Life Stinks

Other than The Producers, the Mel Brooks films that aren't spoofs seem to have a hard time finding an audience. This is a shame because there are some forgotten gems in the Brooks body of work. Case in point, 1991's Life Stinks.

Brooks plays billionaire Goddard Bolt. Bolt is about to level a slum so he can build high priced properties on the sight. His rival Vance Crasswell, Jeffrey Tambor, also has an interest in this property and makes a bet with Bolt that Bolt can't survive a month on the streets of the slums. If he loses, then Vance gets the property. Unable to resist, Bolt agrees. At first, he has a difficult time adjusting, but soon makes friends with a group of homeless people who teach him how to survive. He also finds love with a slightly crazy bag lady, Leslie Ann Warren.

This is a funny and sweet little comedy. Brooks is hysterical as always and has a great supporting cast to back him up. Whoopi Goldberg was originally considered for the Warren role, but Brooks wasn't sure if it would be a convincing love story since both of them are known for their comedy.

One thing I really love about this movie is that there's a good message in this between the laughs.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.