User reviews

Greedy has taken some of the plot situations in the Paramount classic If I Had A Million and carried them to incredible heights. It has a whole string of good performances topped off by one of the last performances by Kirk Douglas before he had his stroke.

Kirk plays the Richard Bennett part here, the millionaire who doesn't like almost all of his relatives, but gets a certain sadistic joy in seeing them perform like trained seals, trying to stay in his good graces. The only honest one of them is one of Ed Begley Jr.'s young sons who is just like that kid in If I Had a Million who started playing that record of I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You.

Unlike Bennett, Douglas does not decide to drop parts of his fortune on eight random strangers. He just keeps putting his family through their paces until they decide to dig up Michael J. Fox, a nephew he actually liked when he was a kid.

Fox is a second string professional bowler who's got a TV producer he's involved with, Nancy Travis. The two of them invade Douglas's three ring circus of relatives and get put through their paces also. All the family is against Douglas's 'nurse' Olivia D'Abo who the family is afraid will get the whole inheritance.

Greedy is a nicely paced amusing comedy which I think most of us can identify with. I know I've had a relative or two I can't stand either, but am forced to be nice to for a variety of reasons. The relatives are all greedy, but Douglas is one sadistic creep as well. I'd catch it the next time it's on the tube.

Well, I have to say I'm going to be a little biased. I have to appreciate the effort that Michael J. Fox went through to sell the bowling part of this role. No, he wasn't about to make a name on the tour or anything, but working the great Johnny Petraglia, he did turn into an above average bowler by the time he got done. A buck 75 bowler was a pretty good average in 1994 and not too shabby today.

I have always liked Kirk Douglas and I think he played all the little different levels of deception about as well as you could want. Phil Hartman is Phil Hartman...I do miss his humor. Davis and D'Abo are definitely enjoyable to watch, Ed Begley had his moments and who doesn't like a Jimmy Durante impersonation?

All in all, I think it succeeded as an above average comedy, but I can understand why the morality lesson doesn't appeal to everyone and probably even less today than it did in 1994.

Give it a chance...you never know when you might get a lucky strike.

I thought this was a pretty decent comedy. I like seeing Michael J. Fox in movies, in television shows, and in real life. There's a very likable quality about him, I think. Anyway, "Greedy" has an interesting plot. Sure, it's not the most intelligent film of all time, but it's funny and entertaining, which is undoubtedly what the filmmakers behind this movie tried to achieve. I especially liked the ending of the film, which I found the funniest part. I'd say it's worth a watch. I sure liked it anyway.

A wonderful, little known movie. I join the others here who wonder how this jewel slipped past recognition in theaters. I was amazed when I stumbled across it- I don't even recall how.

What a joy. I remain shocked that such a good film is so unknown. The timing, the dialogue, the hilarious writing... What distribution company dropped the ball on this one? The dinner table scene at the beginning is the best ensemble five minutes or so I have ever watched. It's like a brilliant verbal volleyball game, comments popped from one character to the next, no one letting the ball drop. This family deserves each other. I, like "Little Daniel" was rooting for "the Limey Chick."

The blending of actors is perfect. Michael J. Fox, being Michael J. Fox alone should have assured the movie's recognition...oh yeah, that's why I rented it. Phil Hartman- what a brilliant man- but enough of that. He was unique and perfect as the spearhead of the obnoxious clan.

This movie does not make the common mistake of relying on well known actors and letting the script fend for itself. The concept, writing, acting, and unusual twists are well crafted. Everyone did his job.

Except that distribution company. Does anybody have their address?

I suppose saying that the end of this movie is great gives something away. Then again you don't know what that is so maybe not.

The plot of this film has Kirk Douglas dying as all of his relatives try to curry favor and get left his fortune. When every trick in the book fails they call in Michael J Fox as his long lost favorite nephew. Fox is now a down on his luck pro-bowler desperate for the cash the family promises him.

Some of what follows is sit-com material, some is highly inspired. The good part of it is that almost all of it is funny.

Certainly the film as a whole is not the best thing down the pike, but it has its moments, all of which make this film worth seeing.

In this fun & underrated flick from the 90s you will see one of Michael J Fox's best performances. Kirk Douglas also shines. Was Nancy Travis ever bad? Solid cast all around! Damn, I miss the talented Phil Hartman. In my heart this movie is a 8 1/2 as a critic it is a solid 7! Watch it!/22

Greedy is a film you may have passed on Showtime, or glanced at in the TV Guide and thought, "never heard of it". To be honest, I can't recall its stint in the theaters either. However, on the recommendation of my father, I gave it a chance.

