Relative Strangers Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
You can't pick your parents.
On a mission to locate his biological parents, a tightly wound professional (Livingston) is befuddled to find that the couple who conceived him aren't exactly upper-class.
| Danny DeVito | Frank Menure |
| Kathy Bates | Agnes Menure |
| Ron Livingston | Dr. Richard Clayton |
| Neve Campbell | Ellen Minnola |
| Beverly D'Angelo | Angela Minnola |
| Bob Odenkirk | Mitch Clayton |
| Edward Herrmann | Doug Clayton |
| Christine Baranski | Arleen Clayton |
| Martin Mull | Jeffry Morton |
| Michael McKean | Ken Hyman |
| M.C. Gainey | Spicer |
| Star Jones | Holly Davis |
| Ed Begley Jr. | Mr. Manoire |
| Debbi Morgan | Mrs. Manoire |
| Pete Schwaba | Meat Delivery Man |
| Greg Glienna |
5.20 out of 10 (1664 votes)
Visitor Reviews
This deserved a theatrical release.
posted on 31 Aug 2009Saw this movie on Comedy Central recently. I didn't even know it existed. One of the funniest comedies of recent memory. Four times I busted my gut laughing. The whole thing was very amusing and entertaining. If Danny DeVito had released this movie instead of some of the awful ones that he has, he would be on top of the comedy ladder. Kathy Bates plays off of him expertly. Ron Livingston's expressions as the beleagured would be son, were hilarious. The scene where he hides in a closet and is privy to DeVito and Bates having sex on a bed, brought tears to my eyes. Funny! I am buying this one for my library.
Good Comedy
posted on 31 Aug 2009Bates can play serious roles as well as she plays comedy (who can forget the 'squirrel lady' in Rat Race?). The interaction between Bates and Devito is very comic indeed. To bring down the blood pressure from watching one of my horror movie picks, I like an entertaining, lighthearted comedy, and this one delivered. When a thirty-four year old psychologist finds his birth parents he's more than disappointed, he's angry. They're not anything like he imagined. Can he learn to accept them for who they are and love them unconditionally?
Chrissy K. McVay - Author
HYSTERICAL!
posted on 31 Aug 2009I've seen this TWICE on Comedy Central. There are a few scenes where you'll laugh 'til you cry. The basic story is that a guy named Richard, from a very rich and snooty family finds out he's adopted, when his jealous brother lets it slip. He hunts down his birth parents and they turn out to be carnys - Danny DeVito with a bad toupee and Cathy Bates, straight from the trailer! He finds out that his name is not Richard, but Frank MANURE, Jr.! He rejects them, but his fiance Neve Campbell warms to them, since they're down to earth, like her Mom. He's put in many situations with his birth parents where he is embarrassed to no end. There is a cameo by Star Jones(!), but don't let that stop you. I would recommend this to anyone. You will laugh all the way through.
Unexpected Hilarity Unexcelled
posted on 31 Aug 2009The comedy shown greatly exceeded prior anticipation or speculation. Oscar-worthy and should become a
future recurring classic. The DeVito-Bates duo is irreplaceable and, as I am a Neve-Campbell fan, any comment
of mine involving her could only be considered biassed. All the other parts were OK albeit replaceable.
Hilarious! Don't pass this one up!
posted on 31 Aug 2009I happened to notice a copy of Relative Strangers with the new releases at the video rental store, and as soon as I saw Danny Devito with Kathy Bates on the cover, I had to rent it! My boyfriend wasn't as thrilled as I about renting a movie he'd never heard of, but once we popped in the dvd we were laughing nonstop! Devito and Bates make one hilarious couple- I can't imagine two better actors for those parts. Ron Livingston as the "son" wasn't so convincing, but honestly, who cares when Devito and Bates steal the show anyway?! I will defintely be watching this one again. Worth it just for the Devito/Bates comedy.
