REAL MEN

US, 1986, 97 minutes, Colour.
James Belushi, John Ritter, Barbara Barrie.
Directed by Dennis Feldman.

Real Men is a spoof on the CIA. It is also a star vehicle for James Belushi and John Ritter. They work well off each other: Belushi as the bombastic spy, Ritter as the meek and mild gentleman from suburbia, somehow or other involved in CIA high jinks.

The plot is rather difficult to follow: the establishing of the Belushi character as a chief spy, the mission that he is given, going to meet aliens in Washington, the powers that be against him, including the Russians as well as the CIA. It is also not quite clear why he has to have the mild-mannered Ritter along with him. However, as they travel the countryside and become involved in adventures, Belushi modifies a little - and Ritter begins to stand up for himself. He is then ready to return to his wife and children, his duty done, as well as a belief in aliens and their friendliness.

1. Entertainment? Spies and action? Comedy? Aliens?

2. Settings across the United States, California, the desert states, to Washington? Authentic atmosphere? Musical score?

3. The title, the focus on Nick and the CIA and his henchmen, the Russians and the spies? Bob being caught up in this world, his mildness at home with his children and the neighbours, his change, becoming a US real man?

4. The opening, the establishing of Nick as a top spy? The murder of those seeking the aliens? The action sequences and the stunts? Nick and his mission? His character, independence, meeting with Bob, taking him over, their adventures along the way, comic and serious? The mission and his meeting with the aliens - and the evidence of the pen? The final meeting, his being a bit milder?

5. Bob living in suburbia, his wife and children, problems at home, the conventional suburban man with his car, etc? The louts and the boy's bike? His backing down? The destruction of his house, his being said to be in hospital? Going on the mission, dangers, tough? His disbelief turning to belief? His becoming resourceful? The finale back home, confronting the louts?

6. The visit to Nick's mother, his background, her gentle treatment of him, oddball comedy?

7. The CIA, the mixed motives, pursuing their own men? The Russians, men and women - and the seductive touch?

8. An oddball enterprise? Entertainment and satire?