[Adult Adam] Back in the '80s,
the Oscars crowned the best dramatic films of the time.
Nothing could beat a heart-wrenching story,
masterful direction, or a powerful performance.
My family, however, didn't think so.
Places in the Heart.
Who cares about a lady saving a farm?
Sally Field needs to stick to being the Bandit's main squeeze.
The Bandit was clearly a criminal.
Smokey's the star, in my book.
And that's why he's the fun husband.
Splashshould've swept everything.
It taught the important lesson that fish can talk and love!
What I want to know is,
where are all the great mother-son movies?
And mother-daughter movies.
No need to include me in whatever cuckoo bananas you're about to share.
A mom and her Schmoo rescue an ark from the Nazis.
She and her squish go top-gunning.
A mama and her three poopies hunt down a killer shark.
These movies write themselves.
Because no one else is going to.
Oh! They're announcing Best Picture!
And the winner is...
-Amadeus! -[both booing]
Oh, that's a shame.
Amadeus-- it's not even a real word.
Amadeus is Wolfgang Mozart's middle name.
The movie's about his musical genius
and his rival Salieri's murderous jealousy.
Before he composed anything,
his mother composed him in her lady tuba.
Lady tuba?
Well, then there needs to be a prequel
that focuses only on her--
Mom-adeus.
I will never see that.
We haven't been to the movies since we had our baby,
so how do you know what "Amadeus" is about?
Uh.
Hey, Schmoo, when are you gonna be up there thanking me
and hilariously forgetting to thank your wife?
Probably never because the Academy doesn't appreciate
how hard a comedy is to write.
I toiled over my most recent script,
a spoof of A Passage to India
called A Passage to Lydia.
[laughs] Lydia! That's a lady's name!
Have you seen the original movie?
Why would I watch something I'm just gonna make fun of?
It's about racial prejudice during the British colonial era.
Oh, is it?
[stammers] According to the poster.
Exactly how many movies have you seen without me, Geoff?
You know, uh, close to none.
Drama.
I'm on the edge of my floor!
Shh! This is the best part.
How...many?
The normal amount.
Give me the number, husband.
She's so powerful in this.
The tension is too much.
It's like watching the sequel to Who Ate My Cream Cheese?
All of them, okay? I've seen all the movies!
Sometimes twice!
-Yes! -Predictable, but satisfying.
They're flawed characters, but you root for 'em!
♪♪ I'm twisted up inside ♪♪
♪♪ But nonetheless, I feel the need to say ♪♪
♪♪ I don't know the future ♪♪
♪♪ But the past keeps getting clearer every day ♪♪
[Adult Adam] It was January 18th, 1980-something,
and my newly single mom wasn't good at picking up
on attention from the opposite sex.
Hey, Beverly, let me help you with that.
Especially when it came from her charming co-worker, Mr. Perott.
Wow.
Whatever's in there smells great.
Or is that you?
It's the seven lasagnas. [chuckles]
My fridge at home just doesn't have the space.
-Oh. -Helen, I love that blouse.
It's the same one I wore yesterday.
I woke up in the park.
But the less you know, the less likely you'll be called in to testify.
Speaking of nice outfits, that's a great sweater, Beverly.
Thank you, Joe. I don't love that shirt on you.
It draws all the color out of your face,
and you're already very pale to begin with.
[Adult Adam] Yep, she really wasn't used to attention.
[sighs] Terrible news.
Ms. Kramer was home gardening, and she hoe'd off her pinky toe.
-Oh, no. -How horrible!
Been there.
Worse yet, she's the only faculty member
that I could bamboozle into running the yearbook committee.
I'd be happy to take over.
Thank you, Beverly, but be prepared
to waste hours of your life on this.
I can help out.
We can waste hours of our lives together.
-Wait, what's happening? -Thank you, Joe.
I-It's really just a one-person job.
I'd love to get started.
-What's your afternoon looking like?-I'm totally free.
Don't you have appointments with the students?
Honestly, they mostly just listen
to what their friends say.
-Should we head to my office? -Yearbook team. So exciting!
[chuckles]
I think old James Dean likes blondie.
Obviously, Helen. Thanks for coming to.
You're welcome.
[Adult Adam] As Mr. Perott was looking for some quality time with my mom,
Dave Kim was home from college looking for my expertise.
