Greedy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family of vultures competes in an Olympic-level sycophancy marathon, hoping to win their rich uncle’s inheritance, but he’s already mastered the art of playing them.

🍿 Greedy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Vultures Gather

Uncle Joe McTeague, a wealthy but aging millionaire, finds himself constantly surrounded by his conniving relatives. Each nephew and niece, including the ambitious Frank, the competitive Carl, and the conniving Patti, employs various tactics to curry favor and position themselves for a substantial inheritance. Their sycophantic behavior is thinly veiled, as their true motive is solely financial gain, leading to constant backststabbing and rivalry among them.

A New Threat Emerges

The family’s elaborate schemes are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Molly Richardson, a beautiful young woman who begins working as Uncle Joe’s live-in nurse. Her close relationship with Joe ignites immediate fear and suspicion among the relatives, who see her as a formidable competitor for the fortune. Desperate to protect their perceived inheritance, they even hire a private detective to uncover information about Molly’s past and intentions, fearing she might steal their prize.

Daniel McTeague’s Return

In a last-ditch effort to counter Molly’s influence, the family tracks down Daniel McTeague, Uncle Joe’s estranged favorite nephew. Daniel, a former professional bowler now facing financial struggles due to a wrist injury, initially resists getting involved in the family’s greedy machinations. However, the allure of a $300,000 loan for a bowling center, subtly dangled by his uncle, begins to test his integrity and draw him further into the elaborate inheritance game, against the wishes of his principled girlfriend, Robin.

The Grip of Greed Takes Hold

As Uncle Joe’s health appears to decline, and he suggests plans to leave his money to Molly, Daniel moves into the mansion to prevent what he believes is an unjust inheritance. He finds himself increasingly entangled in the web of deceit, even hiring an actor to pose as his father to prove his unwavering loyalty to Joe. This calculated move deepens the rift with his girlfriend, Robin, who is appalled by his rapid descent into the same avarice he initially condemned in his other relatives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Uncle Joe (Kirk Douglas): A wealthy and manipulative patriarch who enjoys toying with his avaricious relatives vying for his vast fortune.
• Daniel (Michael J. Fox): Uncle Joe’s once-favored nephew and a struggling bowler who is reluctantly drawn into his family’s inheritance schemes.
• Molly Richardson (Olivia d’Abo): Uncle Joe’s beautiful live-in nurse who becomes a significant threat to the family’s hopes of inheriting his money.
• Robin (Nancy Travis): Daniel’s morally upright girlfriend who becomes increasingly disillusioned by his involvement in the family’s greedy machinations.
• Frank (Phil Hartman): One of Uncle Joe’s most overtly greedy and backstabbing nephews, constantly trying to outmaneuver his relatives for the inheritance.
• Carl (Ed Begley Jr.): A neurotic and competitive nephew who tirelessly attempts to curry favor with Uncle Joe for financial gain.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Uncle Joe: “Carl, get in touch with reality.” – Said dismissively to his nephew Little Carl, who eagerly presents himself as Uncle Joe’s ‘special boy,’ highlighting Joe’s cynical awareness of his relatives’ true motives.
• Patti: “Well, at least we had the decency not to put Frank’s sperm in a machine to separate the X’s from the Y’s! There is a line below which we will not go!” – Delivered during a chaotic family dinner, this quote exposes the deep-seated resentments and vicious backstabbing among the relatives.
• Frank: “I never liked Uncle Joe. I mean, as a person. I like him just fine as a dying millionaire.” – Frank, one of the greedy nephews, delivers this line with deadpan sarcasm, perfectly encapsulating the family’s disingenuous attitudes towards their wealthy uncle.
• Daniel: “What do you think, does family come first?” – Daniel poses this rhetorical question as he struggles with his own moral compass, caught between his genuine affection for Uncle Joe and the allure of his fortune.
• Uncle Joe: “I’m richer than shit.” – Joe gleefully reveals this at the very end of the film, exposing his elaborate scheme to test his family’s love and loyalty, proving he was never truly broke.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,137,484
• Worldwide Gross: $13,137,484

