Disorderlies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three lovable oafs are hired to accidentally kill a rich old guy for his evil nephew but end up making him healthy and cool instead, mostly by losing his meds and throwing him in a pool.

🍿 Disorderlies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Desperate Nephew’s Scheme

In Palm Beach, Florida, the wealthy Albert Dennison is near death, much to the impatience of his gambling-addicted nephew, Winslow Lowry. Winslow owes a significant debt to loan shark Luis Montana and stands to inherit a fortune upon Albert’s passing. Frustrated by Albert’s persistent health thanks to competent orderlies, Winslow decides to accelerate his uncle’s demise. He seeks out the worst possible orderlies to hire, hoping their incompetence will do the job for him. This leads him to Brooklyn, New York.

Incompetence Leads to Improvement

Winslow hires the bumbling trio Markie, Kool, and Buffy – recently fired from their previous nursing home job. Their arrival at Albert’s mansion is chaotic, filled with mishaps and slapstick. Despite their initial ineptitude, the orderlies’ unconventional methods and high-energy antics have an unexpected effect. Instead of worsening Albert’s condition, their presence and accidental blunders lead to him becoming more lively and recovering from his ailments, much to Winslow’s dismay.

Bonding and Escalate Plots

As Albert’s health improves dramatically, he bonds with the trio, enjoying their company and introducing them to activities like polo and exercising. Winslow becomes increasingly desperate as his deadline with Luis Montana approaches. Realizing his plan has backfired, Winslow escalates his efforts to kill his uncle. He, along with his valet Miguel and Montana’s men, devise more direct and dangerous schemes to ensure Albert doesn’t survive, putting the Fat Boys and Albert in peril.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Buffy (Darren Robinson): One of the three bumbling orderlies whose unconventional care inadvertently helps Mr. Dennison recover.
• Kool (Damon Wimbley): One of the three incompetent orderlies hired with the intent of causing harm but who become friends with their patient.
• Markie (Mark Morales): One of the three well-meaning yet clumsy orderlies hired by the nephew to hasten the uncle’s demise.
• Winslow Lowry (Anthony Geary): The greedy nephew who hires the orderlies hoping their incompetence will lead to his rich uncle’s death.
• Albert Dennison (Ralph Bellamy): The wealthy, elderly man whose health unexpectedly improves under the care of the three chaotic orderlies.
• Miguel (Tony Plana): Winslow’s valet and accomplice who assists in the schemes against Albert Dennison.
• Luis Montana (Marco Rodríguez): A dangerous loan shark who threatens Winslow for repayment of a large debt.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kool: “I asked for a cheeseburger, one lousy cheeseburger. All they got is filet mignon.” – Said with frustration upon arriving at the luxurious mansion, highlighting the stark contrast between their lifestyle and the wealthy environment.
• Albert Dennison: “Step off, homeboy!” – Albert says this to his scheming nephew Winslow after being revitalized by the orderlies’ unconventional care, surprising Winslow with his newfound slang.
• Albert Dennison: “You be illin’.” – Albert uses this phrase he picked up from the orderlies to describe Winslow’s behavior, fully embracing their modern lingo.
• Albert Dennison: “Quit illin’ you two!” – Albert tells Buffy and Kool to stop messing around, using the slang he learned from them, showing how their influence has rubbed off on him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3 million
• Domestic Gross: $10,348,437
• Worldwide Gross: $10,348,437

💥 Disorderlies Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ve got to be honest, I watched this movie way too many times on HBO when I was a kid, and revisiting it is a total blast of nostalgia. It’s definitely not high art, but man, The Fat Boys just have this undeniable energy and charm that makes you root for them, even when they’re accidentally curing an old man. That scene where they take Mr. Dennison to the roller rink disco? Pure gold. And the ‘Baby, You’re a Rich Man’ music video sequence is just peak 80s silliness. Ralph Bellamy looks like he’s having the time of his life dropping ‘illin’ and ‘homeboy’. It’s the kind of movie you just put on to turn your brain off and laugh. It’s got catchy music, ridiculous situations, and genuinely likable leads. It reminds me of a simpler time in comedy, and honestly, I still laugh out loud at some of the gags.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of The Fat Boys and 1980s hip-hop culture”
  • “Viewers who enjoy broad, slapstick comedy similar to The Three Stooges”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted, nostalgic 80s films”
  • “Fans of actor Ralph Bellamy in a unique comedic role”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Slapstick violence and physical comedy”
  • “Mild thematic elements involving crime and gambling debt (Rated PG)”

