Throw Momma from the Train Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Danny DeVito
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Release year: 1987
Runtime (length): 1h 28min
IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (48k votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two guys with mommy and wife issues decide to ‘criss-cross’ murders, but things get hilariously complicated when one mom refuses to be thrown off a train.

🍿 Throw Momma from the Train: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Larry’s Writer’s Block and Owen’s Overbearing Mother

Larry Donner, a struggling writer and teacher, is plagued by writer’s block after his ex-wife, Margaret, steals his novel and becomes a successful author. Meanwhile, Owen Lift, one of Larry’s students, lives with his domineering and abusive mother, Mrs. Lift. Owen fantasizes about getting rid of her, leading to dark and comedic thoughts.

Inspired by Hitchcock: The Criss-Cross Murder Plot

After watching ‘Strangers on a Train,’ Owen misunderstands Larry’s advice about eliminating motive and alibi in a murder mystery. He proposes a ‘criss-cross’ murder plot: Owen will kill Margaret, and Larry will kill Mrs. Lift. Larry dismisses it as a joke, but Owen takes the plan seriously and travels to Hawaii.

Margaret’s ‘Accidental’ Death and Larry’s Predicament

Owen returns from Hawaii, claiming to have killed Margaret. Larry, now a suspect due to his public animosity towards his ex-wife, panics and finds himself caught in Owen’s twisted scheme. He is pressured to uphold his end of the bargain while trying to avoid police suspicion.

Hiding with the Lifts and the Failed Murder Attempts

Larry hides out with Owen and his mother, facing Mrs. Lift’s constant insults and abuse. He makes several clumsy attempts to kill her, each ending in comical failure. The situation escalates as Larry’s sanity is tested by the overbearing Mrs. Lift.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

The Train Ride and the Accidental Fall

Larry, Owen, and Mrs. Lift end up on a train to Mexico. Larry attempts to throw Mrs. Lift off the train but stops when she almost falls accidentally. Owen saves his mother, and Mrs. Lift unintentionally kicks Larry, causing him to fall onto the tracks and break his leg. This incident becomes the catalyst for the film’s resolution. The train scene underscores the farcical nature of the intended crime, culminating in an accidental injury rather than a deliberate act of murder.

Margaret’s Survival and a Writer’s Transformation

While recovering in the hospital, Larry learns that Margaret is alive. She survived the fall and is now marrying a Polynesian fisherman. Larry realizes his obsession with Margaret has fueled his writer’s block. He decides to let go of his resentment and focus on his own life.

Success and Friendship

A year later, Larry has written a successful novel based on his experiences, titled ‘Throw Momma from the Train.’ Owen, too, has written a book—a children’s pop-up book called ‘Momma, Owen, and Owen’s Friend Larry,’ a sanitized version of their story. The film concludes with Larry, Owen, and Larry’s girlfriend on vacation in Hawaii, now successful writers and close friends. This ending emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the transformative power of storytelling.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Larry Donner (Billy Crystal): A bitter, blocked writer and professor who becomes entangled in a murder plot with his student.
Owen Lift (Danny DeVito): A timid, mama’s boy and aspiring writer who proposes a murder swap with his writing teacher.
Momma Lift (Anne Ramsey): Owen’s overbearing and abusive mother, who is the target of the proposed murder swap.
Margaret Donner (Kate Mulgrew): Larry’s successful ex-wife, whose success fuels his resentment and becomes the initial target of the murder plot.
Beth Ryan (Kim Greist): Larry’s patient girlfriend who supports him despite his obsession with his ex-wife.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Owen: “Criss-cross.” – Owen explains his ‘Strangers on a Train’-inspired murder plot to Larry.
Momma: “Owen doesn’t have any friends. He’s stupid.” – Momma insults Owen, highlighting her abusive and demeaning nature.
Owen: “You lied to me!” – Owen’s dramatic outburst after Momma exposes ‘Cousin Paddy’ as a lie, followed by hitting Larry with a pan.
Larry: “Class dismissed, I suddenly have a headache in my eye.” – Larry’s sarcastic dismissal of his writing class, showcasing his cynical personality.