💥 Greedy Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I totally stumbled upon *Greedy* and what a wild ride! Honestly, I went in just for Michael J. Fox, but this movie completely blew me away. The whole premise of a family circling a rich uncle like vultures is hilariously dark. I mean, the dinner scenes where they’re subtly (and not-so-subtly) backstabbing each other? Pure gold! Phil Hartman as Frank was an absolute scene-stealer; every time he opened his mouth, I was laughing out loud. And Kirk Douglas as Uncle Joe? He plays the mischievous old man perfectly. It’s got a few twists that genuinely surprised me, especially near the end. It’s definitely one of those underrated comedies that deserves so much more love. I ended up feeling pretty satisfied with how everything wrapped up, and it even made me think a bit about family dynamics, but mostly, it just made me laugh.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michael J. Fox’s comedic work”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ensemble comedies”
  • “Audiences interested in satirical takes on family dynamics and greed”
  • “Fans of Phil Hartman’s unique brand of humor”
  • “Those looking for underrated 90s comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of greed and manipulation”
  • “Some comedic vulgarity”
  • “Dysfunctional family behavior”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFocus Daily: “Greedy is a wickedly sharp comedy that plunges headfirst into the depths of familial avarice. Phil Hartman absolutely shines as the conniving patriarch of the money-hungry McTeague clan, delivering every acidic line with deadpan brilliance. Director Jonathan Lynn masterfully orchestrates the chaotic ensemble, crafting a film that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly insightful about human nature. It’s an underrated gem that deserves a wider audience, proving that sometimes, the most twisted families make for the best entertainment.
• ScreenSpeak Magazine: “This forgotten gem is a masterclass in comedic storytelling, serving up a delightful blend of sharp dialogue and unexpected narrative turns. Michael J. Fox brings his signature charm, navigating a world where everyone, including himself, grapples with the allure of wealth. Kirk Douglas is a mischievous delight, cleverly pulling the strings of his desperate relatives. While the film’s tone shifts, its core message about integrity versus avarice resonates powerfully, culminating in an ending that is both clever and deeply satisfying.

Audience Reactions

Viewers universally loved Phil Hartman’s comedic performance and the hilariously dysfunctional family interactions.: Many agree it’s a highly underrated ’90s comedy with sharp dialogue and a uniquely twisted sense of humor that makes it a must-watch.

The clever plot twists and the surprisingly satisfying, unpredictable ending were a major hit with audiences.: People consistently praise its intelligent script and the unexpected depth it brings to a seemingly simple story about greed.

Overall Consensus: Greedy is widely considered an exceptionally underrated black comedy, celebrated for its witty script, strong ensemble cast (especially Phil Hartman and Kirk Douglas), and surprising twists that keep audiences entertained and engaged about the comedic perils of family inheritance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was Kirk Douglas’s last film role completed before he suffered a major stroke in 1996, which significantly altered his acting.”
• “Michael J. Fox underwent extensive training with professional bowler Johnny Petraglia for months to realistically portray his character, achieving a respectable 175 average.”
• “Director Jonathan Lynn also has a cameo role in the film as Douglas, Uncle Joe’s British butler.”
• “The screenplay for ‘Greedy’ was written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, who are also known for writing the hit comedy ‘City Slickers’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Greedy?

The satirical comedy ‘Greedy’ (1994) is available for streaming via rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check your preferred platform for the most current availability and pricing to enjoy this classic film at home.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Knives Out (2019): Shares the core premise of a wealthy patriarch, his greedy relatives, and a battle for inheritance, infused with a sharp comedic tone and unexpected twists.
• Death at a Funeral (2007): Features a dysfunctional family gathering that descends into chaotic and dark comedic revelations, similar to the backstabbing and absurd situations in ‘Greedy’.
• My Cousin Vinny (1992): Also directed by Jonathan Lynn, it shares a similar style of intelligent, dialogue-driven comedy with a strong ensemble cast and sharp character interactions.
• Game Night (2018): An ensemble comedy featuring a group of characters navigating escalating absurd situations with dark humor and unexpected twists, appealing to fans of ‘Greedy’s’ comedic tone.
• The Big Lebowski (1998): While different in plot, its quirky characters, absurd situations, and a central bowling theme (as mentioned in ‘Greedy’ reviews) could appeal to fans of offbeat comedies.

🛒 Greedy Related Products

• Greedy (Widescreen Remastered Edition) Blu-ray: Experience the hilariously sharp comedy ‘Greedy’ in stunning high definition with this remastered Blu-ray. Features behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews, offering a deeper dive into the film’s production and comedic genius.
• The Phil Hartman Comedy Collection (DVD Set): A curated collection featuring some of Phil Hartman’s most iconic film and TV performances. Relive his unparalleled comedic timing and character work that made him a legend.
• The Psychology of Greed: Why We Want More: An insightful non-fiction book exploring the psychological underpinnings of avarice, mirroring the themes of inheritance and familial conflict seen in ‘Greedy’. Offers a deeper understanding of human motivation.
• High-Performance Bowling Ball with Custom Engraving: High-performance bowling ball, customizable with your name or a movie-inspired quote, for serious bowlers or dedicated fans. Evokes Daniel McTeague’s passion for the sport before he got caught up in family drama.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Inka Dinka Doo” – performed by Jimmy Durante

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Princess Punished Greedy Witch (Don’t Be Greedy) 👩👸 #shorts #FairyTalesShorts #fairytales

Ever wonder what happens when greed takes over, even in fairy tales? This super popular short gives a fun, quick look at the consequences of being greedy, which might make you think twice!

Greedy dad screwed up!!! #shorts #funny

You’ve seen characters in movies mess up because of greed, but this short shows a ‘greedy dad’ making hilarious mistakes that are just too relatable. It’s a quick laugh with a familiar theme!

Good Prince vs Greedy Princess 👸👱 (Which you are❓) #shorts #FairyTalesShorts #fairytales

Do you think you’re more like a good prince or a greedy princess? This short challenges you to consider the different sides of human nature, especially when it comes to wanting more!

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