So, I have a huge favor to ask.
Will you read my script?
You...wrote a script?
I took a screenwriting elective on a lark.
You want me to take time out of my day to read your script?
Am I saying it weird?
I'll read this on one condition.
No matter how harsh my criticism is, you can't be mad at me.
I'd never be mad at you.
It's gonna feel like an anvil crushing your heart,
your head, and your groin all at once.
I've been kicked down there many a time.
Dave Kim's lower half is made of stronger stuff than you'd think.
Amadoofus?
It's a comedic spoof of Amadeus.
Hey, have you seen Muriel's binkie? Wh--
Amadoofus?
That's hilarious, Adam.
It's Dave Kim's script.
Oh, that tracks. Noice, DK.
[Adult Adam] So I headed upstairs, took out my red pen,
and got ready to mark up my friend's script.
But to my surprise, and slowly my horror,
ink never touched the page.
No! No, no!
The puns, sublime.
The gags, hysterical.
It was a spoof for the ages.
There was only one way to describe what I read.
Balls! Balls, balls, balls, balls!
[orchestral music plays]
Balls.
[Adult Adam] Yep, it blew my mind.
And as Dave Kim's best friend,
I had no choice but to give him his due.
It's good, not great.
Now back to the bio lab,
you mildly creative doctor-to-be.
NYU's gonna give him $3,000 to shoot it!
Shoot [bleep] what now?
I won a screenwriting contest at school.
I kept it secret 'cause I didn't want your opinion colored
by my overnight success.
That's grea-- [gasps, laughs]
That's so great!
He re-named Salieri "Silly Larry."
-I mean, how genius is that? -No, I read it.
Dave, is there any way I could just, like, watch you write sometime?
-No. That's weird. -Totally get that.
But come to the table read later.
Brea will be there, Walls, lots of familiar faces.
Wow, those folks have been in quite a few movies of mine.
And now they're in mine.
I'll be playing Amadoofus,
but I do have one part yet to cast.
-Could I do it? -Absolutely not.
You're right. I'd just mess it up.
Adam, may I cast you in the role of Silly Larry?
Amadoofus's jealous rival?
You're the only person I know
who could bring the character to life.
[piano music plays]
But of course.
Whoa. Things just got weirdly tense.
You creative types are such a mystery to me.
[Adult Adam] While Dave Kim put me down for the role of his rival,
my mom still couldn't pick up on Mr. Perott's increasing attention.
Okay, so, this is for student superlatives.
-Mm-hmm. -Best Personality, Best Dresser,
Most Likely To Get A Job That Requires Coveralls.
Maybe we should add some teacher superlatives, huh?
-Oh. -Like Best Eyes.
You know who I think would win?
-Nick Mellor. -No.
-Ms. Cinoman? -No.
-Mr. Crosby? -I can just tell you.
-Nurse Steve! -No.
Now, technically, he could only win for Best Eye,
but the one he does have is [clicks tongue] very pleasant.
You! I was gonna say you.
[Adult Adam] My mom still wasn't getting it!
I'm Quaker Warden. I'm not a teacher.
I wouldn't qualify, you silly goof. [scoffs]
Anyway, I hope this doesn't seem weird, Bev,
but I made you a mixtape.
[gasps softly]
This will be perfect for my grandbaby.
Get this-- when she gets backed up,
-music helps her poop. -Mm.
[Adult Adam] But, finally, Mr. Perott had an opening.
It's getting late. I should call Adam to pick me up.
Or I could just...
give you a ride home.
Joe, you are a lifesaver. [chuckles]
-Where's your car parked? -I don't have a car.
No! Motorcycles are not safe.
A little danger can be a thrill, Bev.
How can I be sure not to fall off?
Just wrap your arms around me.
And hold on tight.
-Frisky business. -[motorcycle engine revs]
What is happening?
She is really pressed against him.
I see that, Helen!
[Adult Adam] As surprised as Mr. Glascott was,
a few others were even more in shock.
Is that Mr. Perott?
With another hottie wrapped around his waist.
Why is he stopping here?
Yeah, look at that sexy denim jacket.
She's a ho-- Oh, no!
[choral music plays]
-Hey, Schmoos! -[quivering]
Hey, Bev, I was thinking, uh...
you want to go to dinner sometime?
Joe, I would love that.