💰Box Office

Budget: $14,000,000
Domestic Gross: $57,915,972
Worldwide Gross: $57,915,972

💥 Throw Momma from the Train Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this movie as a kid and I still crack up every time. Anne Ramsey is just incredible! I love how over-the-top her character is, and how Billy Crystal just gets more and more exasperated with her. The scene where Owen introduces Larry as ‘Cousin Paddy’ always makes me laugh out loud. It’s not high art, but it’s hilarious escapism. It’s funny, but not a gut buster. The scene with Owen saying ‘You lied to me’, is comedy gold.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark comedy”
- “Viewers who appreciate films inspired by Alfred Hitchcock”
- “Fans of Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal”
- “Adults interested in dysfunctional family dynamics”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor and language”
- “Depictions of attempted murder”
- “Suggestive themes”
- “Mature subject matter”

Professional Reviews

Variety: “DeVito’s direction complements his acting with scene-setting focused on dialogue, while humorous unreality keeps the audience engaged. Crystal and DeVito have great chemistry.
The New York Times: “While the film has its moments, it doesn’t quite sustain the humor throughout. Crystal and DeVito are talented, but the script often falls flat. Anne Ramsey shines as the overbearing mother.
RogerEbert.com: “A fun comic adventure, both Danny DeVito and Bill Crystal are funny, while Anne Ramsey’s Oscar-nominated role of Momma is hysterically frightening. There are a lot of laughs in this film, especially the classic “One Hundred Girls I’d Like to Fork” story.

Audience Reactions

Anne Ramsey’s portrayal of Momma Lift is iconic and steals every scene she’s in.: Viewers consistently praise the dark humor and performances, especially Anne Ramsey’s.

Overall Consensus: A dark comedy elevated by its strong performances, particularly Anne Ramsey, but with a somewhat uneven script that may not appeal to all tastes.

Awards

Saturn Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1988

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“Anne Ramsey’s speech impediment was a result of surgeries she underwent for throat cancer. During filming, she was experiencing intense pain but never asked to be excused from work.”
“The film is a dark comedy take on Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers on a Train’, with the plot revolving around a ‘criss-cross’ murder plot.”
“Director Danny DeVito’s father-in-law, Philip Perlman, makes a cameo appearance in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Throw Momma from the Train?

As a classic film, ‘Throw Momma from the Train’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable and satellite services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Throw Momma from the Train, you might like these similar films:

Strangers on a Train (1951): The original inspiration for the plot, involving a murder pact between two strangers.
The War of the Roses (1989): Another dark comedy directed by Danny DeVito, featuring a dysfunctional relationship and escalating conflict.
Matilda (1996): Directed by Danny DeVito, it shares a dark humor element and features an overbearing, cruel character.
Heathers (1988): A dark comedy from the same era that also deals with taboo subjects and features a cynical worldview.
I, Tonya (2017): A modern black comedy that uses dark humor to explore the dysfunctional relationships within a unconventional family.

🛒 Throw Momma from the Train Related Products

Throw Momma from the Train [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray release allows fans to enjoy the film in pristine quality, with potential bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
Throw Momma from the Train Movie Poster: A quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Great for decorating a home theater or fan cave.
“Momma Knows Best” T-Shirt: A T-shirt featuring a memorable quote or image of Anne Ramsey as Momma Lift.
Strangers on a Train (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: The classic Hitchcock film that inspired ‘Throw Momma from the Train’, presented in a definitive Criterion Collection edition.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

“Larry’s Song” – performed by Branford Marsalis

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

🤨 FAQ

Is ‘Throw Momma from the Train’ based on a true story?

No, ‘Throw Momma from the Train’ is not based on a true story. It is a dark comedy loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s film ‘Strangers on a Train’.

Where was ‘Throw Momma from the Train’ filmed?

‘Throw Momma from the Train’ was filmed in various locations, including Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, California.

Who played Momma in ‘Throw Momma from the Train’?

Anne Ramsey played the role of Momma Lift in ‘Throw Momma from the Train’. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

What is the meaning behind the title ‘Throw Momma from the Train’?

The title is a literal reference to the plot where Larry contemplates throwing Owen’s mother from a train, and a metaphorical reference to getting rid of the negative influences in one’s life.

🔥 Bonus Content

Anne Ramsey Makes A Call (R.I.P)….(reupload)

Remember Anne Ramsey’s unforgettable performance in ‘Throw Momma From the Train’? This short clip compiles some of her most hilarious lines. It’s a great way to relive her brilliance, she was an amazing actress!

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