Don't Be Downey

With films like Putney Swope and Greaser's Palace, Robert Downey, Sr. became a voice for the late 1960's counter culture movement. But like so many director's from that era, their vision didn't translate well in the 1980's Reagan era. Downey was a relic. His passion projects failed to find an audience and the critics were quick to dismiss them. Some of them were pretty bad, but some, like Too Much Sun, are true hidden gems.

In his will, a millionaire, the late Howard Duff in his final film, leaves his inheritance to his first child who can give him a grandchild. One problem, his children, Eric Idle and Andrea Martin, are both homosexual. Much to the dismay of their partners, Leo Rossi and Laura Ernst, the two siblings set out to concieve. Things get really out of hand when two con artists, Robert Downey, Jr. and Ralph Macchio, get wind of this and see it as a way to get rich quick.

This movie is silly, but a lot of fun. Especially when Downey, Jr. and Macchio are on screen. Their characters are totally sleazy and you can tell that they are having a lot of fun with their roles. And stay for the closing credits to hear Downey, Jr.'s hysterical theme song.

It might not be the classic that Putney Swope is, but I think that Too Much Sun is one that is worth seeking out.