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The Toy

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The Toy

PG

Released Dec 10, 1982

1h 39m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

3%

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30 Reviews

54%

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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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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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

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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

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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

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Horror fan 4

An underrated classic with Pryor and Gleason. Tim Treakle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Roger L

I believe the "professional" critics who critiqued this film forget what it is like being a child growing up in 1982. When I watched this movie, as a child, it resonated with me because the little boy and myself were around the same age. I watched a film about a boy learning about friendship, a man learning about patience, and both of them learning about forgiveness and understanding. Critics seemed to have confused it with a comedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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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

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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

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Mike R

Classic childhood film that brings back happy memories. The WonderWheel scene is hysterical 🤣

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

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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

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Richard Donner

Director

Richard Pryor

Jack Brown

Jackie Gleason

U.S. Bates

Scotty Schwartz

Eric Bates

Ned Beatty

Mr. Morehouse

Teresa Ganzel

Fancy Bates

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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: Rastar Pictures, Delphi Film Foundation, Columbia Pictures Corporation
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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