Hostage for a Day (1994)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

A Disappointing Continuation

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

I really enjoy the movie, it's really funny. It's sad that John passed away after his directorial debut. The plot is kind of out of the ordinary compared to another black comedy movie. But who cares? I always enjoy Candy's movie. He's naturally funny and perfect for the character "Yuri". Don't get me wrong, George is funny too. But in this movie he's never get a change to be really funny. Probably it's because the script. Look at cheers. He is pretty Hilarius. Anyway, I've seen the movie once, and I'd like to watch it over and over again. Btw, does anybody know where I could download this movie or get a DVD version? I really appreciate the information

I was a senior in high school when HOSTAGE FOR A DAY premiered on television. I was excited, because I was such a John Candy fan and this film premiered after his death. I thought it was good. Not great. I enjoyed the fact that John was loyal to his Second City family. Great comedic character actors appear in this film. The story was by no means great, but the ensemble worked well. I was taken by surprise when the thugs (led by John Candy) actually take George Wendt's character hostage. I remember asking myself "Where did they come from?" But still, it was a sweet story with a nice ensemble of actors. I remember following the film, there was a tribute to John Candy. You can't see a project with John Candy and not smile.

The first time I saw this movie, around 1996, I was very disappointed. After nine years I gave this movie a second try. This time I enjoyed the movie. John Candy's small cameo as Yuri Petrovich is funny, although I wonder how it would have been if John had played George Wendt's part. Don't get me wrong, George Wendt is a great actor but he hasn't got much chance to be funny, because you feel sorry for his character all the time. Christopher Templeton is really terrific as Wendt's childhood sweetheart Diane St. Clair. I think the big problem is that the movie's sensitivity doesn't match with the silliness and vice versa. Sadly, when this movie premiered on television John Candy had already passed away.

George Wendt is so convincing in his role as hostage. He makes it so believable! You end up getting caught up in the movie, and it seems like hours are actually minutes. Role after role, his movies get better an better. They turn such a simple plot into so much more. John Candy and George wendt should have always done movies together. This dynamic duel seems Unstoppable! I am very suprised to find that it wasn't an instant success. If not watch it for its hillarious plot, than rent it for Wendt's brilliant preformance. As scary as it is intelligent, as funny as it is touching, Hostage For a Day is a prime example of the way cinema should be: excellent telling of complete stories.