Volunteers [DVD]

Volunteers is a comedy-adventure film starring Tom Hanks and John Candy, set during the 1960s. The movie follows Lawrence Bourne III (Tom Hanks), a spoiled and wealthy college graduate who escapes his debt by impulsively joining the Peace Corps. He is sent to a remote village in Thailand, where he teams up with a diverse group of volunteers, including Tom Tuttle (John Candy) and Beth Wexler (Rita Wilson), a dedicated idealist. As they work to build a bridge for the local villagers, Lawrence's initial indifference turns into a reluctant commitment to the cause. However, their project becomes the target of various factions, including a communist guerrilla group, a local warlord, and the CIA, each with their own agenda. The film combines humor with adventure, as Lawrence undergoes a transformation from a selfish playboy to someone who learns the value of helping others. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, Volunteers offers a satirical look at American foreign policy and the idealism of the 1960s, all wrapped up in a light-hearted, comedic package. The chemistry between Hanks and Candy provides much of the film's charm, making it an entertaining ride with a blend of laughs and heartwarming moments.