Throw Momma from the Train
Throw Momma from the Train Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Throw Momma from the Train
| Movie | Throw Momma from the Train |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Danny DeVito |
| Genre | Comedy / Crime / Thriller |
| Runtime | 88 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Throw Momma from the Train (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Throw Momma from the Train are led by Danny DeVito . The supporting cast, including Billy Crystal and Kim Greist , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Throw Momma from the Train does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Throw Momma from the Train has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Throw Momma from the Train
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Throw Momma from the Train is a Comedy, Crime, Thriller film directed by Danny DeVito. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Danny DeVito.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. 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. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Danny DeVito's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Throw Momma from the Train
Throw Momma from the Train Ending Explained: Directed by Danny DeVito, Throw Momma from the Train wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Danny DeVito. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Throw Momma from the Train reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Throw Momma from the Train Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Throw Momma from the Train Based on a True Story?
Throw Momma from the Train draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a comedy, crime, thriller film directed by Danny DeVito, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Throw Momma from the Train uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Throw Momma from the Train?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Danny DeVito or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Throw Momma from the Train
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $57.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Throw Momma from the Train Budget
The estimated production budget for Throw Momma from the Train is $14.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Throw Momma from the Train
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Throw Momma from the Train Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThrow Momma from the Train Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Throw Momma from the Train age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Throw Momma from the Train is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Throw Momma from the Train is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Throw Momma from the Train worth watching?
Throw Momma from the Train is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Throw Momma from the Train parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Throw Momma from the Train identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Throw Momma from the Train?
The total duration of Throw Momma from the Train is 88 minutes, which is approximately 1h 28m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Throw Momma from the Train
How Throw Momma from the Train Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Throw Momma from the Train
A little all over the place, granted, but I still felt entertained by 'Throw Momma from the Train'. Danny DeVito stars in what is his theatrical directorial debut. I chose to watch this because of him being in it, as I want to watch more of his stuff, and he is the film's strongest element, I'd say. Billy Crystal is good too, him and DeVito work nicely together throughout. Anne Ramsey's character annoyed me a lot, I can't lie. I'm actually flabbergasted to read that the performance got Ramsey an Oscar nomination - 1987 must've been a slow year for Best Supporting Actress. No hate for Ramsey though, btw - happy for her! I know Momma is supposed to be annoying, but she's way too far along that particular scale for me. The aforementioned is my only complaint, however. It's a good time otherwise, even if I feel like it meanders here and there in setting up each part of the story. It's all worthy of your time, mind.
Though she doesn't really feature enough, Anne Ramsey does steal the show with her scenes as the mother whom henpecked son "Owen" (Danny DeVito) wants to chuck from the train! Meantime, stagnating author "Larry" is shouting as the television whilst his ex-wife "Margaret" (Kate Mulgrew) is doing the chat show circuit with a book he claimed to have written. He would cheerfully see her dead, and that's exactly what happens when his student "Owen" takes advantage of a scenario on a luxury yacht. Thing is, he owns up to "Larry" and demands - à la "Strangers on a Train" (1951) - a quid pro quo. "Larry" isn't keen on becoming a murderer though, but having encountered the harridan mother first-hand and having become a police suspect in the demise of his former wife he might find his options limited! I'm not really a lover of buddy comedy as such. Usually the scenarios are so obviously contrived to get a series of laughs before a dead cert conclusion that you could have written them yourself. This one isn't really very different on that front, but DeVito and Crystal do work well together keeping the story from becoming too formulaic and at times it provides quite a poignant assessment of friendship and marriage. I had forgotten just how big Oprah's hair was in the 1980s!
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
