Ruthless People

Name: Ruthless People
Released: 1986-06-26T00:00:00-04:00

R 1986 Comedy · 1h 34m

Sam Stone hates his wife Barbara so much that he wants her dead. He's ecstatic when she's taken by a duo of kidnappers who want $500,000 ransom in exchange for her life. Fully intending to ignore every one of the kidnappers' demands in the hopes that they do him a favor and murder her for him, the two confused kidnappers have to figure out how they're going get their money, and what they're going to do with the overbearing Barbara.

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About Ruthless People

Sam Stone despises his wife Barbara and dreams of her death. His twisted wish seems to come true when she's kidnapped by a bumbling duo demanding $500,000. Overjoyed, Sam refuses to cooperate, hoping they'll eliminate Barbara for him. However, the kidnappers, facing an increasingly difficult hostage in Barbara, struggle to execute their plan. Barbara, meanwhile, discovers hidden strengths and begins to turn the tables on her captors, leading to a series of comical and unexpected events that disrupt everyone's carefully laid plans. The film explores themes of greed, marital strife, and the surprising resilience of the human spirit, all wrapped in a hilarious package.

Movie Trailer

Ruthless People Trailer

Cast and Characters

Directed by the talented Jim Abrahams, Ruthless People features a phenomenal cast. Danny DeVito shines as Sam Stone, the utterly loathsome husband. Bette Midler delivers a tour-de-force performance as Barbara Stone, the kidnapped wife who refuses to be a victim. Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater play Ken and Sandy Kessler, the hapless kidnappers who get more than they bargained for. Anita Morris embodies the seductive mistress Carol, and Bill Pullman appears as Earl Mott, showcasing his comedic talent.

What people like about Ruthless People

Audiences and critics alike have praised Ruthless People for its clever writing, impeccable comedic timing, and outstanding performances. Many highlight the chemistry between Danny DeVito and Bette Midler, as well as the unexpected charm of Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater as the inexperienced kidnappers. The film's satirical take on wealth and dysfunctional relationships has also been widely appreciated, solidifying its status as a beloved comedy classic. Reviewers frequently commend the film's ability to balance dark humor with genuine heart, creating a thoroughly entertaining and memorable cinematic experience.

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Movie Score

66%

Released

June 26, 1986

Director

Jim Abrahams

Cast

Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater, Anita Morris, Bill Pullman

Genre

Comedy

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