The Survivors

The late Robin Williams starred in some really great films, along with some truly forgettable duds. One of the great ones that seemed to go under the radar teamed him up with the legandary Walter Matthau, 1983's The Survivors.

Williams and Matthau play Donald and Sonny, two strangers who meet at a diner. Both are having lousy days. Donald has just been fired by his bosses parrot. Sonny's gas station has just been blown up, partly due on accident by Donald. Just as they are getting to know one another, the diner is robbed by a man in a ski mask named Jack, Jerry Reed. Jack has fallen on hard times as well. He is an out of work hitman. Donald, trying to protect his new friend, tries to wrestle the gun away and gets shot. Jack gets away and Donald ends up in the hospital. While in the hospital, Donald is interviewed for the news about the robbery and mentions Sonny's name. Jack see's this and goes gunning for Sonny and his daughter, Kristen Vigard. Donald is released from the hospital and goes to pay Sonny a visit at the same time Jack is there to kill them. Donald apprehends Jack and the two men make a citizen's arrest and take him to the police station.

These events make Donald super paranoid and he signs up for a militant survival retreat. Jack makes bail and tells Sonny that he will leave him and Donald alone if they drop the charges. Sonny goes to the retreat to deliver the news to Donald. Donald, tired of being pushed around, decides to take on Jack and put an end to his threats.

This is a funny and dark comedy from director Michael Ritchie, who made his fair share of classic comedies. Williams and Matthau do what they do best, manic and grumpy, and their opposite stylings make for a pretty good team. Reed is also really funny as Jack, and Vigard is a real scene stealer as Matthau's kid.

This is a funny flick with two pro's at the top of their game.

It's available on dvd.