The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)

An Arkansas hillbilly (Jim Varney) discovers oil on his property and suddenly he's a billionaire. His cousin (Linda Carlson) urges him to move to Beverly Hills where his daughter (Erika Eleniak) would have the advantage of being turned into a proper young lady. Based on the hit TV series of the same name (it had a nine year run) and directed by Penelope Spheeris (WAYNE'S WORLD). It probably seemed a good idea at the time but the film is a weak imitation of the original TV show. Spheeris doesn't attempt to step up the quality of the humor, it's still as lowbrow as the television series which is actually a good thing otherwise it wouldn't be THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES. Where she goes wrong is in the use of characters not in the original show, specifically Rob Schneider and Lea Thompson as two sleazy con artists who attempt to dupe Varney out of millions. They're not remotely funny and the film hits a dead zone whenever they're on screen. With one exception, the actors make for a favorable comparison to their TV counterparts. The one exception is Lily Tomlin who would seem to be ideal casting for Miss Hathaway but seems uncomfortable in the role but Diedrich Bader as the brawny but dumb Jethro and Cloris Leachman as the feisty Granny do well. With Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Penny Fuller, Kevin Connolly and Leann Hunley.