I don't know why I like this film. It might have to do with the fact that when I was a young kid I was in love with monster trucks. The sight of all that destruction was exactly what my 9 year old brain needed. This is a pretty terrible movie as it turns out, but it was fun at the time. Oh well, a guilty pleasure for me anyhow.
15 Reviews
Sad waste of talent and good songs
coop-163 March 2000
When one looks at the cast of this incredibly bad film, one wonders who it could be so bad. There are good actors in this waste of celluloid...Art Carney, Royal Dano, David Keith,and Barbara Hershey, among others. In addition, the Johnny Paycheck song is a minor Country classic. There are also two genuinely funny, touching Bobby Bare/Lacy J. Dalton duets, " Beer Drinkin'Christians"(its far, far better-and even more profound- than the title makes it sound), and "Its a Dirty Job, but Someone's Got to do It." The latter song, about the collapse of a blue collar marriage, comes during one of the few moments of sociological -and human- insight in the whole mess, when David Keith and his wife are arguing about family finances and their kids futures over dinner.In the background, we see a statue of The Sacred Heart, and we realize that these people are, indeed, "beer-drinkin' Christians". The culprits are a moronic script that mixes crass., occasionally amusing slapstick with "biting' social criticism, and the flat-footed direction of Gus Trikonis, a true hack. To adapt a phrase from Ms. Dalton's song ( that sadly underused talent has a brief appearance as a bar-maid), the unfortunate soul that sits through this film will feel "..like a lame armadillo , dodging fast Chrysler's on interstate 10"...a 4. ( And that only because we get to see Ms. Hershey mud -wrestle, and because the songs are pretty good)
Take This Tape and Smash It
ecichy13 December 2003
I like Robert Hays, I mean come on, hes the guy from Airplane and hes a great actor. This wasn't a bad performance, but not one of his better ones (see ANY of his other work) but this movie was really kind of dull. I'll give it this, the cinematography was kind of neat and the first 20 minutes were decent but something just wasn't right. Im not mad because I paid 2 bucks for this tape but from me to you,its in alot of little pieces right now. If you're a Hays fan watch Airplane or Fifty/Fifty or anything else.
Fairly decent, for a redneck, blue-collar, working-man film
oprlvr3311 November 2011
While Hays has certainly done better films, during his heyday (no pun), this one stands at about a C+. Perhaps 'Airplane' was one of his top, better ones, but heck -every actor has the right to "step down" into a smaller venue. He still pulls his own here. Okay - so Hershey isn't standing firm in a strong, fem role this time. But she also holds her own. And she's allotted moments where her true talent as an actress, comes out. That's the beauty of loving Hershey. Even in a very supportive role, she still paves her own.
For the most part - this film high-fives the typical, old-day blue-collar, Midwestern, parody; which for its time, was much appreciated. Just another example of the typical condescending, stuff-shirted Corp. puff attitudes. Here, David Keith (Harry) brilliantly portrays; alongside costar Thomerson (Ray), a feast-or-famine challenge. The game is on: workplace upgrades, threats of buy-out and the mgmt. changes - none of it for the better. Harry and Ray pull together, retaining the 'working man' dignity - and bravely shoot against the grain. Their portrayal is another example of the "worker" daring to confront the "big boys"; a common post blue-collared-ghetto movement of the time.
In the end (very decently directed, and out-laid) Hays (Macklin) wises up, realizing he; and his commadarie, were nearly side-lined by the very honchos who pretended to have his back.
For the most part - this film high-fives the typical, old-day blue-collar, Midwestern, parody; which for its time, was much appreciated. Just another example of the typical condescending, stuff-shirted Corp. puff attitudes. Here, David Keith (Harry) brilliantly portrays; alongside costar Thomerson (Ray), a feast-or-famine challenge. The game is on: workplace upgrades, threats of buy-out and the mgmt. changes - none of it for the better. Harry and Ray pull together, retaining the 'working man' dignity - and bravely shoot against the grain. Their portrayal is another example of the "worker" daring to confront the "big boys"; a common post blue-collared-ghetto movement of the time.
In the end (very decently directed, and out-laid) Hays (Macklin) wises up, realizing he; and his commadarie, were nearly side-lined by the very honchos who pretended to have his back.
