Ruthless People Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy is thrilled his wife gets kidnapped because he was going to kill her anyway, but then everyone double-crosses everyone, resulting in maximum 80s mayhem and spandex.

🍿 Ruthless People: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Sam’s Plan

Sam Stone, a wealthy but unscrupulous businessman, intends to murder his wife Barbara for her inheritance. He informs his mistress, Carol, of his plan, detailing his intent to use chloroform. However, when Sam arrives home to carry out the deed, he finds Barbara missing, foiling his initial attempt.

The Kidnapping

Sam receives a call informing him that Barbara has been kidnapped and a ransom of $500,000 is demanded. Delighted by this turn of events, Sam sees it as an opportunity to be rid of his wife without getting his hands dirty. He informs the police, hoping they won’t find her alive. However, the kidnappers are Ken and Sandy Kessler, a struggling couple who Sam wronged in the past by stealing Sandy’s design idea.

Blackmail and Mistaken Identity

Carol, seeking to exploit the situation, enlists her dim-witted boyfriend Earl to videotape Sam disposing of Barbara’s body, planning to blackmail him. However, Earl mistakenly records a compromising encounter between a police chief and a prostitute, believing it to be Sam committing murder. This mistaken identity sets off a chain of chaotic events involving blackmail and cover-ups.

Barbara’s Transformation

While held captive, Barbara begins an exercise regimen out of boredom and unexpectedly loses weight. This transformation leads to a bonding with Sandy, and Barbara uncovers Sam’s affair, realizing he wanted her dead. She decides to team up with the Kesslers for revenge, further complicating the situation with shifting alliances and comedic twists.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Barbara Stone (Bette Midler): The wealthy, outspoken wife who is kidnapped but ultimately thrives and seeks revenge on her deceitful husband.
• Sam Stone (Danny DeVito): The ruthless and greedy businessman who is delighted his wife is kidnapped and refuses to pay the ransom.
• Ken Kessler (Judge Reinhold): One half of the bumbling kidnapping duo, seeking revenge against Sam Stone for stealing his wife’s design.
• Sandy Kessler (Helen Slater): The aspiring fashion designer and wife of Ken, who initially seeks revenge but ultimately bonds with Barbara.
• Carol (Anita Morris): Sam’s mistress who plots to blackmail him with the help of her dim-witted boyfriend.
• Earl (Bill Pullman): Carol’s dim-witted boyfriend who gets involved in a blackmail scheme that goes hilariously wrong.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Barbara: “I’ve been kidnapped by K-Mart!” – Barbara shouts this in disbelief when realizing the low-rent operation of her kidnappers.
• Ken: “You lying @#$*%^!!! Oh, honey, they made me say that too!” – Ken Kessler tries to act tough while delivering a threat during a phone call.
• Sam: “My only regret, Carol, is that the plan isn’t more violent.” – Sam expresses his desire for Barbara’s demise to his mistress.
• The Bedroom Killer: “You look like my mother. I hate my mother.” – The Bedroom Killer says this upon breaking into the Kessler’s house and seeing Barbara.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $71,624,879
• Worldwide Gross: $71,624,879

💥 Ruthless People Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! It’s a classic 80s comedy with so many twists and turns, you’re never bored. Bette Midler is amazing as Barbara, and Danny DeVito is perfectly despicable as Sam. The scene where Barbara is yelling obscenities on the phone, claiming the kidnappers are making her do it, makes me laugh every time. And the dynamic with the Kesslers is just gold! It’s a must-see for any comedy fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Those who enjoy 80s movies”
  • “Viewers who like ensemble casts”
  • “Fans of Bette Midler and Danny DeVito”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief violence”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “A broad farce that relies on caricature and exaggerated situations. While the performances are energetic, the film lacks the sharp wit needed to elevate it beyond slapstick. The relentless pace can be exhausting, but occasional moments of genuine humor offer brief respite.
• Film Stories: “This film delivers non-stop laughs from beginning to end with a great ensemble cast. Bette Midler is hilarious, and Danny DeVito is delightfully nasty. The movie is closer in style to British farce than any other American film.

Audience Reactions

Bette Midler’s performance is the highlight, bringing outrageous energy and comedic timing.: The film is praised for its fast-paced humor and the cast’s comedic performances.

Overall Consensus: A funny and chaotic 80s comedy with memorable performances and absurd situations, though it might not appeal to everyone.

Awards

1. American Comedy Awards (Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bette Midler claims that Danny DeVito called her twice after the premiere of this film: once to congratulate her, and a second time, 20 minutes later, during which he and Midler both broke down in a nervous frenzy over how terrible the movie was, and how their careers were over. The film went on to become a box-office smash.”
• “The film is loosely based on the O. Henry short story ‘The Ransom of Red Chief,’ where kidnappers find their victim is more trouble than he’s worth.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ruthless People?

As of October 2024, ‘Ruthless People’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ruthless People, you might like these similar films:

• Throw Momma from the Train (1987): A dark comedy about people wanting to get rid of someone in their lives and dealing with the consequences.
• Get Shorty (1995): A crime comedy with Danny DeVito, showcasing his talent for playing similar characters in comedic situations.
• Fargo (1996): A dark crime comedy involving a kidnapping scheme gone wrong, with quirky characters and unexpected twists.
• A Fish Called Wanda (1988): A British heist comedy with ensemble cast, similar wit and humor and also includes kidnapping plot.

🛒 Ruthless People Related Products

• Ruthless People [Blu-ray]: Own the upscaled version of the classic 80s comedy! The Blu-ray version provides enhanced picture quality for a more immersive viewing experience. Perfect for fans of Bette Midler and Danny DeVito.
• Judge Reinhold Autographed Photo: A rare signed photo of Judge Reinhold as Ken Kessler. Perfect for autograph collectors and fans of the movie. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
• 80s Retro Party Accessories: A set of accessories that matches the 80s theme in the movie. Including a mini skirt and leg warmers!
• Airplane! (1980) [Blu-ray]: From the directors of Ruthless People. Airplane! Is a comedy classic. Filled with great sight gags!

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ruthless People Theme” – performed by Mick Jagger

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Could Very Well Be The Stupidest Person On The Face Of The Earth

Remember that hilariously clueless character from ‘Ruthless People’? This short clip perfectly sums up their personality – you won’t believe how ridiculous they are!

Extravagant 80s fashion – a scene from Ruthless People (1986)

Okay, the plot of ‘Ruthless People’ is wild, but have you SEEN the fashion? This clip highlights the gloriously extra 80s outfits, and honestly, I’m living for it. Take a look!

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