From Pekin
posted on 30 Aug 2009Hi,I'm from Pekin.I felt belittled from this movie. We're a quite town hardly any crime and just very peaceful place to live.Obviously you've never been here or you would have picked somewhere else to make the character from. Well anyway its just offensive and demeaning. If someone was to see the movie they could think we are all buffoons we are not.I like Danny in some things but not this. As for this movie I say boo and he is much better of an artist than this. I would like for you to look up pekin on the web and tell me what you think of my little town. Reply and we will see what you think.THANK YOU
Yuck - Yuck - Yuck!
posted on 30 Aug 2009How can this movie be so bad?! It has some of my favorite actors in it and still is was horrible! I kept waiting for it to get better or have a great twist that made sitting through all the lame attempts at humor worth it - No such luck! Even my husband gave up and went to bed three quarters through. Kathy Bates acted the same part as in The Waterboy - but not funny. I kept waiting to hear "Bobby Boucher, come give your mama a kiss". Ron Livingston played an extremely boring part that was unconvincing. Danny DeVito was more irritating than funny and Neve? Her part was just plain forgettable. You know the anger and bewilderment that comes after watching a bad movie? I have it - Don't waste your time.
An Underrated, Really Great Film
posted on 30 Aug 2009This was an overall very entertaining, and totally worth watching movie.I mean, there were some scenes that were a slight annoyance, and I had wished Neve Campbell would have had a bigger role, but this movie was really funny and completely heartwarming.Anywhere above a 6 is what it's rating needs to be, because this movie combined so many wonderful actors and a really good and solid script, along with some very laughable material, and even some nice little aaaawwww moments.It's not a must see I would say, but if you feel like watching it at all you TOTALLY need to.I loved it, was glad that I watched it, and plan on seeing it again.
A really funny and enjoyable little film
posted on 30 Aug 2009I really liked this movie, i mean at times i was laughing my ass off, it was just so funny.I mean i really don't understand all the crap its getting, i mean sure its not the greatest film ever, but in fact an enjoyable and fun film.I really didn't know what to expect, it looked like a film with tons of cliché'e's and low class comedy.In fact I basically got this movie because i love Neve Campbell.Well i discovered that this was a really good movie.I did find it to have some flaws, like it was a bit predictable at times, and a bit to out there, and it also at times really rattled my nerves and made me a bit irritated.The comedy is really good, like the whole obnoxious redneck thing is thought not the most original thing, but with Kathy Bates and Danny Devito, they totally make it into something funny and new.Overall if you can enjoy a comedy than you will hopefully enjoy this good film.8.2 out of 10 stars
Meet the parents
posted on 30 Aug 2009Imagine the cruelty of adoptive parents to tell an unsuspecting son that he is adopted? To make matters worse, the Claytons, a rich couple, have waited a long time to spring the news to Richard, who is about to get married! This is the premise for this comedy created by Greg Glienna, who also contributed to its screen play. The film, which went directly to video, never had a chance to make it commercially, in spite of the prominent figures in the cast. In fact, the film seems to this viewer as a variation of the more successful "Meet the Parents", which employed Mr. Glienna as a writer. Not that this film is horrible, by any means, but it appears the powers that be must have had doubts about its impact and sent it to the DVD limbo.Ron Livingston, who is seen as Richard, the man who is told he has been living a lie, is quite good and shows a flair for comedy. Neve Campbell is also effective in playing the object of Richard's love. The combination of the vulgar Meneres as played broadly by Danny Devito and Kathy Bates have some good moments. Christine Baranski and Edward Herrmann play the Claytons, the uptight adoptive parents. The one that is hardly recognizable is Beverly D'Angelo, who must have gone through a procedure to change the way we remembered her.
Don't be a stranger to this film, it has a rather funny script and terrific stars
posted on 30 Aug 2009Dr. Richard Clayton (Ron Livingston) seems to be living the perfect life. He is a successful psychologist-turned-writer and his latest book on anger management is doing well. In addition, he is engaged to a beautiful, kind lady, Ellen (Neve Campbell) and they share a lovely home. But one day his disgruntled, slacker brother drops the A-bomb, that is, he informs his bro that he, Richard, is the adopted sibling of the family. Richie's snobby parents (Edward Hermann and Christine Baranski) concede that it is true but that it made no difference in their love for him or his brother. Yet, Richard is stunned and suddenly curious. At Ellen's urging, he begins a search for his birth parents. Soon after, Frank (Danny DeVito) and Agnes Menure (Kathy Bates) arrive on the doc's doorstep and announce that they are his true father and mother. It is a shock, as the Menures are ex-carnies, live in a trailer park, and sell pest control products to support themselves. And, while they are lively, interesting folks, Frank and Agnes are definitely a bit uncouth as it were. Richard is forelorn and his unhappiness grows each day the Menures extend their visit to Richie's home. Can they all really belong to the same gene pool? This is a funny film, distinctively enhanced by the terrific cast. Livingston is just right as the confused, disgruntled doctor while Campbell is lovely and sweet as the supportive fiancé. As for DeVito and Bates, they chew up the screen with their humorous, outrageous turns as the far-from-refined folks who, nevertheless, may have bigger hearts than most. All of the niceties of film-making, from costumes to sets to camera work, are first rate, too. If you are looking for mirth on an upcoming film night, give this one a whirl. It is definitely no stranger to comedy, as a viewing will result in big smiles for everyone.
