Underground Aces (1981) is a comedy film that offers a lighthearted, zany look at the antics of a group of parking attendants who work in an underground garage. Directed by Robert Butler, the movie is a chaotic mix of slapstick comedy and ensemble storytelling, following the misadventures of the quirky team as they interact with the various customers, deal with personal issues, and cause all kinds of mayhem.


Plot Synopsis

The storyline revolves around a group of underground parking garage attendants of a busy hotel in a metropolitan city. As the attendants exhibit a carefree and aloof lifestyle, they often get caught in extreme tomfoolery of sorts. The movie depicts a range of their absurd antics including riding luxury cars without permission and dealing with bizarre clients.

Apart from the saucy incidents with clients, there is a healthy dose of romance, crosscommunication, and conflict with their overly disciplined supervisor. As much as it is lively and relaxing at the same time, and enables one to stroll and enjoy nature, the film goes one edge further with the physical comedy. It manages to capture the essence of the working vibes within the city in that era, the 1980’s.


Cast

Underground Aces boasts a large ensemble cast, including some well-known comedic talents of its time:

  • Dirk Benedict as Jack, the charming lead character known for his smooth-talking ways and knack for getting into trouble.
  • Mel Carter as Watson, one of the more level-headed attendants who often tries to play peacemaker.
  • Robert Hegyes as Benny, a street-smart attendant whose schemes frequently backfire.
  • Frank Gorshin, best known for his role as the Riddler in the 1960s Batman TV series, adds flair to the cast as a wacky hotel patron.
  • Jerry Orbach appears in a supporting role, bringing his signature charisma and dry humor to the screen.

Cultural and Cinematic Context

As much of an ensemble comedy as it is a sports comedy, Underground Aces was sprinkled with a hint of offbeat charm reminiscence of those 80s. A unique sense of humor is illustrated in the film which serves to be an era’s movie in transition between being rated R and PG. A mix of younger comedians and older more nostalgic ones always tends to guarantee an immensely funny atmosphere. Both the actors as well as the audience share the stage in unveiling undisturbed laughter at each other’s expense. It must be noted, however, that many like myself feel this review of the film is a tad overrated, the film achieved neither critical acclaim nor major success.

The film does bear an element of charm and gives a flashback to the era of comedy appeal through mildly outrageous situations. Although now long forgotten, to fans of the television and movie stars the cast is bound to raise interest. Many of these performers rose to major stardom and their curious nature alone becomes a selling point of the movie.


Critical Reception

Upon its release, Underground Aces received mixed to negative reviews from critics. The reviewers reasoned that whilst the premise was intriguing, the humor overly relied on slapstick gags and broad stereotypes, leading to humor that was uneven and risked masking the potential of the premise. As a workplace-comedy, the film is viewed as an inferior entry due to its lack of the heart and sharpness that made its peers memorable. Most reviewers did, however, appreciate the energy of the cast and some amsued the occasional clever moment.


Behind the Scenes

  • Robert Butler, the director, had an extensive background in television directing (Hill Street Blues, Remington Steele), which may explain the episodic structure of the film.
  • The film’s setting—a bustling parking garage—was reportedly inspired by real-life stories from urban attendants, giving it an air of authenticity amidst the exaggerated comedy.
  • Jerry Orbach, who later became a TV legend on Law & Order, brought gravitas to his small role, and his participation is often highlighted as a trivia point.

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