Captain Ron (1992)
When Mid-Life Boredom Becomes a High Sea Adventure
Martin Harvey (Martin Short) is a mild-mannered family man from Chicago who inherits a vintage yacht once owned by Clark Gable. He decides to sail it back to Miami, bringing his wife, two kids, and lots of good intentions. But when the yacht is revealed to be more dilapidated than dreamy, Martin hires the roguish, one-eyed, laid-back Captain Ron (Kurt Russell) to get them safely across the Caribbean. Ron’s unconventional sailing style, off‐the-cuff wisdom, and wild antics lead the Harveys into one adventure after another: from dodging storms and confusing navigation to clashing egos and family conflicts that are somehow just part of the voyage. What starts as a reluctant journey becomes a chaotic, often hilarious lesson about letting go, embracing imperfections, and finding what really matters amidst the waves.
Thom Eberhardt directs this nautical comedy with a generous dose of slapstick, fish-out-of-water moments, and quirky character relationships. Kurt Russell leans into the role of the free-spirited captain whose motto seems to be “rules are suggestions.” Martin Short plays the straight man, exasperated but oddly charmed, anchored by his desire for control and order. From gorgeous Caribbean backdrops to rocky reefs (both nautical and emotional), Captain Ron is often clumsy but always entertaining especially for anyone with a love of the sea, family road trips, or underdog misfits.
Buy it Now
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Director: Thom Eberhardt
Rated: PG-13