The interaction between all of the characters is terrific. Phil Hartman gives comic brilliance, mixed with wit and sarcasm in his usual way.

This movie has a lot of laugh out loud moments for people who are into clever comedy with a slightly twisted mind. It is cemented in my comedy top 5 with Stripes, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Ferris Buellers Day Off, and Ridgemont. Highly recommended! 9/10

Greedy tells the simple story of a family who desperately crave their Uncle's (Kirk Douglas) massive fortune.From that simple premise,the script writers and the actors deliver one of the funniest comedies I've ever seen.The Mcteague family,which includes the late Phil Hartman,Ed Begley'JR and Bob Balaban,are one of the most believable families ever committed to celluloid.Let's face it a lot of us hate our families.We hate having family get together's,we sometimes get jealous of each other and try to outdo each other,well that's the kind of family we're talking about.The scenes where the relatives trade insults with each other are hysterical.Michael J.Fox plays another nephew of Joe and gives a typically naturally funny performance.He and Douglas don't share the screen until about half an hour into it,but when they do get together,their sparky banter is consistently funny.

I wish they would make more comedies like this nowadays.Most mainstream comedies now seem to be filled with stupid,over the top characters with beyond ridiculous situations.Most of the comedy in this is in the dialogue,although there are some hilarious physical moments but they're never stupid,just laugh out loud funny.The premise is slightly believable because I believe that we all have what it takes to become very greedy individuals,even if we might not like to admit it.Hell,we might not even notice it.

Greedy easily ranks as one of my favourite comedies and is a laugh riot from start to finish.And has their ever been a sexier woman on screen than Olivia D,Abo in this movie?

I have a (fairly) vast collection of VHS tapes. I rarely get rid of anything, especially movies. Given that, there are a few among them that I don't care all that much for... some, I've even forgotten. There are even two or three that I've only watched once, and never really felt like watching again... each time it came up as I searched through my collection of films for something to watch, I would cringe at the thought of sitting through it even one more time. This is one such film. I'm not entirely sure what compelled me to give it another chance... I read a quote or two, half-remembered how they were said, and recognized some names on the cast... Phil Hartman, Ed Begley Jr. and Jere Burns(in order of how talented and funny I'd rate them), all three of which I've seen elsewhere and grown to appreciate the talents of(Douglas and Fox were the only two actors I knew the first time I watched this), and I think those were the main contributors, the last of the two reasons being the most important(in fact, Hartman is one of the people on a short mental list of people that I want to watch all of(well, at least as far as the watchable ones go) the work of). As the opening credits come on, I nearly regretted this decision... but that went away fairly quickly after the film itself began. The plot is pretty good. The actors all fit their roles and perform quite well. The cinematography does its job fine, as well as the editing, even if they are a little weird at times(speaking as a film aficionado(and someone who enjoys using words from foreign languages in everyday life) as well as someone who's enjoyed the pleasure and the privilege of trying his hands at both, it seems like there were many situations(be it in the production or post-production phase; shooting or editing) where they couldn't quite think of a good solution how to get all the elements or properly frame the shots, so they just went with the best they could think of(which leaves a bit to be desired, at times). It isn't that huge a deal, though). All those elements are fine, if not downright good. The real problem here is the humor... in spite of some wit and some black comedy that is among the darkest I have seen, there just seems to be too little of the film's humor that works. The timing is occasionally off, and a lot of potential(not to mention comical talent) is wasted. For a comedy, this just doesn't provide enough laughs to keep you watching for almost two hours. What made it truly worth it for me, and the main reason I urge anyone who decides to give this film a chance is the moral... the message of the film(it alone lifted my rating above the average of a 5). It gives such a clear perspective on greed, one that I don't believe I've ever seen presented before(and certainly not so skillfully). I recommend this to any fan of comedies who is willing to accept a lesser comedy to get to the great message of it(which is neither preachy nor heavy-handed, as some the moral of some message-movies is). Maybe the biggest fans of the actors should avoid, though... you may hate for the sole reason of how little the biggest talents in the film get to do. 6/10

from the comments I saw here, I thought I was about to see one of those rare, forgotten comedic gems, the cast definitely offered hope. However, this was disappointing, there were a couple of good one-liners but this was more a drama than a comedy and a drama that seemed to drag and drag.

Apart from Fox and Douglas, everyone else was one-dimensional and seemed to be saying the same stuff over and over again. There was real scope here for a wittier script, instead it all got rather tedious, 30 minutes could easily have been lopped off the running time.

