inspire by hitchcock stranger on a train concept of two men swap murder in exchange for get rid of the two people mess up their life and throw momma from the train be an original and very inventive comedy take on the idea . it a credit to danny devito that he both write and star in this minor comedy gem . anne ramsey be the mother who inspire the film title and it understandable why she get under the skin of danny devito with her sharp tongue and relentlessly put him down for any minor infraction . billy crystal be the writer who wife have steal his book idea and be now be lionize a a great new author and even appear on the oprah show to bask in adulation he should be enjoy . thus and devito get the idea of swap murder to rid themselves of these nuisance factor . of course and everything and anything can happen when writer carl reiner let his imagination roam with unending idea for how the plot develop . and it amuse all the way through and provide plenty of laugh and chuckle along the way and as well a a good deal of suspense . for devotee of black comedy and this one be guarantee to please .