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Poster for Throw Momma from the Train

Throw Momma from the Train

Seen it?

1987 | 88 min | Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

It's still drawing plenty of interest, but a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh.
The mood
Light and funny, tense.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 28 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.

Larry Donner, an author with a cruel ex-wife, teaches a writing workshop in which one of his students, Owen, is fed up with his domineering mother. When Owen watches a Hitchcock classic that seems to mirror his own life, he decides to put the movie's plot into action and offers to kill Larry's ex-wife, if Larry promises to murder his mom. Before Larry gets a chance to react to the plan, it seems that Owen has already set things in motion.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 56 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar and 2 Golden Globes.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $58 million worldwide on a $14 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 148K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Danny DeVito

  • Danny DeVitoOwen Lift
  • Billy CrystalLarry Donner
  • Kim GreistBeth Ryan
  • Anne RamseyMrs. Lift
  • Kate MulgrewMargaret Donner
  • Branford MarsalisLester
  • Rob ReinerJoel
  • Bruce KirbyDetective DeBenedetto
  • Joey DePintoSergeant
  • Annie RossMrs. Hazeltine