Gone Fishin' - A Movie Review

How much could go wrong on a fishing trip?

Gone Fishin’ was caught out of the water and released to theaters in 1997. Best friends, Gus and Joe, venture out on their annual pre-Thanksgiving fishing trip. It’s not long until their trip turns into a chaotic but memorable adventure.

Gone Fishin’ is a classic Thanksgiving tradition in my family. I remember the first time we watched this film we were howling with laughter. When it was first released to theaters, Gone Fishin’ was thrashed with horrible reviews by critics. I beckon you to avoid the bad reviews and watch this film to experience the hilarious chaos that ensues.

Nobody like Joe Pesci and Danny Glover could have pulled off the humorous antics of Gus and Joe like them. Their performances are the signature part of the film. Not the brightest duo, they get themselves into the strangest situations that could have been avoided. Amazingly, they’re alive at the end of the film.

Pesci and Glover created odd character quirks, but best of all their friendship is a standout. Gus and Joe have been the best of friends since childhood. They are so close that they like to say one another’s name in every exchange. And I mean every exchange. Their interactions are the best part of the film.

Other credits to include are Rosanna Arquette, Lynn Whitfield, Nick Bramble, Gary Grubbs, Carol Kane, Edythe Davis, and many more. Be on the lookout for a famous musician who makes a notable appearance. Shoutouts go to Frankie Nasso and Norman D. Golden II for their short, albeit great performances as young Gus and Joe.

There is never a dull moment in Gone Fishin’. Writers incorporated any zany idea of what Gus and Joe could get themselves into. At times the dialogue does not feel natural. Most of the dialogue is between Gus and Joe who are always agreeing with one another. That’s what makes it so funny.

When I say that this film is hilarious, I mean that it is so funny that you’ll crack up laughing rolling around on the floor. My family and I have watched this film close to fifty times and yet we’re always in hysterics. Pesci and Glover land comedic timing in the best exchanges, lines, and character choices.

Behind the scenes, Gone Fishin’ did not have a successful run. Going over budget, having a change in the directors, and even a tragic incident that occurred in one scene, none of this changed the overall tone of the film. Christopher Cain did an excellent job with the story itself along with the comedy.

Overall, Gone Fishin’ has a heartfelt message about friendship. This holiday season, be thankful for the friends that you have in your life. Friendship is a given. Gus and Joe’s friendship is relatable. We grow, have our arguments, and experience unforgettable adventures.

The best piece of advice I can give to viewers is that they should not take Gone Fishin’ seriously. It is a wild adventure filled with surprises in every scene. It doesn’t matter how absurd the film is. Enjoy this quirky film for what it is.

One scene that drives me and my family into hysterics is a scene that is so over-the-top that you have to witness it to believe it actually exists. This said scene never gets old.

If I had the opportunity to go back to the very first time I watched this film, I would not hesitate. Avoid paying any attention to bad reviews of this film because Gone Fishin’ is worth a watch. It’s exciting, hilarious, and has an epic finale.