"I'm tellin' ya, man, you keep telegraphing your punches!"
moonspinner558 October 2011
Good ol' boy comedy-drama about the corporate buyout of an Iowa brewery and its effects on the employees and townspeople certainly had the opportunity to comedically explore greed and position in big business. Unfortunately, this movie-version of the hit song by Johnny PayCheck isn't at all the trenchant satire the opening moments hint it might be; instead, director Gus Trikonis (of all people) settles for redneck clichés and easy stabs at pathos (such as the veteran bottler who is transferred--one might say promoted--to distribution, but asks to return because he can't read). Robert Hays is the small-town boy who made good, returning to his roots to overhaul the brewery and act as hatchet-man; Tim Thomerson (way over-the-top) and David Keith are his boyhood pals who earn their living at the plant, while Barbara Hershey floats in and out of the movie as a former squeeze (she ends up making love with Hays after a mud fight, still caked in dirt). Some of the dialogue in Barry Schneider's exceedingly-thin screenplay has a little kick, but Trikonis in general is not good with actors: he keeps everybody shouting, even when the machines are turned off. *1/2 from ****
As good as could be expected
hawkikim-127 July 2006
I watched this film because I love the song, because I knew it took place in Iowa (where I grew up) and because I have always enjoyed movies that were entertaining without being condescending. Other than the fact that almost all the main characters sound like they live in Texas instead of Dubuque, Iowa, it's pretty much a harmless, fun, little-guy-beats-big-guy film. Robert Hayes is appropriately handsome & earnest, Barbara Hershey is appropriately girl-next-door-cute and angry/supportive. Bonus points for the monster trucks. A harmless way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you love beer. Don't miss Lacy J. Dalton & friends singing "You Can Count on Beer".
Much ado about nothing
lightninboy12 May 2005
This movie is much ado about nothing. But, then, what could you expect out of Dubuque, Iowa, where nothing ever happened except the filming of F.I.S.T.? The early 1980s was a big beer-drinking time, though, with everyone partying and being an urban cowboy. This movie is basically a chance to see an early version of Bob Chandler's Bigfoot (before he was such a monster) and hear some country music. It's kind of a lighthearted, fun, partying romp. In fact, the writer very well could have written this movie in a state of intoxication. There's a scene where Robert Hays's character is supposed to throw a beer can into a trash can. Duh! Iowa beverage cans had a 5 cent deposit on them. This must have been written by someone from out of state!
I Ain't Workin' Here No More!
Hollywood_Yoda18 September 2023
I just watched this film not too long ago, mainly because I am a fan of Johnny Paycheck and David Allen Coe, but also because I heard it was a pretty good comedy from the 1980s. The acting is not very memorable at all, even Robert Hays didn't seem like he wanted to be there.
The writing must have been good enough, because I remember seeing a similar film from a few years later called Gung Ho with Michael Keaton and directed by Ron Howard. There's just a lot of similarities and story parallels for that not to be a coincidence, and just outright rewritten as a car plant instead of a beer plant.
The most memorable part of the whole film was the truck race with the Monster Truck called Bigfoot featured. That is a good reason to watch this movie, and the music, if you're into country music.
The writing must have been good enough, because I remember seeing a similar film from a few years later called Gung Ho with Michael Keaton and directed by Ron Howard. There's just a lot of similarities and story parallels for that not to be a coincidence, and just outright rewritten as a car plant instead of a beer plant.
The most memorable part of the whole film was the truck race with the Monster Truck called Bigfoot featured. That is a good reason to watch this movie, and the music, if you're into country music.
A fun movie
BandSAboutMovies18 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
"Take This Job and Shove It", was written by David Allan Coe and sung by Johnny Paycheck, the only number one song Paycheck would ever have. Beyond Coe doing his own version, it was also covered by the Dead Kennedys, Canibus with Biz Markie and Chuck Barris and the Hollywood Cowboys during the last episode of The Gong Show.
Shot in Dubuque, Iowa at the Dubuque Star Brewery and in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is the very first movie to feature monster trucks. Bob Chandler's Bigfoot #1 is Ray's (Tim Thomerson) pick-up truck and Everett Jasmer's USA-1, called "Thunderin' Lightning," is also in the film.
