CADILLAC MAN. Directed by Roger Donaldson; written by Ken Friedman; produced by Charles Roven and Roger Donaldson for Orion. Starring Robin Williams and Tim Robbins. Rated R.
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Cadillac Man is a little slow getting started. But once it's going, it's a real joyride.
The problem with the first half of the movie is that it's all about car salesman Joey (Williams). And though he's an entertaining sort of guy, and doesn't really mean to hurt anyone, he's a two-timer (or three- or four-timer) and a born salesman. Not a very sympathetic character.
This section of the movie is black comedy with emphasis on the darkness instead of the humor. What saves Cadillac Man later on, though, and turns it into a nifty little movie, is that the funny side catches up with the dark.
Williams, surprisingly, isn't solely responsible for this rescue, even though Joey is able to demonstrate his better qualities as the plot develops. Robbins is the main reason the movie works. He has the part of Dim, Hip Hunk down so pat that no one else need apply. In this movie, his character of Larry is even dumber than Nuke LaLoosh (from Bull Durham) and crazier to boot.
What makes his performance such a joy is the way his and Williams' styles play off and complement each other. Joey trying to talk the jealous Larry out of blowing up the car dealership is Williams at his high-energy, nonstop best. And Robbins' comedy of inarticulation is a perfect counterpoint.
The supporting cast, particularly Fran Drescher, Lori Petty and Pamela Reed as Joey's various current and ex-companions, are all good, too.
But there's no doubt about who the stars are. Robin Williams has never made a movie with a comic co-star who is actually in his league. Now that he has, his fans shouldn't let an uneven first half deter them. Stay with Cadillac Man until the end, and you'll be glad you did.
June 6, 1990