User reviews

The Fat Boys (Mark Morales, Darren Robinson and Damon Wimbley) aren't exactly the Marx Brothers. Heck, they're not even the Ritz Brothers. But their first (and last) big screen adventure (as stars, at least) still manages to hold enough appeal to be watchable.

The former rap stars play bumbling orderlies hired on the hope their incompetence will speed up the passing of the wealthy Albert Dennison (the amiable Ralph Bellamy). Albert's nephew, you see, has some nasty debts to pay off. But the plan backfires when the boys and their antics breath new life into the old man. Never laugh-out-loud funny, and sometimes lame, "Disorderlies" is saved by its cheesy, uniquely '80s appeal. If you perked up at the phrase "cheesy, uniquely '80s appeal", then this one's for you.

Ultimately upbeat entertainment stars rap group The Fat Boys - Mark Morales, Darren Robinson, and Damon Wimbley - as a trio of freewheeling, goofy orderlies fired from their jobs. However, they're soon hired for a new gig by scheming Winslow Lowry (Anthony Geary of 'General Hospital' fame), precisely because he hopes that their incompetence will lead to the death of Winslows' uncle, Albert Dennison (Ralph Bellamy). You see, Winslow is a gambling addict who owes a staggering debt to a criminal named Luis Montana (Marco Rodriguez), and he will supposedly inherit his millionaire uncles' estate. Predictably, the corpulent comedians get their act together when it really counts.

Inconsequential, but rather harmless, farcical comedy is directed by Michael Schultz, whose eclectic career includes such features as "Cooley High", "Car Wash", and "The Last Dragon". It's never exactly inspired, but it delivers just enough laughs to keep it watchable. It doesn't have THAT much of a story - after all, it does stop cold for a couple of minutes while the boys shoot an impromptu music video. The soundtrack includes some pretty catchy numbers.

Morales, Robinson, and Wimbley are likable enough and mildly amusing; they do have an infectious amount of energy. Geary is the sort of rotten & conniving - yet also pathetic - antagonist whom the audience will enjoy booing, while Rodriguez is just pure thug. Notable character actor Tony Plana rounds out the trio of baddies as the bumbling valet. Gorgeous Troy Byer is an appealing romantic interest for Morales. Viewers will have fun with the assorted cameo appearances: Helen Reddy, Linda Hopkins, Ray Parker Jr., Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, etc. But the main reason to watch "Disorderlies" is to see Hollywood legend Ralph Bellamy in such a goofball picture. He does look like he's having some fun. He even gets to utter lines such as "Step off, homeboy!" and "You be illin'."

Dumb, but agreeable, this comedy only goes on for a fairly painless 86 minutes.

Six out of 10.

It's an homage to the Three Stooges shorts in which they're hired by rich people and wind up destroying the mansion.

Two surprises, it's unexpectedly funny. I found myself laughing out loud at the outright silliness of it, and second, it's family friendly, at least the TV version I saw.

At this point in his career, Ralph Bellamy had been a movie star for 50 years, and it's easy to see why, he was hilarious, and he was game to look silly. Not a lot of 80 year old movie stars are willing to do that.

Good for a rental.

I saw this at an amusement park in the Netherlands in 1988. After I watched it, I asked myself: "Why would anyone want to make a movie like this?" Face it, it is not funny and the boys are making you feel sick when they perform their "Fat is fun" slapstick. I would not recommend this film to anyone. Quite frankly, it is a waste of time and money.

This movie was okay. It was kind of a slapstick feature. There wasn't any good acting, because, remember, these were the fat boys. Not real actors. So it was an okay movie, but just remember to dumb it down... This movie was okay. It was kind of a slapstick feature. There wasn't any good acting, because, remember, these were the fat boys. Not real actors. So it was an okay movie, but just remember to dumb it down...This movie was okay. It was kind of a slapstick feature. There wasn't any good acting, because, remember, these were the fat boys. Not real actors. So it was an okay movie, but just remember to dumb it down...This movie was okay. It was kind of a slapstick feature. There wasn't any good acting, because, remember, these were the fat boys. Not real actors. So it was an okay movie, but just remember to dumb it down...This movie was okay. It was kind of a slapstick feature. There wasn't any good acting, because, remember, these were the fat boys. Not real actors. So it was an okay movie, but just remember to dumb it down...

