Throw Momma from the Train

Throw Momma from the Train (1987) is a distinctive black comedy with elements of psychological suspense directed by Danny DeVito. With a screenplay by Stu Silver, the movie features a fantastic ensemble cast, which includes DeVito himself, Billy Crystal, Kim Greist, Anne Ramsey, Kate Mulgrew, and Rob Reiner. This bizarre blend of humor, suspense, and domestic drama takes the audience along an intelligently twisted journey into the minds of some very intriguing characters.

At the heart of the story, we find Owen Lift (Danny DeVito), a middle-aged mama's boy who is plagued by the overbearing nature of his mother (Anne Ramsey), to the point where he dreams of putting an end to her existence. Owens' mother is particularly cruel and abusive towards him, and this relationship forms the comedic core of the film.

Billy Crystal stars as Larry Donner, Owen's creative writing teacher, who also harbors homicidal fantasies about his ex-wife Margaret (Kate Mulgrew), who he believes stole his work and gained fame from it. This amusing coincidence binds Owen and Larry together, and they form an unusual bond based on their mutual fantasies of murder.

Danny DeVito's Owen is the embodiment of a devoted son burdened with the soul-sucking obligations of taking care of his cruel, elderly mother. DeVito's performance excellently balances an initial wave of comedy and sentiment - taking his character on a journey from a neurotic mama's boy to someone grappling with the twisted nature of his internal desires.

Equally praiseworthy is Billy Crystal's portrayal of Larry, the hapless writing professor struggling with writer's block. Crystal's comic timing is put to excellent use in the movie, igniting laughter in even the most dark or awkward situations. His pitiful, constantly exasperated performance is a contrast to DeVito’s more obvious comedic role, playing out beautifully to create an entertaining on-screen partnership.

The film's story, though centered around a morbid subject, never really descends into the darkness and remains light-hearted throughout. Its characters are essentially average, everyday people brought to life by their secret fantasies. Throw Momma from the Train thrives on its carefully crafted characters, original narrative, and the ability to balance dark, madcap humor with a fair share of suspenseful drama. This is further reinforced by David Newman's justly peculiar score that hauntingly brings out the film’s bizarre comedy and suspense.

The standout performance, if there's a single one to select, has to be Anne Ramsey's portrayal of the eponymous 'Momma.' Her delivery of short, sharp sarcasm has a biting tone that manages to be both utterly abhorrent and absurdly amusing in the same breath, a testament to her acting prowess.

Greist as Beth, Larry's love interest, and Mulgrew as Margaret Donner, Larry's ex-wife and successful novelist, offer splendid performances. They bring much-needed balance and grounding to the eccentric world that DeVito creates. Greist provides a warm and supportive figure for Larry, which is in stark contrast to the cold, manipulative character of Margaret delivered skilfully by Mulgrew.

Throw Momma from the Train is an engaging black comedy-thriller that doesn't just rely on the performances of its well-chosen cast but also benefits from a well-crafted script and superlative direction. Danny DeVito in his directorial debut manages to blend dark comedy with suspense in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. The film also offers a unique take on human relationships, making it an interesting watch for those who enjoy unconventional narratives.

In conclusion, Throw Momma from the Train is an iconic 80's comedy that offers suspense, humor, and complex character studies, all tied together in a neat, well-wrapped package. Its marvelous ensemble cast and unique narrative approach make it a must-watch for fans of both the comedy and thriller genres. The tale tackles dark, disturbing themes with suspense and humor, delivering on all fronts and ensuring it remains a timeless classic. Guaranteed to provoke both laughter and thoughtful reflection, this movie is undoubtedly a cinematic gem.