THE DREAM TEAM (1989) ** The film is saved, to the extent that it is, by the professionalism that had become the hallmark of the era. Not a good sign for a comedy, really. Abandoned lunatics fumbling around New York: amusing premise or reality tv? It's funny in places, and nicely polished throughout. Lorraine Bracco is the only convincing character, but not compelling by her own standards. Michael Keaton does his standard deviation between funny, casual and irritating. The subdued approach doesn't do Christopher Lloyd justice, and while Peter Boyle has several amusing scenes (beaming) I guess I've never thought it was all that funny when someone thinks they're Jesus. Or Mohammed or Mao or Donald Trump for that matter. It's pushing for laughs because the writers have difficulty thinking of punch lines, I think. Seen better, seen worse, but for such a madcap adventure it doesn't really look like anyone's having all that much fun. Sterile comedy of the '80s, the good part is that you'll be able to maintain your composure and won't spill anything.
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