It's 1962. Lawrence Bourne III (Tom Hanks) is a spoiled rich playboy. He graduates from Yale with a $28k gambling debt. His father refuses to pay and the violent creditor is aiming to collect. He escapes switching places with his roommate Kent who is going to Thailand for Peace Corps. US official John Reynolds (Tim Thomerson) assigns him, Tom Tuttle from Tacoma (John Candy) and Beth Wexler (Rita Wilson) to build a bridge. Local At Toon (Gedde Watanabe) is the only English speaker. The bridge is important for the CIA, the Communists and a local drug lord.
The comedy is broad. Tom Hanks is likable even as a scheming douche. That's a special skill. He has the best comedic chemistry with Watanabe. At least, he seems to have the most time with him. John Candy isn't nearly as lovable. He's either separated from the group or brainwashed. Brainwashed Candy is only an one-joke character. The jokes don't work enough. Rita Wilson rolls her eyes disapprovingly at Hanks a lot. There are some good moments like Candy vs the tiger. The movie never fully takes off as a comedy.
The comedy is broad. Tom Hanks is likable even as a scheming douche. That's a special skill. He has the best comedic chemistry with Watanabe. At least, he seems to have the most time with him. John Candy isn't nearly as lovable. He's either separated from the group or brainwashed. Brainwashed Candy is only an one-joke character. The jokes don't work enough. Rita Wilson rolls her eyes disapprovingly at Hanks a lot. There are some good moments like Candy vs the tiger. The movie never fully takes off as a comedy.