At least it was good to see actors like Douglas, Fox and Hartmann in their prime, its sad to see what has happened to that trio now.

This is film is about a very basic instinct in all of us, simply put forth in the title "Greed".

As the story unfolds the characters seem very familiar, people we have seen and known and loved. They are not evil people. They have slowly and simply given in to the lure of greed. Here is a story about a multi-millionaire uncle and his clan of relatives each trying to beat the other in pleasing their uncle to get quoted in his will. Even the nicest and most honest of them all (Michael J Fox) slowly get sucked into the plot and get into this run for money.

The story is an eye-opener. It gives us an opportunity to look into ourselves and our own set of values. It makes us introspect and re-prioritise our lives. How many times have we ourselves given in to the rut? Without meaning to hurt how many times have we actually fooled ourselves into believing that what we are doing is for a noble cause when actually all that we were actually interested in was the money?

the ending is great. It brings back faith to people who have become cynical enough to believe that good does not beget good in return always. It raises our hopes and makes us feel good about being simple and honest with ourselves. it is a must watch movie for the whole family.

Great film! 4th best movie ever! It's better than back to the future ! I like this movie alot! But a lot of people don't know about it.

Uncle Joe (Kirk Douglas) is an aging grumpy wealthy eccentric. His nieces and nephews are desperate to be on his good side while stabbing each other in the back. Carl (Ed Begley Jr.) and Nora McTeague (Mary Ellen Trainor) brought their two kids. Patti (Colleen Camp) and Ed (Bob Balaban) have two daughters Jolene and Joette. Glen (Jere Burns) and Muriel are getting separated. Frank (Phil Hartman) has a bratty son and a drunken wife Tina. Then Molly Richardson (Olivia d'Abo) shows up as his live-in 'nurse' and threatens everything. Danny McTeague Jr (Michael J. Fox) is a struggling bowler sleeping with the program producer Robin Hunter (Nancy Travis). His father hated uncle Joe's greedy ways and took his family away. The rest of the family is now so desperate that they try to reclaim the high ground by returning the long lost nephew and his family. Danny liked Uncle Joe as a kid and decides to go back to borrow money for a bowling alley.

There are just so many unlikeable characters. On the other hand, I like Kirk Douglas and Michael J. Fox together. If they could reduce the number of relatives, this may work better. The bickering relatives are funny for a little while but it wears pretty thin. It would also concentrate the villain of the play. When Danny starts to turn, he loses some of the sympathies. He just walks a little too far over the line. Also he needs to save himself without his daddy coming to the rescue. If Danny isn't so desperate in some of the scenes, it would be better for the movie.

"Greedy" is an okay film that could have been better. I think either making it kookier or more a drama might have helped.

Uncle Joe (Kirk Douglas) is a rich old man whose family watch over him like vultures waiting for a creature to expire. They have no love for the man and are very superficial in their attempts to ingratiate themselves towards him in the hope of being his beneficiaries. As for Joe, he's no prize either, as he seems to like watching them squirm.

One family member does not make regular pilgrimages to see Uncle Joe in hopes of inheriting his money. While his exact whereabouts are unknown, this man son, Daniel (Michael J. Fox), can be located. The relatives want him to befriend the old man and get on his good side...and then agree to split the money equally with them. However, at first Daniel is disgusted by all of them....but soon, money fever sets in with him as well.

The basic story idea is excellent...so why didn't I score it higher? Well, the film is a comedy that really should have been much funnier, weirder and wilder. But it gets bogged down with schmaltz when it could have used more wackiness. On the other hand, it could have dialed back on the humor and been a drama...which also could have worked. But the balance here just isn't great....and although the film is watchable and a decent time-passer, it somehow misses the mark and could have been much better.

Saw it before, and watched it again last night, even though I normally don't watch films twice. Period.

I think this is a brilliant film.

The humour in it is great, even though I knew what was coming. I mean: the fact that I remembered some of the lines from watching it a couple of years ago, while I can't remember what I had for dinner yesterday, speaks for itself. In my book anyway. :-)

Regardless of the comments, by others or myself, this film deserves a chance, so if you've never seen it I heartily recommend watching it. I'm (pretty) sure you'll love it.

Over the opening credits, Jimmy Durante sings his signature song "Inka Dinka Doo" (a hit in 1934, but the version here is from later). Before the actual movie begins, it might have been nice to include the few seconds where Mr. Durante "kicks the bucket" from the opening of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), if the rights could be obtained. The Durante film clip is included so those unfamiliar with the entertainer will know who boyish Michael J. Fox (as Daniel "Danny" McTeague) imitates to please his wealthy uncle Kirk Douglas (as Joe McTeague). All of Mr. Douglas' greedy relatives expect him to "buy the farm" at any moment...

