Movie Review: Throw Momma From The Train (1987)

Genre: Comedy  

Director: Danny DeVito  

Starring: Billy Crystal, Danny DeVito, Anne Ramsey, Kim Greist  
Running Time: 88 minutes  

Synopsis: Aspiring writer and college teacher Larry (Billy Crystal) is suffering from severe writer's block, and is openly outraged that his ex-wife Margaret stole his book idea and produced a best seller. Owen (Danny DeVito) is one of Larry's students and living under the thumb of his domineering and verbally abusive Momma (Anne Ramsey). Inspired by Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train, Owen plots the murder of Margaret, presuming that in return Larry will murder Momma.

What Works Well: Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal establish good comic rapport, and Anne Ramsey is memorably monstrous as Momma. The production values are high, and DeVito adds interesting (if sometimes obtrusive) directorial touches.

What Does Not Work As Well: None of the characters are likeable, and the script unfortunately surrenders to a single derivative idea torpedoed by weak execution. Even with the short running time, the lack of wit surfaces through tired repetition (Larry stuck on the opening line of his book; and repeatedly losing all control at the mere mention of his ex-wife); and scenes that just add padding (Owen intruding on Margaret's amorous activities in Hawaii). The tone is often awkwardly caught between evil intent, satire, shouty slapstick, dark comedy, and cutesiness.

Key Quote:

Owen: Larry! I can't breathe!

Larry: Yes! That's because I'm choking you!

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