The Survivors

Recently revisited the classic The Survivors (1983) on Tubi. The storyline revolves around two individuals who, by a stroke of fate, become friends after losing their jobs simultaneously and accidentally thwarting a hitman's plan. Following these events, the younger friend decides to retreat from society and join an extreme survivalist group in the mountains, while the older friend contemplates how to bounce back financially. However, when the vengeful hitman returns, the two friends must reunite and work together once more.

Directed by Michael Ritchie (The Golden Child), the film features an exceptional cast, including Walter Matthau (Grumpy Old Men), Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire), Jerry Reed (Smokey and the Bandit) and James Wainwright (Beyond Westworld).

Walter Matthau and Robin Williams absolutely nailed their respective roles. Their facial expressions, mannerisms, and delivery of dialogue were flawless from start to finish. Robin Williams brought a wild, unpredictable, and utterly engaging quality to his character, making it impossible not to embrace his random and awkward persona. Matthau's reactions to Williams were consistently hilarious, and their on-screen chemistry was spot-on. Jerry Reed played a memorable villain, and the film's circumstances were uniquely entertaining within the comedy genre.

In conclusion, The Survivors is a distinctive and well-executed addition to the comedy genre. I would rate this a 7-7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

I gave it a 8 , and my wife thought it was a 6. Then this film must be a 7. If you have ever been hit by hard luck, one can relate with these characters. Robin Williams, when he was at his funniest, performs this rambling nonsense. Especially when he tells the events of the robbery to his fiancee, does a tv counterpoint (ie there would be no criminals if there were no victims, unless the criminals robbed other criminals, but I am diluting here) and acts out a gun battle. Walter Matthau plays the crabby straight guy who tries to fix events. Small role for Jerry Reed, watch the gas station scene; it's funny. Comedy is so hard to do, it's an art, much easier to make a horror film or action movie, but to get comedy right you have too hit a groove. This film does it!

Despite being from 1983, then I will say that "The Survivors" actually still holds its ground today, and can still be watched as a movie that was filmed recently.

The story is about Sonny (played by Walther Matthau) who lost his gas station in an accident after 12 years of running it, and also the story of Donald (played by Robin Williams) who was fired from his upscale corporate job by a parrot nonetheless. The paths intertwine when they are at the same diner when a would-be robber attempts to rob the establishment.

Storywise, then "The Survivors" is fairly straight forward and simple. The story doesn't really require much from the audience. But what makes the movie work is the on screen charisma of both Walther Matthau and Robin Williams, and when put together they are like fire and ice.

While this is a comedy, then it is not the type of comedy that will have you laying down with cramps from laughing. The comedy here is more subtle and indirect.

There are some great one liners throughout the movie. And while this is a comedy, then it should be said that the movie does present a rather colorful take on the American rights to bear arms.

If you haven't already seen "The Survivors", then take note that it is well worth spending an hour an a half on.

"The Survivors" is characteristic of Robin Williams's movies before "Good Morning, Vietnam": innocuously silly. In this case, he and Walter Matthau join up after surviving a robbery, and Williams becomes a survivalist. The whole thing is pretty goofy - maybe even pointless - but some of the gags make up for that. I will say that it's not the funniest movie for either star by a long shot; both have done far better than this. But, it's the sort of movie that you sit around in your underwear and watch; it does a respectable job showing both stars' talents. Good for a few laughs.

Shooting a man's gun. Ha!

The Survivors was unjustly overlooked. It's a very funny and original comedy featuring one of Robin Williams' most inventive performances. It's a chance to see Williams at his most volatile and daring, before he adapted his persona to bland "family" movies like Patch Adams. He has an excellent foil here in Walter Matthau. Check it out.