Burglar

The 1987 film, Burglar, directed by Hugh Wilson, offers an enthralling concoction of crime, comedy and suspense that's sure to get audiences hooked from the very beginning. The movie stars the versatile and talented Whoopi Goldberg, whose charismatic performance acts as the core meat of the film. The film makes a commendable effort to balance the seriousness of crime with elements of comedy, making it enjoyable for audiences seeking either of the two genres.

Whoopi Goldberg plays the lead role of Bernice Rhodenbarr, a highly skilled and seemingly unsusceptible burglar. Bernice, who was once a regular bookshop owner, is coerced back into her old, criminally inclined ways due to certain unforeseen circumstances that the film gradually reveals. This provides an intriguing subplot that helps add an extra dimension to Goldberg's character.

Bobcat Goldthwait, who expertly plays Goldberg's ditzy accomplice Carl Hefler, adds to the humorous undertone of the movie with his lovable character that delivers perfectly timed comic reliefs, assisting the lightening up of the otherwise tense atmosphere brought about by the risky burglaries. He is by far one of the shining characters in the film, delivering an exceptional performance that is hilariously entertaining.

G.W. Bailey’s performance as Detective Ray Kirschman provides yet another storyline that strengthens the film's overall plot. He plays a cunning, obsessive detective with a quirky personality, who adds plenty of intrigue and excitement to the narrative. His relentless attempts to apprehend our protagonist, Bernice, create an ongoing cat-and-mouse game that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering how the shrewd Bernice will outsmart the dogged detective.

The narrative of Burglar unfolds gradually, with several therapeutic breaks of humor in between the tense robberies. The movie excels in creating unexpected moments of laughs amidst high-stakes drama. It beautifully integrates ordinary life scenes with thrilling crime sequences, thus maintaining a good pace throughout the film. The way the film hopscotches between comedy, crime and suspense keeps the viewers engaged and intrigued about the storyline's unfolding.

The movie further captivates its audience by propelling them into the distinct world of the 1980s. Audiences are given a slice of the past through the wonderfully retro treatment of the movie. The aesthetics are spot on, from the clothing to the overall ambiance, the 80s vibe being expertly captured. The effortless charm and appeal of the 80s, blended with the energetic performances of the actors, notably Whoopi Goldberg, makes Burglar a film that stands the test of time.

Despite the movie's inclination towards comedy, Burglar does not lose its grip on the gravity of the crimes committed, nor does it trivialize the life-changing consequences of such actions. It holds a mirror up to society's perception of crime, inserting satirical commentary on judging a book by its cover, all through an entertaining and comedic lens.

The film also succeeds in sprinkling a few surprises throughout the storyline, carefully distributing moments of unforeseen twists and turns that are enough to stun even the most avid movie buffs. It combines every element in the perfect proportion, be it comedy, suspense, or the tension of a good old chase, which nicely wraps the film and keeps the viewer wanting more.

Burglar has a running time of 103 minutes, but this briskly-paced film makes time fly, leaving viewers wanting more even after the final credits have rolled up on your screen. The ensemble cast that augments Goldberg’s solid performance manages to create a captivating world that seems both eccentric yet genuine.

In summary, Burglar offers a delightful blend of crime, comedy, and captivating performances. It's a movie that offers an original perspective on burglars and takes you on a whirlwind adventure complete with suspense, laughs, and unexpected turns. Whether you're a fan of Whoopi Goldberg, a lover of crime stories with a twist, or you're simply in the mood for a good laugh, this quirky heist movie is apt to leave you entertained and pleasantly surprised.