8 Heads In A Duffel Bag MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

Classic comedy routines remain funny in almost any form, including the macabre twist taken in this film about misplaced luggage. For Tommy (Joe Pesci), it should have been a routine delivery. After a contract killing by another gangster, Tommy must deliver the dead men's heads to prove the deed was done. Loading eight heads into a duffel bag, he sneaks it through the security check and onto a plane for San Diego. But when a stewardess insists the bag be put with cargo, there's a mix-up at the airport and Tommy gets the wrong duffel bag. Without the heads, his own head is on the line. Charlie (Andy Comeau) is planning a Mexican vacation with his girlfriend, Laurie (Kristy Swanson), and her parents. Unpacking their luggage in a Mexican hotel proves to be a real shock for everyone. Tommy discovers he has the wrong bag and begins hunting for Charlie, starting with schoolmates Ernie (David Spade) and Steve (Todd Louiso). Charlie has to find a way to free Laurie's dad (George Hamilton) when he's arrested with some of the heads. Dark humor keeps the laughs coming as heads are lost and found, until Tommy and Charlie eventually find a solution to their problems.

Although the concept deals with a violent act, actual violence is minor. The initial killing and head removing is not seen, although bloody bodies are shown. In a dream sequence, headless bodies chase Tommy while the heads sing a tune. There are gun threats but no shootings. Charlie endures some punches and slaps, and Laurie's mother (Dyan Cannon) jumps on him when she thinks he's a murderer. Tommy tortures the schoolmates by snapping them with wet towels and twisting their ears. In one scene, he pushes an old lady out of a moving car. A few sexually suggestive comments are made, but there is no sex or nudity in the film. The major drawback is crude and obscene language, including 22 f-and s-words, while God's name is used in vain over 20 times. With this polluted dialogue, 8 Heads should have been left at the studio.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Orion Pictures, 304 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10010