The Survivors (1983)

17% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
45% of users liked it
(4,185 ratings)

Director Michael Ritchie spoofs survivalists in this rambling black comedy. Donald Quinelle (Robin Williams) is a successful young executive who is called to his boss' office one morning and is fired by a parrot sitting in the CEO's chair -- a method the company uses to axe high-powered execs.… More Director Michael Ritchie spoofs survivalists in this rambling black comedy. Donald Quinelle (Robin Williams) is a successful young executive who is called to his boss' office one morning and is fired by a parrot sitting in the CEO's chair -- a method the company uses to axe high-powered execs. Donald meets Sonny Paluso (Walter Matthau), a former gas station owner who is out of work because his business was blown up. At a diner, the two newfound friends witness a robbery and catch sight of the perpetrator, Jerry Reed (Jack Locke). Reed is a mob hit man who swears to kill the two men who saw him commit the crime. Donald, formerly afraid of weapons, becomes obsessed with guns as a way to protect himself from the mob. He enrolls in a survivalist training school in the mountains of Vermont. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Michael Ritchie
Written By: Michael Leeson
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 22, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Apr 23, 2002

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Dumb, forced comedy wastes talents of Robin Williams and Walter Matthau.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A wayward mess.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie brings to light the real cold war and nuclear paranoia of the 80s, but in a lighthearted way. Williams is particularly frantic in this movie, but pretty funny for the most part, and Matthau is the straight man to his mania, which often makes him look bored with the movie.… More
This movie brings to light the real cold war and nuclear paranoia of the 80s, but in a lighthearted way. Williams is particularly frantic in this movie, but pretty funny for the most part, and Matthau is the straight man to his mania, which often makes him look bored with the movie. Overall, a pretty good movie, though.
Anthony V

Some laugh out loud moments. What more were you expecting?