Movie Review: Hiding Out (1987)

★★★★★

I didn’t expect much from Hiding Out, but it totally surprised me. It’s funny, tense, and oddly touching. One of those 80s movies that stays with you.

Brenda A.

Tennessee

Hiding Out (1987), starring Jon Cryer, is often remembered as a quirky teen comedy, but this underrated film offers more than its genre label suggests. It cleverly blends elements of crime thriller, high school drama, and offbeat humor to create a uniquely entertaining ride. While it may not be a staple in mainstream 80s movie collections, a deeper look reveals a surprisingly layered film that deserves a second chance.

Plot Summary: A Broker Becomes a Teen to Survive

In Hiding Out, Cryer plays Andrew Morenski, a 29-year-old stockbroker caught up in a high-stakes case after agreeing to testify against a dangerous mob associate. When a hitman targets him and kills a federal agent, Andrew is forced to flee. He shaves his beard, dyes his hair, and enrolls in high school under the alias “Max Hauser” to hide in plain sight.

The setup is part action-thriller and part fish-out-of-water comedy. The concept of an adult pretending to be a teenager is both absurd and oddly plausible in Cryer’s hands. While the premise may draw laughs, the story is anchored by real stakes. Andrew isn’t playing a game; he’s running for his life.

Jon Cryer’s Performance: Charm and Conflict

Jon Cryer, fresh off the success of Pretty in Pink, shifts gears in Hiding Out with a performance that balances adult anxiety and youthful vulnerability. He’s believably out of his depth, adjusting to high school social dynamics while dealing with the constant fear of being found.

Cryer’s portrayal of Max is full of subtle contradictions. He’s wise beyond his peers, yet forced to suppress his maturity to stay undercover. This creates a compelling dynamic, especially in scenes where his adult instincts surface at odds with his teenage persona. His ability to seamlessly shift between comedy and suspense is one of the film’s biggest strengths.

A Second Chance at Youth

Beneath the action and comedy, Hiding Out is also a story of rediscovery. Andrew is a man who skipped his adolescence in favor of a high-pressure Wall Street career. By being forced into high school again, he experiences milestones he never got to enjoy the first time: friendships, student life, and even a genuine romantic connection with classmate Janie, played by Annabeth Gish.

This emotional core is often overlooked in typical movie reviews. The film explores the question: What would you do differently if given the chance to relive your youth? Andrew doesn’t just hide from the mob; he also finds pieces of himself that were buried under years of stress and ambition.

An Unusual Blend of Tone and Genre

One of the most distinctive features of Hiding Out is its genre-bending tone. The film shifts from thriller to comedy to teen drama without losing momentum. This flexibility is rare in mainstream 1980s cinema, especially among teen-centered movies that often follow rigid formulas.

What makes the shifts work is the consistent thread of character development. Whether dodging a hitman or stumbling through a student election speech, Andrew’s arc remains clear. He becomes more self-aware, more vulnerable, and more open to the idea of a different kind of future.

A Tale of Two Worlds: Wall Street and High School

The contrast between Andrew’s former life and his new one plays a key role in the film’s visual and narrative language. The opening scenes of New York City are cold, fast-paced, and emotionally sterile. In contrast, the suburban high school setting is warm, colorful, and full of potential. This contrast isn't just stylistic; it mirrors Andrew’s internal shift from guarded adult to open-hearted young man.

The film makes a subtle commentary on the illusion of adulthood. For all his experience and success, Andrew is emotionally stunted. It’s only when he's forced into a less “serious” environment that he begins to grow in more meaningful ways.

A Standout Supporting Cast

Annabeth Gish shines in her breakout role as Janie, bringing depth and intelligence to what could have been a standard love interest. She’s not just there to support Andrew’s journey; she challenges him to rethink what he wants out of life. Their relationship feels grounded and emotionally authentic.

Keith Coogan and the rest of the supporting cast also add humor and energy, helping to establish a believable school environment. Their interactions with Andrew/Max add layers of comedic tension as he tries (and fails) to maintain his secret identity.

Highlights Worth Noting

One standout scene involves Andrew reluctantly joining a student debate. Drawing from his real-life business experience, he inadvertently inspires his classmates while dropping hints that he may not be a typical teenager. It's a clever moment that blends humor with character insight and underscores the film’s larger theme of dual identity.

Another strong sequence is the high school dance, where suspense and comedy collide. The looming threat of discovery is palpable, even as Andrew attempts to enjoy a night of normalcy. These moments showcase the film’s unique balance of tension and levity, something rarely acknowledged in standard movie reviews.

Final Thoughts

Hiding Out (1987) may not be the most well-known film of its decade, but it stands out for its originality, heart, and tonal ambition. It’s part thriller, part teen comedy, and part personal journey, and somehow, it all works. Jon Cryer delivers one of his most nuanced performances, supported by a smart script and a cast that elevates the material beyond its concept.

For fans of 80s films looking for something a little different or anyone who enjoys a good “hidden identity” story with emotional depth, Hiding Out is worth revisiting.