Ruthless People DVD > Reviews > One Of The Funniest Black Comedies You Will See

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Hilarious from first joke to last, Great Actors, Intelligent Writing, Everything really
Disadvantages:	Some may be offended by some of the jokes .  .  .  . or characters motivations, for that matter .  .  .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

<<<<< TITLE: Ruthless People >>>>>

<<<<< RATING: ****½ >>>>>

<<<<< CAST: Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater, Bill Pullman, Anita Morris, William G. Schilling, Art Evans, Clarence Felder, J.E. Freeman, Gary Riley, Phyllis Applegate, Jeannine Bisignano, J.P. Bumstead, Jon Cutler, Susan Marie Snyder, Jim Doughan, Christopher J. Keene. >>>>>

<<<<< DIRECTORS: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, & Jerry Zucker >>>>>

<<<<< STUDIO: Touchstone Pictures >>>>>

<<<<< RUNNING TIME: 94 MIN. >>>>>

<<<<< RATED: R (US), 18 (UK---original rating), 15 (UK---video rating) >>>>>

<<<<< There Are Two Words That Really Get Me Excited >>>>>

No, I’m not talking about Drew Barrymore. I’m talking about RUTHLESS PEOPLE, one of the greatest black comedies ever brought to the screen. After watching the dreadful adaptation of THE CAT IN THE HAT (with Mike Myers), I had to watch another film that knows how to make the audience laugh. I’ve always believed in the philosophy that comedy is all about reaction, and this film surely is all about reactions to situations that are utterly ridiculous and sometimes unbelievable. True, this is a movie, and the chances of a scenario like this happening in real life are pretty much nil. However, that’s just another reason to sit down and watch. I wouldn’t be lying in saying the first time I watched this film back in high school, I laughed almost every single second of the film, that I had to watch it a second time just to catch all that I missed…yet, there was still jokes that I missed. I ended up buying it on DVD several years ago, and every time I watch it the laughter has not decreased one iota…in other words, it’s one of those few comedies that I can watch multiple times and never get tired of it.

Being that this is a comedy from the ZAZ team (Zucker, Abrahams, & Zucker), the crazy guys behind the movies AIRPLANE!, TOP SECRET!, and THE NAKED GUN! films, it’s not hard to believe this film is hilarious from start to finish. However, RUTHLESS PEOPLE is quite different in many ways from the other films from ZAZ; first off, in case you haven’t noticed, the film doesn’t have an explanation point at the end of its title, like the others do. RUTHLESS PEOPLE is actually a very sophisticated and smart comedy, that is sometimes punctuated by raunchy humor sure, though it is the only film from the ZAZ team that doesn’t resort to visual gags all over the place. Most of the film is based on laugh-out-loud one-liners, sardonic nastiness, and outrageous reactions, enclosed in a complex puzzle of sex, lies, and videotape that has more twists and turns than a pretzel factory. If you have never seen this film, or let alone even heard of it, you are in for a real treat. When you read about the plot, you will no doubt EXPLODE with laughter!

<<<<< Bette Midler Gets Abducted By Huey And Duey >>>>>

As we see that touchstone logo running all the way to the left of the screen, we are introduced to a bouncy rock score that sets up a clever animated title sequence, which was designed by Sally Cruickshank, and complemented by a great title tune by Mick Jagger. We then come to a restaurant where Sam Stone is having lunch with his sexy mistress. Stone is expressing his disdain for being married to such a “pasty-faced troll,” and explains how he hates everything about her, including how she licks stamps. He wants to get his greedy little hands on his wife’s fortune, considering that was the only reason why he married her in the first place. So, he plots an elaborate scheme to knock her out with some chloroform and throw her off the cliff near the famous Hollywood sign. He drives home to carry out the deed, but can’t find his wife anywhere! Soon he gets a phone call from a man who won’t identify himself, but explains to Stone that he has just kidnapped his wife and wants $500,000 or she will be killed. At first Stone thinks it’s a joke, but then realizes that it isn’t, as the kidnapper says, “If you notify the police, she will be killed. If you notify the media, she will be killed. If you turn away from our instructions in any way, it will be considered an infraction of the rules, and your wife will be killed. Do you understand?” During this time, a huge smile comes upon his face, and he just says, “Perfectly!!!” Needless to say, the cops and the media arrive at Stone’s house within minutes after the phone call.

