Used Cars
Used Cars

Used Cars

1980Movie113 minEnglish

When the owner of a struggling used car lot is killed, it's up to the lot's hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner's ruthless brother and used-car rival.

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Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes59%
Google Users78%
Director: Robert ZemeckisGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

A slick, ethically challenged used car salesman, Rudy Russo, is desperate to win a bet against his rival, Roy Lannigan, by selling 150 cars in a month. To achieve this, Rudy resorts to increasingly outlandish and dishonest schemes, even considering staging a car accident for insurance money. Meanwhile, Roy employs his own dubious tactics, leading to a chaotic and comedic escalation of their cutthroat competition.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Used Cars' received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its satirical edge and energetic performances, particularly from Kurt Russell and Jack Warden. Some found the humor a bit too broad or the plot overly convoluted, but it has since gained a cult following for its sharp commentary on consumerism and its blend of dark comedy and slapstick.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp satire and energetic comedic performances, especially from Kurt Russell.
  • Some found the humor overly broad and the plot occasionally messy.
  • A cult favorite for its blend of dark comedy and commentary on consumer culture.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film's humor and Kurt Russell's performance, though some find the plot a bit over-the-top. The film's satirical take on the car sales industry is often highlighted as a positive element.

Fun Fact

The car lot used in the film, 'DeLorean Motors', was a real-life car dealership that Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale had previously used as inspiration for the DeLorean car in 'Back to the Future'.

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