Mr. Fox has a touch of arthritis in his wrist and must give up his career as a professional bowler. He wants to marry girlfriend Nancy Travis (as Robin Hunter) and needs $300,000 to invest in a bowling center. Fox is in great shape and shows a generous amount of skin, including a buttocks close-up. Keeping her bikini on and showing less flesh is curvy Olivia d'Abo (as Molly Richardson), a main competitor for the "McTeague" millions. Douglas says the sexy blonde arrived as a pizza delivery girl and moved in as nurse...

Supporting cast cousins Phil Hartman (as Frank), Ed Begley Jr. (as Carl), Jere Burns (as Glen) and Colleen Camp (as Patti) also want the fortune. The film starts out amusingly vulgar and loses its grip on comedy to become a fairly predictable series of plot twists; there are enough to insure at least one will be a surprise. The final twist startles because it doesn't fit the story.

**** Greedy (3/4/94) Jonathan Lynn ~ Michael J. Fox, Kirk Douglas, Nancy Travis, Olivia D'Abo

Wow.This is possibly the most underrated/unknown comedies out there.I was introduced to it by a friend because he knew I was a massive Michael J.Fox fan and I was laughing my head off within the first few minutes.I think it took a good 15 minutes of the film before Fox came on screen,which I was surprised about,but it didn't matter in the slightest because of the other actors/actresses in the cast,playing his relatives.The late great Phil Hartman (The Simpsons)is one of the many familiar faces who plays a member of the family who are desperate to get their hands on their great uncle Joe's money,played with relish by an old Kirk Douglas in one of his last roles.They are desperately trying to stop the old man from leaving his fortune to his beautiful nurse Mollie.But not only do the Macteague family want what they think is rightfully theirs,they also hate each other,so brown nosing is taken to an whole new level, as is backstabbing and it is a joy to watch.This was one of the film's Michael J.Fox made when he was having personal problems because of his cruel twist of fate with Parkinson's disease,but looking at his performance in the film you'd never have known it.The highlight of the film is definitely the dialogue (scripted by the writers of City Slickers)especially in the scenes where the relatives are trying to get one over on each other.And a special mention has to go to director Jonathan (Yes Minister)Lynn's unfussy direction.There's no jerky camera-work or quick editing to highlight the performances.He didn't need to.He just pointed the camera at them and let them do their thing.And the lack of intrusive music in many of the film's scenes was refreshing as well.If you're a fan of comical films that have an edge and have a range of amusing characters,this wickedly funny film is highly recommended.

You must see this movie if you like Phil Hartman and offbeat comedies! And if you simply don't care about popular opinion and what critics say, then you should definitely see this movie!

This film tackles a subject matter that I've never seen in a movie: inheriting money and being included in a will. Kirk Douglas plays a wealthy and eccentric business man bound to a wheelchair who says what he wants and gets whatever he asks for. Retired from his coal mining business, his days now consist of toying with his asskissing moneyhungry family who secretly are waiting for him to die, and being with his sexy live in housemaid (played by The Wonder Years' Olivia D'abo, whom I did not know was British, not to mention the daughter of Doo Wa Diddy's Manfred Mann). Led by the hilarious and unfortunately late Phil Hartman in top form, the family take turns accomodating Douglas and verbally assaulting him in private. The movie takes a turn when they decide to call Douglas' favorite nephew, played by Michael J. Fox, who has moved away to get away from his gold digging cousins, in order to cheer up Douglas. Fox, and his wife, played by the charming Nancy Travis, are the only ones who aren't after their uncle's money. Or are they?

With many twists and an ending to die for, this movie is my pick for the most underrated comedy of the 90's. See it!

I found this film so obvious in its "humor" and overacting all over the place that could only resist about 20 minutes of it.

It seemed acted for people with diminished intellectual capacity, loudly and over the top, with plenty of facial gestures and theatrical whispers --when they weren't shouting-- rolling eyes and everything. Really.

Shame for an actor like Kirk Douglas, that has masterpieces in his portfolio of pictures.

And the film is wrong from its basis, the script, a script --again so obvious-- that from the very first scene we comprehend the whole idea without having to wait for its development, so infantile it is. Maybe it was done for the Popcorn Generation or whatever they are called?

Read the other reviews, see whatever length of this movie you can suffer, and judge for yourself.