Meanwhile, we soon meet Barbara Stone’s kidnappers, in the form of a broke couple named Ken and Sandy Kessler. We also learn that the reason they have abducted Mrs. Stone is that Sam stole Sandy’s fashion idea involving mini-skirts, as well as ran off with their life savings. The Kesslers discover the type of woman that Barbara is, as she comes off as loud and thoroughly obnoxious. When Barbara complains that their basement smells like a toilet, they try to convince her that they cleaned it for hours to have it ready for her. Soon, Mrs. Stone starts screaming, “My husband worships the ground I walk on!! When he hears about this, he will EXPLODE!” At that moment, Sam explodes open a bottle of champagne and starts to celebrate! In the meantime, Sam’s mistress and her real boyfriend (a dim-witted lunkhead named Earl) have their own plans, and that is to record Sam killing his wife, get their own ransom and then fly off to Tahiti together. There is another character that figures into this quicksand of crime, and that is a serial killer known only as “The Bedroom Killer.” Sound original? You got it! Sound hilarious? Another reason why you have to see the film for yourselves!

<<<<< The Definitive 80s Cast In The Definite 80s Comedy >>>>>

Released in 1986, this film became the surprise box office smash of the year, and it’s easy to see why. This was made at the peak of Danny DeVito’s and Bette Midler’s careers. DeVito plays Sam Stone with such nasty candor, delivering his lines perfectly to the point that every time he speaks he manages to elicit a laugh. After his success on the television sitcom “Taxi” and his memorable comic character in ROMANCING THE STONE, this was surely an ideal part for him. However, Midler is the one that literally steals RUTHLESS PEOPLE; her whiny attitude and irresistible comic zing makes her role as Mrs. Stone one of her best performances, if her not her absolute best. Well, it surely is different than her famous dramatic roles in FOR THE BOYS and BEACHES, made at the height of her career as a skilled comic actress. As obnoxious as she is onscreen, we root for her character every step of the way, hoping she will get her revenge against her slimy and heartless husband.

In the role of the Kesslers, we have strong support from character actors Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater. Reinhold is best known for playing Eddie Murphy’s partner in the BEVERLY HILLS COP films, and here is always up to the challenge of being funny as a guy who is trying in every way to become ruthless and as threatening, though realizes that his inexperience outweighs his goals. Of course, anyone that is dumb enough to chloroform himself needs a little training in the kidnapping field. Slater does a fine job as Reinhold’s wife, even if her character is seen less times than the other actors, usually being afraid of Midler’s unpredictable actions and being supportive to her husband as much as she can. It’s a shame that she didn’t get more roles soon after RUTHLESS PEOPLE because she is very talented, particularly after making her screen debut in 1984’s SUPERGIRL, and following upon that with delightful performances in THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS (with Michael J. Fox) and CITY SLICKERS.

For all you fans of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, this film marked the debut for Bill Pullman, and his supporting role here is quite interesting and funny. He plays Earl with such likeable stupidity that he makes Gomer Pyle seem like Albert Einstein. Yet, Carol (Sam’s mistress) loves having sex with him, particularly when he uses a “dust buster” to get her off in one of the movie’s funniest scenes. Anita Morris plays Carol as a sexy redheaded bombshell basically, and that’s it, though she is still gives an amusing performance; sadly, she died in 1994 due to cancer. Ironically, she played Barbara Whiteman in the television spinoff of the 1986 film DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS---which was played by Bette Midler in the film version with Richard Dreyfuss and Nick Nolte. There is also immense support provided by Art Evans and Clarence Felder as two lieutenants assigned to Stone’s case.

<<<<< Ransom of Red Dale And ZAZ >>>>>

Gifted screenwriter Dale Launer wrote the spicy and hilarious RUTHLESS PEOPLE, and it is mysteriously one of the only ones he ever wrote. For those of you who don’t know, Launer also wrote the hit films DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS with Steve Martin and Michael Caine, as well as MY COUSIN VINNY with Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei. Then in 1992, he made his directorial debut for LOVE POITION NO. 9, one of Sandra Bullock’s early films---then he completely disappeared from the Hollywood scene and hasn’t been heard again since. RUTHLESS PEOPLE is his first script, which is utterly amazing, and really shows his talent as a writer. Inspired by a classic story by O. Henry called “Ransom of Red Chief” which also involved a kidnapping, Launer has written a script that not only promises laughs and then some, but actually has a very well developed plot and story, which is extremely rare for the contemporary comedy; I especially love the triple-twist that climaxes the film. While the terrific performances by the principal actors are what brings the film to life, it is Launer that actually wrote it and brought it to the attention of the ZAZ team. What has happened to him I don’t know, though I’m sure he could have written so many more great screenplays.

