Dom
bobnet8417 December 2020
Funny!
boblipton5 March 2024
In Miami in Florida, cops Dom Deluise, Suzanne Pleshette, Jerry Reed, and Luis Avalos run a fencing operation as a sting.
It's highly episodic and pretty funny, too, as you might expect with Donald Westlake doing the scripting with Michael Kane. The large and varied cast includes Ossie David, Marc Lawrence, Pat McCormick, and Sidney Lassick. The movie has a loose, cobbled-together feel that indicates its incidents are drawn from police files somewhere, and the performers manage to always sound like they're making it up as it goes along -- except for Lawrence, which lends a comedy air of its own.
It's highly episodic and pretty funny, too, as you might expect with Donald Westlake doing the scripting with Michael Kane. The large and varied cast includes Ossie David, Marc Lawrence, Pat McCormick, and Sidney Lassick. The movie has a loose, cobbled-together feel that indicates its incidents are drawn from police files somewhere, and the performers manage to always sound like they're making it up as it goes along -- except for Lawrence, which lends a comedy air of its own.
Okay film
Blueghost15 July 2017
I saw this with the neighbors kids in the summer of 79 at the theatre, and thought what an odd film it was. Essentially Dom Deluise and Jerry Reed reprise their Smokey and the Bandit chemistry to organize an urban fence for a police sting.
As a kid I simply didn't understand too much of the plot, but thought it was entertaining in a sort of silly-adults acting silly sort of way. It's also got a kind of happy yet "justice is served" ending for what it's worth, making all feel happy at the end.
Kind of an odd film that deals with law enforcement, stolen goods and the "human" side of crime (if you can call it that). I'm not sure it's a film I'd see again, but I didn't mind seeing it the first time, and I think I caught it a couple more times on HBO a couple years later.
Give it a shot.
As a kid I simply didn't understand too much of the plot, but thought it was entertaining in a sort of silly-adults acting silly sort of way. It's also got a kind of happy yet "justice is served" ending for what it's worth, making all feel happy at the end.
Kind of an odd film that deals with law enforcement, stolen goods and the "human" side of crime (if you can call it that). I'm not sure it's a film I'd see again, but I didn't mind seeing it the first time, and I think I caught it a couple more times on HBO a couple years later.
Give it a shot.
Lightweight,silly and fun entertainment !
ronnybee21123 March 2024
I read most of the previous reviews right before watching this movie today,on a rainy and dreary Saturday morning.
I wasn't expecting much,for a few reasons. Firstly,I've never really found Dom Deluise to be particularly funny or talented. Everything I've ever seen Deluise in would have done just fine (or even better) without him. In my book,he's no comedian,and not much of an actor. I don't dislike the guy,I am simply mystified as to how he got so-much work in Hollywood. (He must have had some major dirt on several people ?) With all of this in mind,plus the fact that this movie was Deluise's debut at directing,how could I expect very-much? I tried my best to keep an open mind and watched it.
I was quite pleasantly surpised! The movie was actually not bad. It was a decent,rather fun bit of lightweight humor,and (yes!),comedy!
The movie is busy,silly,and funny. It does have a few flat spots but they don't prevent things from moving-along or prevent the movie from being entertaining. I liked this movie and I gained some honest respect for Mr Deluise. Overall 77/100.
I wasn't expecting much,for a few reasons. Firstly,I've never really found Dom Deluise to be particularly funny or talented. Everything I've ever seen Deluise in would have done just fine (or even better) without him. In my book,he's no comedian,and not much of an actor. I don't dislike the guy,I am simply mystified as to how he got so-much work in Hollywood. (He must have had some major dirt on several people ?) With all of this in mind,plus the fact that this movie was Deluise's debut at directing,how could I expect very-much? I tried my best to keep an open mind and watched it.
I was quite pleasantly surpised! The movie was actually not bad. It was a decent,rather fun bit of lightweight humor,and (yes!),comedy!
The movie is busy,silly,and funny. It does have a few flat spots but they don't prevent things from moving-along or prevent the movie from being entertaining. I liked this movie and I gained some honest respect for Mr Deluise. Overall 77/100.
Great comedy, great cast, it's a steal!
GOWBTW-5STARreviewer2 May 2024
With casts like Dom Deluise, Jerry Reed, and Suzanne Pleshette, you can't go wrong. Along with Ossie Davis, now that is a good movie. In "Hot Stuff", it is the cops that are doing the dirty deeds. A vice squad decides to get criminals by using a hock shop to bust thieves. They have happened to meet the mob and just find the main one. Their own superior is not thrilled about the idea that they are doing, but it does help catch the thieves on film. When he tries to call the main law enforcement, he ends up dialing the wrong number. When the biggest busts happens, everyone gets something good.
I enjoy every minute of it. Full of laughter and slapstick comedy. You can't go wrong. Or can you? HAHAHAHAHA!!!
4 OUT OF 5 STARS.
I enjoy every minute of it. Full of laughter and slapstick comedy. You can't go wrong. Or can you? HAHAHAHAHA!!!
4 OUT OF 5 STARS.
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