Moving (1988)

Moving is one of those comedies that turns an everyday stressor into a full-blown comic apocalypse, and Richard Pryor is the perfect ringleader—warm, sharp, and hilariously human as a man whose “fresh start” keeps getting dismantled piece by piece. The movie’s charm comes from how it lets Pryor’s genial frustration build into big, cathartic set pieces, while the supporting cast adds bright, oddball energy that keeps the chaos feeling playful rather than mean. Its vibe is broad, late-’80s studio comedy: escalating misfortune, physical gags, and a steady undercurrent of family affection even when everyone’s at each other’s throats. It’s not for viewers who want subtlety or squeaky-clean language, but if you’ve ever survived a move (or just like watching one go spectacularly wrong), it’s an easy crowd-pleaser with Pryor steering the whole ride.

Moving wants to be a relatable “everything that can go wrong during a relocation will go wrong” family farce, with Richard Pryor as the stressed-out dad pushed past his limit. The problem is it often plays like an overextended sitcom episode: the jokes are hit-or-miss, the pacing drags, and Pryor’s sharpest instincts feel oddly boxed in by clunky set pieces. If you’re expecting prime Pryor or a consistently big, inventive comedy, this may feel like a lot of noise for not much payoff. Still, there’s some mild charm in the domestic chaos and a few satisfying moments of comeuppance, so it can work as low-stakes background viewing if your expectations are modest.