Disorderlies is a dated, but very funny 80's comedy starring the rap group The Fat Boys. I remember this played all the time on HBO when I was a kid. I can honestly say that I still really enjoy it. The film is pretty silly and has a lot of slapstick humor(think The Three Stooges if they were overweight black rappers from NYC in the 80's), but The Fat Boys are very likable, hilarious dudes. The Boys do well in carrying the picture and had real good chemistry with Ralph Bellamy. This is not the best comedy from this time period, but is definitely underrated and much funnier than a whole lot of stuff that gets more fanfare. Disorderlies is very much an 80's movie. Some people might call this film "cheesy", but keep in mind that this is a comedy and this film is a lot of fun. Plus, The Fat Boys rock and they provide the soundtrack to this awesome 80's movie. Great stuff for sure and they absolutely do not make them like this anymore.

Never in my life have I laughed so hard. The writing is meant to make us all laugh and succeeds. This movie has gotten me through some dark times. I like all of the comedians here. One could say that the film is built on a firm base. The acting is very effective. This film was nearly perfect, but sadly still not made for everyone. It's an important film, as well as very entertaining. It's meant to be goofy. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose. Rent it today!

In an old school mood I spent a good weekend looking around for some great old school rap music. I was pleased to hear that Prince Markie Dee and Kool Rock were finally getting back together for a Fat Boys reunion album. Buffy, the largest of the group, died back in 1995 but it is nice for them to carry on the legacy of the group. There was Buffy recorded vocals for a comeback album that was planned during the nineties that never came about - so they those for the upcoming album.

ANYWAY I thought of Disorderlies - which I pulled off my friend's DVD shelf to watch. The Fat Boys stole the show in Krush Groove and their lighthearted humor would play out well for a starring feature. They landed Krush Groove director Michael Schultz who had, at that time, directed some classics like Car Wash and Cooley High (not to forget The Last Dragon) and Ralph Bellamy - who is usually known as 'one of the old dudes from Trading Places'.

The film was actually a very modest hit - making just a little more than 10 million dollars at the box office. Run-D.M.C.'s film, which came out just a year later, would only gross 3.5 million!!! Off the top of my head I went and looked up what Belly made in theaters - the film that starred Nas, DMX, and Method Man. Over 10 years later that film made just LESS than 10 million dollars. DMX you got PWNED by The Fat Boys Around 1987 was where Schoolly D, Public Enemy, and Ice-T were bringing their early gangster rap that would soon be solidified by N.W.A. The Fat Boys would see Disorderlies as one of their higher points as a group. They made a few more albums, the last one without Markie as he broke out to do a successfully early 90s solo career. And that would be it for the boys - at least moviewise. Sure this film isn't winning any awards but over twenty years later it is still FUN! Of course others have compared this the humor to The Three Stooges and perhaps owing a bit to The Marx Brothers as well. It's a welcomed comparison but the slapstick plays well with the Fat Boys.

So I was happy to rewatch the movie and enjoy the hell out of it. If you've never seen the movie or never even heard of the Fat Boys - it is really a treat to watch for the first time. The trio were amazing rappers and...while not great actors...made the most of a fun film. It almost makes you forgive Michael Schultz for directing Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. ... Almost.

How could you not have loved this movie in the late 80's????

Okay, so it isn't the Godfather, but if you like comedies, this is definitely a movie that you should enjoy. The bumbling Fat Boys have long since vanished from the limelight (were they ever really in it?), but this was probably their crowning glory.

Just sit down with something fattening and let yourself be amused. You might be surprised if you don't expect oscar-caliber acting or a great storyline, just something to keep you laughing.

I remember going to see this movie at the now boarded up Criterion Center in Manhattan when I was around 7 or 8. Me and my friend enjoyed it thoroughly, although I am not sure theres much more to say about that from the mind of an 8 year old. Back then, The Fat Boys were huge with kids- even if they didnt listen to them, like me- I cant say I ever really disliked them. This movie is typical formula, its got that "vibe" edge to it that makes it so appealing- a formula stolen upon in the alter sexes comedy "BAPS" where unsuspecting folks from "the hood" end up under the wing of a multi-millionaire and their estate. This brings the possibility of many possible wily antics- that could have, if done correctly- in this case AT ALL made an overall better, more enjoyable film. Of course, this was pg-13, so although I said I liked it at 8, it has only nostalgic momentum with little to no replay value with me- today. Too bad huh, they (hollywood execs) make it pg-13 so they can appeal to a larger crowd, but in the longrun- it ends up appealing to no crowd. Or possibly the 99 cent rental at the local mom n pop video store. It really is a shame...