Known to their most faithful fans, the ZAZ team is a comedy group that formed a variety show in Kentucky consisting of skits and sketches in a Monty Python-like mode. In 1977, they hit the screen for the first time with KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE, which was basically a compilation of their most funny creations at the Kentucky Fried Theatre, before they hit the big time three years later with AIRPLANE!. Unfortunately, after THE NAKED GUN! films ran their course, they split up, with David Zucker going off to direct similar comedies like BASEKETBALL and SCARY MOVIE 3 (he is currently making SCARY MOVIE 4 right now!), his brother Jerry opting for more serious projects like GHOST and FIRST KNIGHT, and Abrahams making the HOT SHOTS! films. If you ask me, I firmly believe that RUTHLESS PEOPLE is their greatest (if not most well-known) film because, as I said before, it’s completely different from everything else they have ever done, which usually rely on nonstop verbal and visual gags. I love the reactions of the people on this film, which come off as more funny than a shadow of a girl taking a shower behind a Police Squad door, or a blow-me-up airline pilot bouncing around in the cockpit. While the humor in this film can get raucous and raunchy at times, it is intelligently written and never wants to go too far. If you love any other of their films but have not seen this one, you are certainly missing out; with the credits I’ve mentioned from Dale Launer and the ZAZ time, along with that cast, you have to believe it’s one of the funniest films ever made.

<<<<< The Hair, The Music, The Costumes…Oh, The 80s Were So Cool >>>>>

While the soundtrack has tunes from many 80s singers, it has some of the most popular singers. The opening title song by Mick Jagger may be my absolute favorite, though it also has other great tunes like “Modern Woman” by Billy Joel, which is played while Barbara is working out to death to relieve her boredom…and try to lose a few pounds in the process. We also have Kool & The Gang singing “Dance Champion,” “Stand On It” by Bruce Springsteen, and “Give Me A Reason,” by Luther Vandross. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is only available on LP or cassette tape, as RUTHLESS PEOPLE came out before the emergence of CDs. It’s also has a great rock score by Grammy-nominated French composer Michel Columbier, whose most famous work may very well be his lyrical score for the romantic 1984 film AGAINST ALL ODDS.

There is a scene in the film where Helen Slater puts her hair up in typical 80’s fashion; I guess hair stylist Barbara Lorenz must have had a field day on Helen’s head when she made her look like a groupie from the time period. Alas, there is one whole sequence that make you realize it IS an 80’s movie because of all the costumes, though aside from that, this film has aged very well…the jokes surely haven’t died that’s for sure. The costumes are overflowing with color, though may make some people squint at the sight of them, because of how old they are. However, if you are a nostalgic like me, then they shouldn’t bother you in the slightest. Well, anyway, I think I’ve said enough about what the film is about and everything it has; the main reason to watch this is to laugh, and you will not be disappointed with that aspect.

<<<<< Be Ruthless One Night With This Hysterical Movie >>>>>

So sit back, have some drinks, invite some friends over, and be prepared to laugh with this great film from the ZAZ team. What I must mention in this closing paragraph is that I think this film is so underrated…it never got on the AFI’s 100 Funniest Film list, and the film today is somewhat forgotten. Like so many other great American comedies, this film hasn’t been released on Region 2 DVD yet, though you can obtain it on video for less than 10 pounds on www.amazon.co.uk. In any case, let me know what you think of the film based on this review, whether you have seen it or not. Rated R (15) for a comic sex scene, nudity, and language. Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to all your comments. Cheers!!! Oh, yes, and I hope you love the quotes…especially the last one!!! Chris xxxxx

<<<<< Ruthless Quotes You Must Read >>>>>

1) “And what do you think you are doing? Mining the carpet again with little poodle bombs!!!” --- Danny DeVito

2) “You have just f*cked with the wrong person! My husband does business with the Mafia…when he gets a hold of you, you and your entire family and friends, everyone you ever knew will all get chainsaw enemas, and that’s not all!!!” --- Bette Midler

3) “Honey, you’re her kidnapper: she is SUPPOSED to hate you! Well, let’s face it: she isn’t exactly Mother Theresa; Gandhi would have strangled her!” --- Judge Reinhold

4) “You’re rescheduling the meeting? What the hell is going on down there? I thought you people were ruthless! You said if I didn’t pay, that my wife would end up at the morgue! Well today, I was down at the morgue and she wasn’t there…YOU LIED TO ME!!!” --- Danny DeVito

5) “I gotta run…I’m sorry honey, I was hoping we would have some time for a little “poke in the whiskers.” --- Danny DeVito

6) “You mean…I have been marked down from $500,000 to $10,000 dollars!! Oh my God, I’ve been kidnapped by K-Mart!!!” --- Bette Midler

7) “Yeah, then we are off to Haiti!!!” --- Bill Pullman “Not Haiti…Tahiti!!!” --- Anita Morris “I knew that!!!” --- Bill Pullman

8) “I’m not a criminal…I can’t even sell retail…and that’s legal!” --- Judge Reinhold

9) “Hello? Yeah, Debbie’s here, whose this? Well, Debbie can’t talk right now, she has my dick in her mouth, but I’ll have you call her back as soon as she’s done! Bye!! I love wrong numbers, don’t you???” --- Danny DeVito

(The last one is great to use on a wrong number, lmao!!!)