Owen (Danny DeVito) is a friendless would-be mystery writer who has had all he can take. He would do anything to get rid of his overbearing momma (Anne Ramsey), whose howling voice and domineering attitude have pushed him to the absolute limit. He even strikes a deal with Larry (Billy Crystal), his writing teacher, to knock off his much-hated ex-wife, with the understanding that the instructor will reciprocate. Ramsey is so terrific in her role that the audience eventually roots for her to be killed. Danny DeVito directed this very dark, very funny comedy, which owes a big debt to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller STRANGERS ON A TRAIN.
