Review of Throw Momma from the Train (1987) by Stuart K — 01 Feb 2011
The directorial debut of Danny DeVito, who seems to have used his directing career with making black comedies like The War of the Roses (1989), Matilda (1996) and Death to Smoochy (2002), got off to a good start with this hilarious homage to Hitchcock.
It has Larry Donner (Billy Crystal), a stuggling writer and college teacher, whose book was stolen by his ex-wife Margaret (Kate Mulgrew), who published it in her name. Meanwhile, one of Larry's students, Owen Lift (DeVito) has aspirations of becoming a great writer, but he is held back by his abusive, nasty mother (Anne Ramsey).
Owen wants to kill his mother, but cannot. When Larry gives her a lecture on plot development, Owen see's Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train, which gives him an idea. Owen will kill Larry's ex-wife, while Larry will kill Owen's mother.
Owen seemingly carries out the deed, and Larry becomes a suspect by the police. Now, Owen wants Larry to carry out his end of the deal, even if Larry never agreed to commit murder in the first place. It's a very funny film, with a good double act and some funny slapstick moments.
It's a pity DeVito hasn't directed more, but the film is nearly stolen by Ramsey as the nasty mother.
This review of Throw Momma from the Train (1987) was written by Stuart K on 01 Feb 2011.
Throw Momma from the Train has generally received mixed reviews.
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