Watch The Toy

The Toy is a 1982 American comedy film directed by Richard Donner and starring Richard Pryor, Jackie Gleason, and Ned Beatty. The movie follows the story of a wealthy Louisiana businessman named U.S. Bates, who is searching for a unique and entertaining toy for his young son Eric. After visiting a department store, U.S. comes across a janitor named Jack Brown who he deems the perfect toy for his son.

Jack, played by Richard Pryor, is initially hesitant to take the job, but the promise of a large sum of money lures him into accepting the offer. Upon arriving at the Bates' mansion, Jack discovers the harsh reality of his new job. He is treated like a toy, with Eric controlling his actions and U.S. admiring him like an exotic pet.

As Jack struggles with his new role as a toy, he begins to develop a close bond with Eric, and the two form an unlikely friendship. However, tensions rise between Jack and U.S. as the businessman becomes more controlling and abusive towards his hired toy.

Throughout the movie, Jack is forced to confront his own feelings of self-worth and the consequences of selling himself for money. He is torn between his desire to provide for his family and the ethical dilemma of being treated as a toy.

The Toy is a lighthearted comedy that also tackles themes of social class, power dynamics, and the value of human life. The movie's cast is exceptional, with Richard Pryor delivering a standout comedic performance and Jackie Gleason taking on the role of the eccentric U.S. Bates with ease.

In addition to its talented cast, The Toy benefits from strong writing and direction. The film's pacing is excellent, with a mix of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. The movie's exploration of social issues provides a depth that is often missing from other comedies of its time.

Overall, The Toy is an enjoyable, feel-good movie that offers entertainment and substance. Its thoughtful treatment of serious issues elevates it above other 80s comedies, while its humor and heart make it a timeless classic.

The Toy is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 16.