(1987)
2
Andrea LeVasseur
Released right after Jumpin' Jack Flash, Burglar came out at a high time in Whoopi Goldberg's popular success. It's ultimately an unfortunate entry along side Fatal Beauty that tried to cash in on her bankable personality and the concurrent success of Eddie Murphy action comedies. It has all the trappings of a highly derivative, formulaic caper film, earning it terrible reviews and marking a downturn for Goldberg's career that lasted until Ghost. However, it's mindlessly dumb entertainment with a few choice comedic moments and a relatively enjoyable stupid plot. Particularly interesting is Bobcat Goldthwait, who gives it his all with his signature performance style and will please fans with some of the film's funniest bits. There is nothing new to be said about the standard murder story, zany comedy, or the '80s soundtrack, which comes complete with a cheesy synthesized song featuring inane lyrics that just repeat the title of the movie ad nauseum. Although it could be seen as novel in retrospect, very little has been written about Whoopi Goldberg's presence as a black female action star who never resorts to exploiting her sexuality -- nor does she even address it. In any case, Burglar is a largely forgettable comedy that remains harmless enough as a vehicle for Bobcat Goldthwait during his heyday and Whoopi Goldberg on her way out.
Burglar on AllMovie
Burglar (1987)
