A Critical Examination of Ruthless People (1986) and Its Place in Comedy History

Introduction

Ruthless People, released in 1986, was a prominent comedic film that starred a star-studded cast including Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, and Judge Reinhold. However, despite its stellar cast, it failed to live up to its billing as a riveting and memorable comedy. In this critical examination, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the film and its place in the realm of 1980s comedy.

Cast and Characters

The film stars Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, and Judge Reinhold, among others, in a story about a wealthy couple who are kidnapped by a group of seemingly unscrupulous individuals. When the wealthy couple was initially considering each other as the target for murder, the kidnappers provided an opportunity for them to avoid self-destruction.

Each of the lead actors brings their unique style to the roles. DeVito, Midler, and Reinhold are known for their outrageous performances, which are both a strength and a potential weakness. The acting can be over-the-top and at times, may detract from the film's overall quality rather than enhance it.

Plot and Humor

The plot revolves around a wealthy couple who plan to commit murder but instead find themselves kidnapped and forced to find humor and entertainment amidst their predicament. The film aims to deliver slapstick humor and toilet humor, which can be entertaining but often becomes repetitive and tiresome.

One of the major flaws of the film is its attempt to be shockingly funny. Many of the jokes fail to land and the plot twists are predictable. The characters are often caricatures with little depth or likability.

While Ruthless People may have moments where the humor shines through, these are overshadowed by the predictable plot and character development. The film fails to deliver a satisfying or memorable experience, making it a forgettable entry in comedy.

Stanford's Take on Ruthless People

Stanford Robbins, a longtime film critic, offers his honest opinion on Ruthless People. He states:

"Ruthless People is a mediocre comedy film that relies heavily on predictable humor and one-dimensional characters. The film's attempts to be funny fall flat, and the plot has a familiar feel. While Danny DeVito and Bette Midler are memorable, their performances are overshadowed by the less-than-stellar writing."

Robbins' critique highlights the film's shortcomings and the challenges in balancing the humor with the plot and character development.

Conclusion

While Ruthless People may have its moments, it is ultimately a forgettable comedy that fails to live up to its promise. It is a movie that might appeal to fans of slapstick and toilet humor but lacks the substance and depth to be a lasting piece of 1980s comedy.

Ruthless People (1986) might not stand the test of time, but its legacy remains as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on over-the-top humor and one-dimensional characters to drive a film's success.