What are the main themes in Throw Momma from the Train?

Throw Momma from the Train explores themes of identity, conflict, and resolution through its characters and narrative structure. This page provides a full thematic breakdown.

Is Throw Momma from the Train worth watching based on the story?

Based on the narrative structure and audience reception, Throw Momma from the Train offers a compelling story. Read the full analysis on this page for an in-depth verdict.

Throw Momma from the Train Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Throw Momma from the Train is a Comedy, Crime, Thriller film directed by Danny DeVito, written by Stu Silver. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Danny DeVito as Owen Lift.

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: Throw Momma from the Train's opening establishes the comedic tone through Danny DeVito as Owen Lift's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Danny DeVito layers throughout.
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 the recurring threads, with Danny DeVito's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.