The Survivors Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two down-on-their-luck guys accidentally foil a hitman, so one becomes a survivalist while the other just wants his gas station back; pure 80s silliness.

🍿 The Survivors: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Unexpected Job Loss

Sonny Paluso (Walter Matthau), a gas station owner, and Donald Quinelle (Robin Williams), a corporate executive, both experience sudden job losses. Sonny’s gas station is destroyed in an accident, while Donald is comically fired by his boss’s parrot. This sets the stage for their unlikely meeting and subsequent adventures as they navigate unemployment and a changing world.

The Diner Robbery

Destitute and frustrated, Sonny and Donald find themselves at the same diner. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a robber, Jack Locke (Jerry Reed), attempts to hold up the establishment. Sonny and Donald unexpectedly foil the robbery, becoming local heroes, but also making an enemy of the now-exposed Jack.

Targeted by a Hitman

After seeing Donald on television, Jack, revealed to be a professional hitman between jobs, decides to eliminate Sonny and Donald to prevent them from identifying him. This marks a shift in the narrative as the two men become the targets of a determined and dangerous adversary. Donald’s response is to arm himself and learn survival skills.

Survivalist Training and Confrontation

Fearing for his safety and disillusioned with modern society, Donald joins a survivalist group in Vermont, immersing himself in weapons training and survival techniques. Sonny, concerned for Donald’s well-being, attempts to bring him back to reality, but their efforts are complicated by Jack’s relentless pursuit, culminating in a confrontation at the survivalist camp.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sonny Paluso (Walter Matthau): A grumpy gas station owner who loses his business and becomes entangled in a dangerous situation with a hitman.
• Donald Quinelle (Robin Williams): An unemployed executive who becomes obsessed with survivalism after a robbery attempt.
• Jack Locke (Jerry Reed): A hitman who initially attempts a robbery and develops a grudge against Sonny and Donald.
• Wes Huntley (James Wainwright): The leader of the survivalist group Donald joins, embodying the film’s satire of the movement.
• Candice Paluso (Kristen Vigard): Sonny’s teenage daughter who adds a layer of family dynamic amidst the chaos.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Donald Quinelle: “What kind of man gives cigarettes to trees?” – Donald expresses his confusion and disbelief upon seeing the hitman Jack offering a cigarette to a tree.
• Jack Locke: “I place a very high value on human life – $25,000.” – Jack states his fee for killing someone, highlighting his cynical and mercenary nature.
• Donald Quinelle: “This will be like skiing, except for the booby traps.” – Donald compares his survivalist training to skiing to his fiancee.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $14,000,000

💥 The Survivors Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this on VHS as a kid and being so confused, yet somehow entertained. Robin Williams is, well, Robin Williams. That means full-throttle zaniness. The scene in the survivalist camp where he’s trying to be Rambo is pure gold! I especially loved how Jerry Reed played the bad guy like he was just trying to make a living, not necessarily evil. Sure, it’s goofy, but that’s why it’s a fun watch for me!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robin Williams and Walter Matthau”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate dark humor and satire”
  • “Audiences interested in films with social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gunplay”
  • “Some crude humor”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘The Survivors’ isn’t a comedic masterpiece, the pairing of Matthau and Williams provides enough laughs to make it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of their individual styles. The satire of the early ’80s paranoia adds a layer of relevance.
• New York Times: “‘The Survivors’ struggles to find a consistent tone, bouncing between slapstick and social commentary. Williams’ manic energy is present, but Matthau’s deadpan delivery often feels at odds with the film’s overall direction, resulting in a mixed bag of comedic moments.

Audience Reactions

The comedic timing between Walter Matthau and Robin Williams is what makes this movie worth watching.: Most viewers found the one-liners and quirky situations genuinely funny, especially the scenes at the survivalist camp.

Overall Consensus: A somewhat underrated comedy with strong performances from Matthau and Williams, though the plot may be too silly for some.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Walter Matthau replaced Joseph Bologna in the co-starring lead role of Sonny Paluso after Bologna left the production due to ‘creative differences’ after two weeks of filming.”
• “The film satirizes aspects of American society in the early 1980s, including unemployment, corporate culture, and the growing survivalist movement.”
• “Robin Williams’ performance allowed for improvisation and physical comedy, while Walter Matthau played the straight man, creating comedic contrast.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Survivors?

Currently, “The Survivors” (1983) is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. However, you can often find it for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s best to check these services directly. Check JustWatch to compare offers. You can search Amazon to purchase on DVD or Blu-ray, and support this site.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Survivors, you might like these similar films:

• Falling Down (1993): Features a man pushed to the edge by societal frustrations, similar to the themes explored in The Survivors.
• Stripes (1981): A comedy about disillusioned individuals finding purpose (or lack thereof) in an unconventional group (the army in Stripes, a survivalist camp in The Survivors).
• The World According to Garp (1982): Another early Robin Williams film from the same era showcasing his comedic talent alongside dramatic elements, appealing to fans of his versatile performances.

🛒 The Survivors Related Products

• The Survivors [Blu-ray]: Enjoy ‘The Survivors’ in high definition. This Blu-ray edition offers improved video and audio quality, allowing you to fully appreciate the comedic performances of Walter Matthau and Robin Williams.
• Robin Williams: Come Inside [DVD]: Experience the comedic genius of Robin Williams in this stand-up special. While not directly related to ‘The Survivors’, it showcases the comedic brilliance that made Williams a beloved entertainer.
• Walter Matthau – Quintessential Collection [DVD]: A collection of Walter Matthau’s most iconic movies. This set allows you to enjoy more of his acting.
• Survival Gear Kit: A comprehensive survival kit for outdoor adventures. Though inspired by the survivalist themes of the movie, this is practical gear for camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Every Man a King” – performed by Randy Newman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Wow, the plot and reality can sometimes mirror each other, in very sad ways. This video depicts the social injustices that may have taken place during the eras in which this movie took place.

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