Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- broad
- chaotic
- profane
- lazy weekend
- 1980s comedy marathon
What critics said
Critics found the comedy uneven and underpowered, though Richard Pryor's genial lead performance gives the family farce some appeal.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Arlo's move from New Jersey to Idaho produces a chain of increasingly disruptive setbacks, including a failed house purchase, unreliable movers, and job loss.
The critical reception specifically notes the film's racially harmonious backdrop and its contrast with the Pear family's comic social and economic stress.
Arlo pursues a new job and a fresh start in Boise, but the move destabilizes his family, work, housing, and sense of control.
The film builds humor from selling the Pears' house, hiring former cons as movers, confronting gigantic lawn mowers, and enduring heavy language.
Films like Moving, and why
The Money Pit
chaotic family-centered comedy built around relocation, domestic conflict, and escalating mishaps
The 'Burbs
1980s ensemble comedy using home ownership and suburban upheaval as engines for broad physical humor
Brewster's Millions
warm but profane working-class comedy led by a charismatic comic performer and driven by family stress
Movie Details
- Director
- Alan Metter
- Release Date
- 1988-03-04
- Runtime
- 89 min
- Rating
- 5.5 / 10 (140)
Cast
- Richard Pryor
- Beverly Todd
- Dave Thomas
- Dana Carvey
- Randy Quaid
- Stacey Dash
- Morris Day
- Ji-Tu Cumbuka
- Chris Pallies
- Alan Oppenheimer
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Moving about?
- A fired New Jersey transit engineer drags his reluctant family toward Idaho, only to find that moving house turns into an absurd cascade of personal and logistical disasters.
- What is Moving like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Moving as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Moving violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Moving as mild.
- What did critics think of Moving?
- Critics found the comedy uneven and underpowered, though Richard Pryor's genial lead performance gives the family farce some appeal.
- Which films are like Moving?
- Films with a similar feel include The Money Pit, The 'Burbs, and Brewster's Millions.
- How long is Moving?
- Moving runs 89 minutes.
- Where can I watch Moving?
- In United States, Moving is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