Great cast...great comedy...great cheese balls...
posted on 30 Aug 2009Ron Livingston who was wonderful in "Office Space", once again hits a home run with "Relative Strangers". What is essentially a one joke movie, comes across extremely well. Perfect casting, starting with Danny DeVito and a truly funny script. There is also a fine message that you should not be disappointed if people do not live up to your expectations. Kathy Bates and Danny DeVito as the "trailer trash" parents are so great, and Christine Baranski is the perfect foil for Beverly DeAngelo and her sequin dresses. Off the wall hilarious situations abound, and there are even some very sweet moments. Highly recommended. - MERK
Hi, how the hell are ya?
posted on 30 Aug 2009I was looking for a Christa Campbell fix until I could watch her next movie. I wore out last month's Playboy and Scars hasn't arrived. I noticed her in this little comedy and said, what the heck! Unfortunately, I waited about 75 minutes before she appeared for about 60 seconds, not saying a word. Oh, well, the wait was worth it and there was a pretty funny comedy in the meantime.I have to say that Neve Campbell really surprised me in this film. She was really good. She made me forget all about those Scream and Wild Things.Ron Livingston was great as the psychologist who finds out that his real parents are carny folk as opposed to the snobs that raised him. Danny DeVito and Kathy bates were hilarious as the parents. I always like Christine Baranski, and she didn't disappoint with her nose high in the air.Lots of laughs, and you can guess the ending.
Mother Juggs and Speed!
posted on 30 Aug 2009This was by no means a great movie, but it was enjoyable.The production values were low and the performances at times suffered from overacting -- especially by Danny DeVito. But, the film had a little bit of heart, and I couldn't help but smile at times.Neve Campbell is so beautiful here; I can't understand why she's not more famous. She just radiates and lights up the screen every time she is on here.Kathy Bates was great, as always, but I found Ron Livingston's performance to be a little stale.If you're looking for a lighthearted movie to help you waste away a Sunday afternoon, this is it. Just don't expect too much and you won't be that disappointed.
A Very Funny Movie!
posted on 30 Aug 2009The movie is first rate with a great acting ensemble like Ron Livingston better known for his leading role in Office Space, Emmy Winner Christine Baranski playing his adoptive mother, Edward Herrmann as his adoptive father. His adoptive parents are conservative WASPY and prominent country club member folks living in suburban Chicago. Neve Campbells plays his loving and supportive fiancé. Beverly D'Angelo is almost unrecognizable as his tacky future mother-in-law. Of course, the movie gets wild when he is introduced to the Menures played by Oscar winner Kathy Bates and Danny DeVito as the traveling carnival trailer park folks who are the complete opposite of his adoptive parents. It brings the argument of nature v. nurture. Bates and DeVito really liven things up after only a weekend which lasts longer when their trailer is destroyed by a tornado in Illinois. There is a moment where he imagines his birth parents to be intelligent, elitist, and left wingers only to get the Menures. The movie was just shown on Comedy Central and I'm sure we'll be seeing it again and again if Comedy Central knows what it's good for!