I've always been a fan of "Disorderlies". This movie is filled with goodwill. The Fat Boys (Darren Robinson, Damon Wimbley and Mark Morales) are three very likeable guys. Those guys have charm to spare. Their supporting cast seems to be having a good time working with them. "Disorderlies" has a lot of laughs. Sure, it has its fair share of dumb jokes but it doesn't matter. The Fat Boys are impossible to resist. The movie does run out of steam a little during the action finale but it doesn't matter because Troy Byer is really cute. "Disorderlies" is goofy fun. (I watched this movie on Roku.) (IMDB has a 600 character minimum.)

Old school is never dead. Especially when you have "The Fat Boys". In the movie "Disorderlies" it's nonstop fun, and plenty of music, rhyme and reason to bolster the fun. Here you have three rotund orderlies from Brooklyn(The Fat Boys) who get canned and was spotted by the nephew of a rich man in Florida. The reason why he hired them so he can get his greedy hands on the fortune. While trying to adapt in the high life, the three orderlies put some "A" in the word attitude to the people there. Albert(Raplh Bellamy) gets to have fun with them. And when he started to act like them, the boys wished he would talk normal to them when he said "quit illin' you two". However, the trio made him feel young and alive. They never left their hometown flair behind, but they can live it up anyway. When the scheming nephew try to do away his uncle, the team of them and Albert foil the scheme. I don't think this was box office material, but it's great for home use. WORD! 3 OUT OF 5 STARS, Homeboy!

Not the #1 greatest movie I've ever seen, but certainly one of the best. It captures the true essence of rap music, with a mastery of cinematography, bringing us an American family classic. This one should truly with stand the tests of time. I'll have to admit when first faced with the decision to watch this movie I hesitated, but I then read the plot on back--finally a story line nobody's had the guts to attempt. Three orderlies ,(or disorderlies in this very hilarious case), are hired to take care of a cranky old rich man. I won't ruin all the twists and surprises.

I always thought of the Fat Boys as sub-par rappers, and probably terrible actors. Wrong about both. These guys are brilliant. They're the real pioneers of rappers acting,(Thank God for that).You're sure to watch this ground breaker dozens of times. You'll find yourself quoting some of the off the wall catch phrases, and you won't be able to quit singing their amazing version of the Beatles, "Baby Your a Rich Man."

I just watched this movie last week, and it was one the greatest movies I've ever seen. I almost died laughing. The Fat Boys are not only funny but they are great actors too. They should all have won Oscars for their performances in this movie. Anthony Geary should have definitely took home the best Supporting Actor trophy. He did not even get nominated??? He gives a performance of a lifetime. This is Ralph Bellamy's second role as a millionaire in an 80's film. He earlier appeared in the much inferior "Trading Places". That film doesn't even hold a candle to this one.

The Fat Boys play orderlies who are put in charge of an elderly millionaire (Bellamy). His nephew (Geary) hires them in the hope that their incompetence kills his uncle and he can inherit the money. What an original storyline!! In an era of remakes and recycled plots, it is so refreshing to see something original.

I not only saw this movie I got to be there during filming of the scene when the "Fat Boys" are dressed up like cops and tell the guy they need to check his speedometer, it was filmed right up the street from my house and it was a great experience and so much fun. The Fat Boys were wonderful and they gave all the kids there their autographs when filming was done, I only wish I still had mine, but it got lost when my family moved. I had a lot of fun with the filming in my neighborhood and so did many of my friends. We wished they could have stayed longer, but we knew they couldn't. They filmed that scene on 5th st. and Maine Ave. in Long Beach, Ca.

As you may know, comedy is the most difficult art form of all. To make people laugh, all people, young, old, white, Asian or black, male and female, is truly the finest art form. This movie pulls it off. You have some over weight young black orderlies who can not only laugh at themselves, but make you laugh with every line, every nuance and subtle gesture they conjure up in this movie. Ralph Bellamy plays the consummate straight guy and doesn't miss a beat, esp. at his age. My 15 year old son watched it once and we split our sides laughing. My son is 30 now and he asked me if I wanted to watch that movie with him again. "Yeah" I said. We could use more laughs. We could use more young actor/comedians, especially ones from our own minority groups here in the good ol' USA. This is a funny movie and its probably more hilarious the second time around.

As the Fat Boys hip-hop career was nearly coming to an end they decide to star in a silly movie,about being a care-taker of a rich elderly white man. The movie was slapstick and remind you of a modern day Three Stooges. Some parts of this movie was romantic and the rest was downright stupid. I don't know what was Michael Schultz thinking when he created this movie. He did a whole lot better in recent years before this one with "Berry Gordy's Last Dragon and Krush Groove." This movie was a waste of time and I guess this movie was suppose to create some promising actors in the Fat Boys. But their talent didn't appeal to many audiences and they just vanished away from the entertainment seen all together.