Details
Movie Description
Owen (Danny DeVito) is a friendless would-be mystery writer who has had all he can take. He would do anything to get rid of his overbearing momma (Anne Ramsey), whose howling voice and domineering attitude have pushed him to the absolute limit. He even strikes a deal with Larry (Billy Crystal), his writing teacher, to knock off his much-hated ex-wife, with the understanding that the instructor will reciprocate. Ramsey is so terrific in her role that the audience eventually roots for her to be killed. Danny DeVito directed this very dark, very funny comedy, which owes a big debt to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller STRANGERS ON A TRAIN.
Synopsis
A timid middle-aged man, still living with his incredibly overbearing mother, arranges to have her murdered by his frustrated writing teacher, whose wife just stole his book idea.
Film Notes
Film was originally rated R by the MPAA, but was re-edited to earn a PG-13 rating.
Danny DeVito's directing debut.
Industry Reviews
"...Fiendish....A blissfully ironic variation on [STRANGERS ON A TRAIN]'s criss-cross murder plot..." -- Rating: B+
Entertainment Weekly - pp.86-7 - Ty Burr
"...Enormously likable without compromising its mean-spirited fun....[DeVito] remains a captivating figure throughout the story..."
New York Times - p.C15 - Janet Maslin
"...A fun and delightfully venal comedy....Very clever and engaging from beginning to end..."
Variety - Brit.
"...DeVito's major feature directorial debut has some of the florid, grab-your-eye intensity of his acting..."
Los Angeles Times - Michael Wilmington (12/11/1987)
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