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Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, David Carradine, Jeff Corey, Bill Duke ... see more see more... , Joan Severance , Harry Caesar , Stephen Tobolowsky , Alex Bruhanski , John Pyper-Ferguson , Clyde Kusatsu , Michel Barbe , Ken Camroux , Lossen Chambers , Jackson Davies , Ewen Leslie , John Garber , Oscar Goncalves , Tim Healy , Paul Jarrett , Doug Judge , James Kidnie , Kim Kondrashoff , Maria Leone , Blu Mankuma , Kevin McNulty , Robert Metcalfe , Tim Rose Price , Wendy Van Riesen , Robert Thurston , Brian Torpe , Wes Tritter , Danny Wattley , Dan Zale , Oscar B. Ramos , Lynda Gordon , Lynne Carrow , Judy Taylor , Mike Fenton , Florence Patterson

The can't-miss teaming of Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn is squandered on a clumsy, illogical romantic melodrama. Running across her old boyfriend Gibson at a Wisconsin gas station, Hawn is astounded that... read more read more... he seems not to recognize her. How could she have known that Gibson was put into the Witness Relocation Program after testifying against a homicidal mob boss (say, don't they usually alter your appearance when they put you in that program?) Curious over Gibson's furtive behavior, Hawn unknowingly sets herself up as a target for the bad guys. The whole affairs culminates in an after-hours showdown at a zoo (a plot device vastly improved upon in the 1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle Eraser). While Bird on a Wire admittedly has its moments of enjoyment, most of the film is on a par with Gibson's embarrassing, homophobic scene with a pair of epicine hairdressers. And whoever heard of the Chinatown section of Racine, Wisconsin? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

43% liked it

56,175 ratings

Critics

29% liked it

21 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: John Badham

Release Date: May 18, 1990

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DVD Release Date: July 21, 1998

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Stats: 1,098 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,098)

  • FilmFanatik
    February 23, 2010
    FilmFanatik
    A cable tv staple that's not as much fun as you might think.
  • SirPant
    September 28, 2009
    SirPant
    I can?t believe Goldie Hawn used a stunt bottom! Actually, that?s probably a good thing
  • matertenebraum
    December 8, 2008
    matertenebraum
    ...on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. If you are looking for something else, don't watch it.

    On the other hand, if you are looking for some laughs, some actions scenes (on the edge of the impossible, a.k.a. James Bond scenes) and some romance, you got it. Sadly, in a small amount. ... read more

    You could say, that if there wasn't Mel (with his jokes) and Goldie (with hers legs), the movie probably sucked. Thanks to them, this movie still deserves an o.k. grade.
  • Chiefilms
    March 3, 2008
    Chiefilms
    Hawn cheatin' on Russell?
  • thmtsang
    July 14, 2007
    thmtsang
    Mel and Goldie are hilarous in this movie. Real chemistry.
  • jjnxn
    April 11, 2007
    jjnxn
    stupid and nonsensical
  • deano
    December 4, 2006
    deano
    Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn are so hilarious as ex-lovers who brought together after 15 years in order to go on the run from their enemies.
  • xxdebxx
    January 10, 2010
    xxdebxx
    Rick Jarmin is in the witness protection programme after he testified against two drug dealers (David Carradine and Bill Duke) who murdered his friend after a deal went wrong. When an old flame of his recognises him at his gas station work place, he is naturally concerned for his... read more safety. The two then run to avoid the people after him. Cross country chase mayhem ensues.
    If you like Goldie Hawn or Mel Gibson, this is one not to miss; fun caper romp with charismatic stars.
    There are some clever touches and Gibson's wisecracks are hilarious! Funny action movies of the 80's.
  • KLFilmmaker
    March 23, 2010
    KLFilmmaker
    I just rewatched this on TV the other day and it's not terrible.
  • mingsysar
    October 24, 2008
    mingsysar
    I just love Goldie Hawn and she has great chemistry with Mel Gibson.

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Critic Reviews

Steve Crum
June 15, 2005
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Fun caper romp with charismatic stars Mel and Goldie.

Rob Thomas
December 3, 2004
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)

A witless and insulting action comedy.

Clint Morris
April 27, 2003
Clint Morris, Moviehole

Mel and Goldie snap, crackle and pop together

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Caryn James
May 20, 2003
Caryn James, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

May 18, 1990
Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Bird on a Wire Trivia

  • She coached a varsity football team from the wrong side of the tracks, she fell overboard, she was a bird on a wire, a rock n roll groupie and one of the first wives?  Answer »
  • Which two actors starred in Bird on a Wire?  Answer »
  • Which Actress Starred opposite Mel Gibson in 'Bird On A Wire'?  Answer »
  • who played mel gibsons leading lady in the comedy thriller bird on a wire?  Answer »
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