Take This Job and Shove It is all about The Ellison Group, run by Sam Ellison (Eddie Albert), who buys up local businesses and makes them profitable by making them just like every other business. His two hatchetmen are Dick Ebersol* (Martin Mull) and Frank Macklin (Robert Hayes). Macklin usually goes well at assignments like this, but now he has to go back to his hometown and just might have to fire his childhood best friends.
This film has an amazing cast, with Art Carney as brewery owner Charlie Pickett and Barbara Hershey as Macklin's old girlfriend J. M. Halsted, plus David Keith, Royal Dano, James Karen, George Lindsey, Len Lasser, Penelope Milford and cameos for Charlie Rich, Coe and Paycheck.
Take This Job and Shove It was directed by Gus Trikonis, who knows all about making great drive-in and redneck movies like Supercock, Nashville Girl, The Sidehackers, Moonshine County Express and The Evil. It was written by Barry Schneider, who wrote another song-based film, Harper Valley P. T. A. (plus Ruby, Roller Boogie, Class of 1984, Cocaine: One Man's Seduction and Deadly Force, so great work Barry) and Jeffrey Bernini.
*This has to be no accident and a joke at the expense of the former chairman of NBC Sports and Saturday Night Live producer.
Shot in Dubuque, Iowa at the Dubuque Star Brewery and in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is the very first movie to feature monster trucks. Bob Chandler's Bigfoot #1 is Ray's (Tim Thomerson) pick-up truck and Everett Jasmer's USA-1, called "Thunderin' Lightning," is also in the film.
Take This Job and Shove It is all about The Ellison Group, run by Sam Ellison (Eddie Albert), who buys up local businesses and makes them profitable by making them just like every other business. His two hatchetmen are Dick Ebersol* (Martin Mull) and Frank Macklin (Robert Hayes). Macklin usually goes well at assignments like this, but now he has to go back to his hometown and just might have to fire his childhood best friends.
This film has an amazing cast, with Art Carney as brewery owner Charlie Pickett and Barbara Hershey as Macklin's old girlfriend J. M. Halsted, plus David Keith, Royal Dano, James Karen, George Lindsey, Len Lasser, Penelope Milford and cameos for Charlie Rich, Coe and Paycheck.
Take This Job and Shove It was directed by Gus Trikonis, who knows all about making great drive-in and redneck movies like Supercock, Nashville Girl, The Sidehackers, Moonshine County Express and The Evil. It was written by Barry Schneider, who wrote another song-based film, Harper Valley P. T. A. (plus Ruby, Roller Boogie, Class of 1984, Cocaine: One Man's Seduction and Deadly Force, so great work Barry) and Jeffrey Bernini.
*This has to be no accident and a joke at the expense of the former chairman of NBC Sports and Saturday Night Live producer.
A lost gem of a movie.
mackthespoon27 November 2006
I was surprised to see the low ratings from the few people that had written reviews of this movie. I remember Siskel and Ebert giving this film a glowing review when it came out. They were absolutely right, it was perfectly cast, and it captured a moment in time perfectly. The cast was stellar, especially Eddie Albert. I think since the title of the movie comes from a goofy song, people expect somekind of lighthearted romp. The movie is funny, but not in a cheap, obvious way. It's a very thoughtful film, sort of a dramady.
If you're looking for something to watch where you can just turn you brain off and laugh at fart jokes, leave this one on the shelf and rent Dumb and Dumber. But if you want to see a witty and intelligent comedic film, then check this one out.
If you're looking for something to watch where you can just turn you brain off and laugh at fart jokes, leave this one on the shelf and rent Dumb and Dumber. But if you want to see a witty and intelligent comedic film, then check this one out.
Pure Redneck Fun N'More!
daltonml-18 October 2008
Don't anybody get me wrong! This movie is one of the funniest, wildest movies I've seen in my life. And it is a classic with a capital C! Robert Hays of "Airplane" (1980) goes from an idiot who can't fly a plane to a tough but reasonable head brewery chief in "Take This Job And Shove It". And can he get the women here in this movie. Whoo! Barbara Hershey is the hottie to watch for. Lord, if I was Robert Hays' character, I'd be drooling like a hungry wolf over her. She was hot! Of course, the highlights of this movie are the music, the barroom scene where all the gang is playing football with a roll of toilet paper, and a couple of "giving the finger" scenes that when aired for network TV, are cruelly chopped out, yet I thought were quite funny at best.