Not a bad Saturday afternoon flick.
posted on 30 Aug 2009This really isn't a bad film. I was surprised to find it on Comedy Central this afternoon, having never heard of it, and being a fan of most of the actors. Perhaps it would have flopped at the box office, and that's OK, so did Office Space.Sure the plot is not mind-blowing, but it is original. The anger management doctor loses it after meeting his biological parents, OK, maybe the obvious irony is overdone in this genre. However, the details and production of this film are what set it apart. Also, as dry as Livingston many be, that is his charm. Each of the players had excellent performances. Frankly, I thought DeVito's overperfomance was the real weak point.Did Matthew Perry make a cameo in this, as a newscaster? Will I buy the DVD? Probably not, but I will watch it again on a Saturday afternoon.
well this one gets a 10
posted on 30 Aug 2009A 10 for a comedy. Yes a wonderfully delightful film. Danny DiVito and Kathy Bates were fantastic. It was a movie that took a wonderful look at the snobs in this world and how in reality most of us have people in our families that are more like the Manure's. I sure do, and yes sometimes I am a little embarrassed. But when i comes down to it. They are the genuine most loving people and the ones that truly stand by you. I can not believe how wonderful Kathy Bates was and what an actress she is that she can do so many different parts. What a hoot she is. I had a bunch of people over and we watched this video and we went out of our minds laughing and I have not had a laugh like this in a long time and did it ever feel good. I do not know why this was not out in the theaters more. They should run it again through the theaters. I have got to say it was wonderful and a truly must see film. Neve Cambell and Ron Livingston were sweet but it was really the rest of the cast that stole the show and I mean they stole it. I do not know who these ones that gave it a bad review are but, then again I saw lots of great reviews for "For Your Consideration" and that one hardly had a chuckle. And Beverly D'Angelo I did not even know who she was, and she was great. So was Christine Baranski, and this time she was so good with just letting you know with her facial expressions.
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Not the `straight-to-video' train-wreck one might assume it to be...
posted on 31 Aug 2009As a rule straight-to-video films are just plain garbage. Now I don't mean the Independent or Foreign films that fail to get a wide release. I mean the straight-to-video `should have aired on television' type movies. So, it's safe to say that when my wife picked up this little ditty out of the bargain bin and said "hey, lets get this one, it looks funny" my face contorted like I was sucking on something sour and my head started shaking in the `no' direction. I had never heard of it. I had never seen an advertisement. It had big stars in it and when you couple big stars with no advertisement that only can mean one thing...those stars are ashamed of the movie. But, who can resist a bargain, so `Relative Strangers' became mine and a few hours later my wife and I were sitting on the sofa in our living room laughing hysterically. Yes, `Relative Strangers' was quite the bargain.
The film circles around psychologist Richard Clayton. His life is going wonderfully. He's getting married to a beautiful woman, he's extremely successful and his brother Mitch is extremely jealous, and so he spills his family's dirty laundry. Richard is adopted. Feeling betrayed Richard decides to track down his birth parents expecting to find upper class educated people to justify his talent and success but instead he finds the last people on the face of the earth he'd want to be related to...carnies.
Frank and Agnes Menure (pronounced like cow poop) are outspoken, unmannered and embarrassing, especially to someone of Richard's social standing. With that said Richard spends his time finding every reason imaginable to hate them, to blame them for everything that goes wrong in his life. But all Frank and Agnes do is love their boy and this becomes very aware to Richard's fiancée Ellen. The Menure's may not be the upper class heroes Richard expected, but they are kind hearted and loving people (beneath that harsh exterior) and he just needs to give them a chance.
The film is predictable, but it is, above all else, hysterical. I've always been a huge fan of Kathy Bates, I mean the woman can play anything. I prefer her funny, and here she is undeniable the funniest in the bunch. Couple her with Danny DeVito and you have a comedic team made in Hollywood heaven. Their banter back and forth is purely delightful since they have a very strong comedic chemistry with one another. Ron Livingston serves his purpose as Richard. He was better suited in `Office Space' and comes off a little over the top here, but he works fine and doesn't take away from the film. Christine Baranski is priceless as Richard's adoptive mother Arleen, and Edward Herrmann is also great as his adoptive father Doug. Beverly D'Angelo shines as Ellen's mother Angela, and Neve Campbell herself is delightful as Ellen.
Where is she by the way? I miss my Neve fix!
Don't be a stranger (I can't believe I'm this corny) to `Relative Strangers', a film that took me by surprise in its ability to scratch my funny bone. I absolutely loved this adorable little film and am sure that you will too. So give it a shot, hunt it down, buy it and enjoy every laugh filled minute.