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The Toy

Play trailer Poster for The Toy PG Released Dec 10, 1982 1h 39m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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3% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 53% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Unemployed journalist Jack Brown (Richard Pryor) is attempting to make ends meet as the night janitor in a ritzy department store owned by Louisiana millionaire U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason). On his annual visit to his father's store, Bates' pampered son, Eric (Scott Schwartz), is told he can choose one item in the toy department. To everyone's horror, he chooses Jack. Paid handsomely to spend one week with the troublesome kid, Jack soon discovers the roots of Eric's bad behavior.
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The Toy

The Toy

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Critics Consensus

A muddled and unfunny collision of two comedic titans, The Toy is unsuitable for children -- or anyone else seeking entertainment.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Maza Arizona Republic It is what they call a major disappointment. Jun 15, 2021 Full Review Alex Keneas Newsday The Toy" is insensitive to its material, a crude low-comedy. And a lifeless one. Jun 15, 2021 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Pryor seems in chains in this movie, and he rarely breaks out for more than a second or two. Gleason, 66, looks remarkably good, but he is just presiding over his performance. Rated: 2/4 Jun 15, 2021 Full Review Justin Brown Medium Popcorn At one point during this film, I was just in a perpetual eye-roll. It wasn't funny, endearing or even mildly entertaining. Why did they make this? Rated: 1/5 Mar 17, 2022 Full Review Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn This was really offensive. The comedy was horrible and the concept was so problematic. Nothing about this "movie" made sense. Rated: 1/5 Mar 17, 2022 Full Review Patrick Taggart Austin American-Statesman Ultimately, "The Toy" will be remembered as a poor showcase for a couple of fine comedians. Jun 15, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (381) audience reviews
Todd B Thanks for this, when I saw it again, it made me feel like a kid again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/10/24 Full Review Hector R Despite this movie having controversy it is a fantastic classic comedy of a different time. Do not overlook the misjudgment of newer reviewers who do not understand the comedic genius of Jackie Gleason and Richard Pryor. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/29/24 Full Review Mike R Classic childhood film that brings back happy memories. The WonderWheel scene is hysterical 🤣 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/28/24 Full Review Denny S Lots of great potential wasted. Pryor tries hard, but the material is defeating him at every turn. Gleason appears to be just picking up a check. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/24 Full Review G G I watched this movie 30 years ago and remembered enjoying it. I saw it on a list of 100 worst movies of all time and thought this definitely does not deserve to be on that list. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/03/23 Full Review Lucas G Could've been good if it didn't totally suck Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 08/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Toy

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The Toy

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Movie Info

Synopsis Unemployed journalist Jack Brown (Richard Pryor) is attempting to make ends meet as the night janitor in a ritzy department store owned by Louisiana millionaire U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason). On his annual visit to his father's store, Bates' pampered son, Eric (Scott Schwartz), is told he can choose one item in the toy department. To everyone's horror, he chooses Jack. Paid handsomely to spend one week with the troublesome kid, Jack soon discovers the roots of Eric's bad behavior.
Director
Richard Donner
Producer
Phil Feldman
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation, Rastar Pictures, Delphi Film Foundation
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 10, 1982, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Runtime
1h 39m
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