Professional Reviews

• Retro Reel Reviews: “Disorderlies is pure 80s cheese, starring the Fat Boys in a chaotic slapstick comedy. While not a cinematic masterpiece, their natural charisma and the film’s goofy energy make it surprisingly watchable. It relies heavily on physical comedy and era-specific charm. Ralph Bellamy is a highlight, clearly enjoying his role as the rejuvenated millionaire. It’s a fun, albeit silly, time capsule of the decade.
• 80s Flicks Daily: “Look, Disorderlies isn’t sophisticated, but it delivers exactly what you’d expect: The Fat Boys causing humorous mayhem. Their chemistry is infectious, and the film captures the unique vibe of late 80s hip-hop intersecting with mainstream comedy. It’s a nostalgia trip packed with goofy jokes, catchy tunes, and a surprisingly game performance from Ralph Bellamy. Perfect for a laid-back viewing.

Audience Reactions

The Fat Boys’ slapstick antics and comedic timing were a consistent source of laughter.: Viewers loved the nostalgic 80s feel, the catchy soundtrack, and the surprisingly endearing chemistry between the Fat Boys and Ralph Bellamy.

Ralph Bellamy’s portrayal of the rejuvenated millionaire was a pleasant surprise for many.: Most agree it’s a goofy, lighthearted comedy best enjoyed without overthinking, perfect for a casual watch.

Overall Consensus: A cheesy but fun 80s comedy saved by the likable presence of The Fat Boys, Ralph Bellamy’s performance, and infectious nostalgia.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The mansion used as Albert Dennison’s estate is the same one used as the Clampett family’s mansion in the classic television series ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ (1962).”
• “During the end credits, The Fat Boys attempt to spell out the movie’s title on their t-shirts but can’t get the letters in the correct order.”
• “The film features several notable cameos, including appearances by Helen Reddy, Ray Parker Jr., and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.”
• “Director Michael Schultz also directed the earlier hip-hop film ‘Krush Groove’ (1985), which also featured The Fat Boys in supporting roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Disorderlies?

The 1987 comedy ‘Disorderlies’ is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Availability for streaming may vary depending on your region and subscription services. Check your preferred digital movie store for options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Disorderlies, you might like these similar films:

• Trading Places (1983): Features a similar plot involving wealthy individuals, schemes, social class differences, and fish-out-of-water comedic situations.
• Krush Groove (1985): Also stars The Fat Boys and was directed by Michael Schultz, offering another look at the 1980s hip-hop scene through a narrative film.
• The Upside (2017): Explores the theme of an unconventional, less-privileged caretaker forming an unlikely bond with a wealthy, disabled individual, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments.
• I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988): A comedic, genre-parodying film from the same era with a primarily Black cast, sharing a lighthearted, slightly absurd comedic tone.
• House Party (1990): An influential early 90s comedy centered around young Black protagonists and hip-hop culture, sharing a similar focus on comedic situations driven by personality and environment clash.

🛒 Disorderlies Related Products

• The Fat Boys – Greatest Hits: Experience the iconic sound of The Fat Boys with their greatest hits collection, featuring classic tracks and fan favorites.
• Disorderlies (1987) DVD or Blu-ray: Own the classic 80s comedy starring The Fat Boys. Relive the hilarious antics and feel-good story on your home screen.
• Vintage 80s Hip Hop T-Shirt: Step back in time with retro-inspired apparel celebrating the golden age of hip hop that The Fat Boys were a part of.
• Classic 80s Comedy Movie Collection (Includes Disorderlies): A curated collection of unforgettable comedies from the 1980s, capturing the unique humor and style of the decade.

🎧 Soundtrack

Disorderlies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rock Rulin'” – performed by The Fat Boys
• “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” – performed by The Fat Boys
• “Wipeout” – performed by The Fat Boys
• “Disorderly Conduct” – performed by The Fat Boys
• “I Heard a Rumour” – performed by Bananarama

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kool Rock-Ski on Doing “Disorderlies” Movie, Why The Fat Boys Broke Up (Part 5)

Ever wondered what it was really like for The Fat Boys making ‘Disorderlies’? Get the inside scoop directly from Kool Rock-Ski himself – sounds like there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than we saw on screen!

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