Let it Ride

Last night (Tuesday), since for me, is the worst TV night of the week, I searched through my DvD collection for something I hadn't watched recently. I was in the mood for a comedy, so I grabbed an oldie, but a goodie. I have a feeling not too many people have ever heard of this gem, so here it is,

Let it Ride
1989
Starring;
Richard Dreyfuss
David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter)
Teri Garr
Jenifer Tilly

The main character, Jay Trotter (Dreyfuss) is a cab driver, who recently gave up betting, to convince his wife (Teri Garr), who he is separated from into allowing him to move back in. His best friend Looney (Johansen) also is a cabbie that works the night shift with Trotter. Looney likes to tape record his passengers, unbeknownst (sp?) to them. The inside of their cab's clearly display a sticker informing the backseat passengers the driver can not hear them.

The plan is once Trotter finishes his shift Saturday morning, he will move back in with his wife, when Looney lets him listen to a recording of two passengers he had picked up discussing a 'sure thing' at the horse track. "The only way the horse can't win is if Lightning were to strike the starting gate" and that's all Trotter needs to temporarily delay his reunion with his wife.

With $50 in hand, he places it all to win on the horse named 'Charity'. After the photo finish, he is rewarded with $700. He tries to walk away, but after his so called friends treat him like he kept his bet a secret decides to head back over, and continue betting. He has a really, really good day.

The movie is a great laugh, with Jenifer Tilly actually looking good, and the surrounding characters causing laughs throughout the movie, I highly recommend this DvD. You find yourself among the rest of the entire racetrack at the end of the movie rooting for Trotter.

~Memorable quotes~

Jay Trotter: May I... buy you a drink?
Mrs. Davis: I don't see why not. I'm on the pill.

and

Looney: [after Trotter won but Looney didn't even bet] I'd hate to have to walk around this track with seven hundred dollars cash.
Trotter: Seven hundred and TEN - and you'll never have that problem, because the only reason I won is that you didn't bet! You are the unluckiest person in the world!
Looney: Am not!
Trotter: Am!
Looney: Am not!
Trotter: Am! [pulling out his racing form]
Trotter: Who do you like in the second?
Looney: The six horse looks pretty good...
Trotter: [dramatically crosses out the six horse on his racing form] You got a brother?
Looney: In Cleveland.
Trotter: Call him up, ask him who he likes. I figure it's in the blood!

I not only recommend renting this (if you can find it) I recommend buying it for your collection.