David Keith plays the arrogant Harry, who really turns out to be a decent guy toward the film's end.
Tim Thomerson is the wild and smart-aleck country boy from hell Ray. The man drinks more beer and has a mean streak in him that sure can't be dealt with.
Art Carney does a fine job as Mr. Pickett, head of the beer company that Robert Hays is owner of the brewery. He's packed on a few pounds since his "Honeymooners" days, but you need not bother! Eddie Albert rounds out the cast in my opinion as the overbearing egotistical Mr. Ellison, who always wants something, including coffee. He is a big contrast from his days on "Green Acres" here. It makes one think if Arnold The Pig could handle such a domineering old fart like Ellison here.
Altogether, this is a great movie. Despite what anyone else would say, you can't turn down an offer to watch this movie, or would you just say "Take This Movie And Shove It"? I would say "Take This Movie And Watch It" and hopefully, you'll love it!
I sure watched it! And I loved it! (I still love it!)
David Keith plays the arrogant Harry, who really turns out to be a decent guy toward the film's end.
Tim Thomerson is the wild and smart-aleck country boy from hell Ray. The man drinks more beer and has a mean streak in him that sure can't be dealt with.
Art Carney does a fine job as Mr. Pickett, head of the beer company that Robert Hays is owner of the brewery. He's packed on a few pounds since his "Honeymooners" days, but you need not bother! Eddie Albert rounds out the cast in my opinion as the overbearing egotistical Mr. Ellison, who always wants something, including coffee. He is a big contrast from his days on "Green Acres" here. It makes one think if Arnold The Pig could handle such a domineering old fart like Ellison here.
Altogether, this is a great movie. Despite what anyone else would say, you can't turn down an offer to watch this movie, or would you just say "Take This Movie And Shove It"? I would say "Take This Movie And Watch It" and hopefully, you'll love it!
I sure watched it! And I loved it! (I still love it!)
A hilariously raucous redneck comedy hoot
Woodyanders16 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Johnny Paycheck's super fed-up with being exploited by the Man proletarian honky-tonk rant, written by ex-convict David Allan Coe, was turned into one of the true unsung classic films of the early 80s. It's a rowdy, boisterous, high-spirited seriocomic slice-of-blue-collar-life redneck romp about refusing to kowtow to any big company nonsense and taking charge of your own destiny. Eager beaver hotshot corporate executive Robert Hays returns to his podunk burg home town to get the sagging local brewery back on its feet again. He changes the operation with mixed results: the company suits are happy, but the workers are discontent. Will Hays do the right thing and tell the top brass to shove it? Man, does baby cover all the necessary bases: a top-notch country-and-western soundtrack, a monster truck race, romance, cussin', authentically funky locations (e.g., smoky taverns and low-rent bowling alleys), a wild barroom football game, working class angst and frustration, and, best of all, a rousing stick it to the head honchos workers revolt conclusion. The uniformly excellent cast includes Barbara Hershey as Hays' feisty ex-girlfriend, David Keith and Tim Thomerson as scruffy good ol' boys, Art Carney as the plant manager, Martin Mull as an obsequious company man boot-licker, Eddie Albert as an a**hole CEO, Len Lesser as a jerk foreman, country singer Charlie Rich as a rival corporate head, Royal Dano as an elderly factory worker, and James Karen as Carney's right-hand man. Directed with tremendous flair by Gus Trikonis (his previous hick flicks include "Nashville Girl" and "Moonshine County Express") and affectionately written by Barry Schneider, this unjustly overlooked darling is just ripe for rediscovery.
Take This Job and Shove It
Coxer9930 May 1999
Not for the overthinking
mamaprib24 July 2022
A fun Robert Hayes movie
tronvszombies-115 June 2021
Finally watched this is 2021. I'm a fan of Hayes due to Airplane & Fifty Fifty. The movie is redneck heaven and thats what intially put me off. Now it's a cool time capsule of a era that has great cinematography and looks spiffing on Blu-ray. Cool supporting cast as well. Not laugh out loud funny but very good humoured. If you don't like Country and western songs it could be a problem. But hell I wanna visit Iowa. An undiscovered gem.
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