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Title: Ruthless People (1986)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Danny DeVito | ... | Sam Stone | |
| Bette Midler | ... | Barbara Stone | |
| Judge Reinhold | ... | Ken Kessler | |
| Helen Slater | ... | Sandy Kessler | |
| Anita Morris | ... | Carol | |
| Bill Pullman | ... | Earl | |
 |
William G. Schilling | ... | Police Commissioner |
| Art Evans | ... | Lt. Bender | |
| Clarence Felder | ... | Lt. Walters | |
| J.E. Freeman | ... | Bedroom Killer | |
| Gary Riley | ... | Heavy Metal Kid | |
| Phyllis Applegate | ... | Loan Officer | |
|
|
Jeannine Bisignano | ... | Hooker in Car |
|
|
J.P. Bumstead | ... | Technician |
|
|
Jon Cutler | ... | Stereo Store Customer |
Sam Stone (Danny DeVito) is a clothing manufacturer, who married his wife Barbara (Bette Midler), for the money that she was supposed to inherit from her dying father, but her father didn't die for another fifteen years. He is now planning to kill her and he tells his girlfriend Carol Dodsworth (Anita Morris) what he is going to do. He then on his way home to do just that but when he gets there, she's not there. He then receives a call from someone claiming to have kidnapped Barbara and threatening to kill her if he informs the police, which he does hoping that they do. What Stone doesn't know is that the kidnappers, Ken (Judge Reinhold) and Sandy (Helen Slater) Kessler are a couple whose idea for a garment he stole and made fortune off, are not that lethal, as a matter of fact Barbara's more lethal. And what Stone doesn't know is that Carol, has another boyfriend named Earl Mott (Bill Pullman), and they plan to blackmail Sam, by videotaping him disposing of Barbara's body. When Earl ... Written by <rcs0411@yahoo.com>
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"Ruthless People" has one of the best premises in film comedy history.
Spandex miniskirt millionaire Sam Stone (Danny DeVito) plans to kill his battle axe wife (Bette Midler) for her inheritance. However, his plan is put on hold when she is kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers threaten to kill her if Sam doesn't pay, which is a-o.k. with Sam, and means he doesn't have to do his own dirty work. But the kidnappers (Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater) are too kind hearted to follow through with what they start. Meanwhile, Sam's floozy mistress (a smokin' Anita Morris) knows about Sam's plans, and sends her doofus boyfriend (Bill Pullman) out to videotape what he thinks is Sam killing his wife so that they can blackmail him.
This is a lot of plot to cram into a brisk 90 minutes, but this well written film never feels forced or rushed. Every scene conveys something important either for the story or about one of the characters, and not a moment feels wasted. The ensemble is terrific, each actor landing his/her jokes without fail. The standouts, though, are Bette Midler, who gives an outrageously vulgar performance pitched to the third balcony; and Judge Reinhold, who gives the film its heart.
One of the most quotable movies ever, the film also boasts a great opening credits sequence, one more reason to lament the fact that movies hardly ever have opening credits anymore.
Grade: A+