Buy and Cell

Buy and Cell is an underrated comedy flick from the late 80s that brings together an interesting mix of comedy veterans and renowned thriller actors. Directed by Robert Boris, the movie stars Robert Carradine, Michael Winslow, and Malcolm McDowell in pivotal roles. The film takes the audience on an amusing and surreal ride that blends the genres of comedy and crime perfectly.

The storyline primarily revolves around the character of Herbie Altman, portrayed by Robert Carradine, who is framed and wrongfully convicted for fraudulent stock trading. Herbie is an idiosyncratic Wall Street stock trader whose career appears to be on the rise until he is framed by his very own unscrupulous boss, Stanford and his associate, Chuck. Defying the clichés of Wall Street traits, Herbie is a sympathetic character, more a naive pawn than a greedy shark, which endears the audience to him and roots for his success throughout the movie.

Herbie finds himself sentenced to an offbeat and somewhat dystopian prison facility led by Warden Tennant. Malcolm McDowell, famed for his roles in intense dramas, surprisingly takes on the role of the manipulative Warden Tennant. Always known for his unique performances, McDowell adds a unique dimension to the character of a crooked warden whose concern for his prisoners goes only as far as it benefits his pocket. He boasts a self-constructed portfolio of prisoner-run businesses under his malicious control, making this prison far from the ordinary.

Michael Winslow, recognized for his memorable performances in the Police Academy series, sprinkles his unique brand of comedy throughout the film. His role as Sly, a quirky coterminal inmate who befriends Herbie, adds to the hilarity by offering comedic relief through his signature sound effects and lighthearted humor at the most unexpected times. This unlikely friendship becomes the central element of the movie, where Sly becomes Herbie’s unusual ally in surviving the prison life.

As Herbie slowly acclimatizes to the life behind bars, he decides not to be a mere pawn in Warden Tennant's white-collar prison industry. Ingeniously using his Wall Street acumen, Herbie begins to hatch a plan to expose the Warden's illicit operations. The plan involves setting up a bogus company within the prison, which soon turns into a comedic roller-coaster with its ingenious schemes and riotous missions.

Buy and Cell carries the distinctive 80s movie flavor, combining a unique story plot with a tinge of malapropism and slapstick humor, all set within a faux-corporate prison environment. The movie satirically mocks the capitalistic greed typical of Wall Street, wrapping it up in the guise of convoluted prison dynamics. This unexpected fusion paves the way for a multitude of comedic situations and gags, making it a lighthearted watch.

Robert Carradine gives a heartening performance as Herbie. His ability to deliver the comedy with a layer of vulnerability makes his journey from being a Wall Street trader to a convict an engaging watch. Michael Winslow’s comedic brilliance shines throughout the narrative, and Malcolm McDowell impresses with his unconventional role.

The prison setting brilliantly imbues the typical corporate dog-eat-dog world where the fight for survival is just as real. Cinematically, director Robert Boris has done an excellent job by choosing such a contrasting backdrop, which effectively contributes to the humor and satire of the movie.

In conclusion, Buy and Cell is indeed a hidden gem from the 1980s. It is a testament that even an unlikely blend of white-collar crime and prison comedy can result in a highly entertaining watch. The performances, the eccentric plot, and the 80s vibe make it a movie worth exploring for those who love a delightful mix of comedy and crime. While it might not be a critically acclaimed blockbuster, it surely promises a fun, chilled-out movie night.