Hostage For A Day is the only film that the much-missed John Candy ever directed.  (It premiered on Canadian television, a few months after his death.)  It’s also one of the only films to feature George Wendt in a leading role, as opposed to being a supporting player.  The film is full of funny people like Don Lake and Robin Duke.  John Vernon plays Candy’s father-in-law.  A lot of talent went into this movie.  It’s too bad that it’s not very good.

Wendt does give a good performance in the lead role.  He plays Warren Kooey, who is depressed on his 41st birthday.  His wife (Robin Duke) has drained their bank account to remodel their house and apparently shag their interior decorator, Hondo (Currie Graham).  No one respects him at work.  Warren’s reflection in the mirror tells Warren that he needs to do something with his life.  Warren decides to fake a hostage situation so that he can collect the ransom.  The problem is that the SWAT team has recently had their budget cut and can’t afford to pay the amount that Warren comes up with.  Then some real kidnappers (led by John Candy, making a very brief appearance) hold him hostage for real.  While this goes on, Wendt continues to talk to his reflection in the mirror and there are a few sweet but out-of-place scenes featuring him reuniting with his childhood sweetheart, Diane St. Clair (Christopher Templeton).

As a director, Candy never seems to be sure what type of film he’s trying to make.  The comedy is broad but Candy also tries to sneak in some sentimental moments and the end results just doesn’t mix well.  He gets some good performances for his cast but the film itself never really comes together.  This was George Wendt’s only starring role and he does a good enough job that I regret he didn’t get bigger roles once Cheers went off the air because, judging by this film, he could have handled them  I just wish this movie was better.