Oh, wow. Okay.
It's so smart to take brainstorming
for the yearbook outside the school.
-Uh, sure. -Maybe we can go to O'Grady's.
-They have bottomless lemonade. -Uh...
I'll be making many trips to the girl potty,
but it'll be totally worth it.
-Uh... -See you tomorrow.
[Adult Adam] She may not have known it,
but my mom just agreed to her first date.
Meanwhile, it was time for Dave Kim's first table read.
Amadoofus's wife enters the hospital room
to find Silly Larry on his death bed.
My crime is jealousy.
-[mouthing line] -Amadoofus was the genius I wish I was.
But wait! Something stirs within me.
Just then, Silly Larry lets out
an impossibly long and melodic fart,
then keels over and dies.
He finally composed a song worthy of admiration.
With his butt.
And...scene.
Maestro.
That was sublime.
And I'm not completely sure what sublime means.
Fun collab, gang!
I'll be in my trailer, which is your room.
No disturbances as I rest my big brain.
Ah, man, that guy is too much.
Oh, totally. Dave Kim is too much.
Not the positive too much.
The negative too much.
Sure, he's a bit full of himself, but can you blame him?
He just won that big contest.
But silly comedic spoofs are mything.
You should watch the real Amadeus.
-I think it'll give you some perspective. -Why would I do that?
Because you'd sound less like Dave Kim's friend Adam,
and more like Salieri, Mozart's vengeful mentor.
Maybe it is time to figure out what this is really all about.
[Adult Adam] So, I watchedAmadeus.
How can a movie without lasers or Muppets be so good?
And I discovered Salieri gets his revenge...
and so would I.
You'll rue the day you messed with Silly Larry, Amadoofus!
[laughs maniacally]
-[doorbell rings] -So, Mr. Perott asked out my mom.
Even though she was clueless, Barry was not happy.
And he was not alone.
Your mom was on the back of a hog!
He asked her to dinner!
The meal where connections are made!
We have to stop this!
-Thank goodness you feel the same! -Come here.
-You know, that's our first hug. -Eh, let's not linger on it.
I always thought I'd hug Adam first, then Erica, and you last.
I knew you weren't gonna be able to hug me normally.
You two will stop at nothing.
Is that a giant Pixy Stix?
Mr. Glascott, I'm sorry to tell you this,
but [sighs] your jealousy is a waste of time.
My mom doesn't think of you that way.
How dare you! My heart belongs to my ex.
She sent me a letter through her lawyer
demanding more spousal support.
[chuckles] She's such a flirt.
So why are you all worked up?
Because I have my cousin Gerald in my back pocket for your mom
when she's ready for romance.
He has his own bait shop,
so she'll never want for small fish to catch bigger fish.
Okay, can we focus on Perott, please?
The good news is, Mom thinks the date is a yearbook meeting.
And once we tell her what's really going on,
I'm sure she'll panic and cancel.
Which is why you're going to keep your face hole shut.
She's not ready for this.
I think she is, and I just want her to be happy.
Doesn't matter, 'cause you can't stop me from talking to her!
Ow! Ow! No fair! I wasn't in my defensive stance!
Swear you won't talk to Mom, or I will crack you in half!
Do what she says. Her eyes are dead.
Fine! I won't say a thing to Mom!
I could have broken out of that if I wanted to,
but I would've had decapitated you, so you're welcome.
But I didn't say anything about talking to Mr. Perott.
Aha! Trickery's afoot.
Should we hug again to celebrate?
Another time it is.
[Adult Adam] And so, Barry went to confront my mom's suitor.
We need to talk, scoundrel!
Yeah, your sister was just telling me.
Hey, pal.
Why are you showing up everywhere
with giant novelty foods?
That's mything!
Listen, Bar, take a seat.
I understand you're feeling a little bit conflicted
about me and your mom.
So let's, uh-- let's talk like bros.
-With puppets. -What?
I like your mom, dude.
[Adult Adam] While Erica had foiled Barry's plan,
my plan to drive Dave Kim to madness
was about to come alive.
His rear is not of this world.
Um, what is his workout regimen?
Hm. Oh, he never works out, Your Majesty.
He was born this way.
How can a just God give that fool such a rump
while mine is so pedestrian?
I curse the heavens!
And cut.
[Adult Adam] It was time for Silly Larry to do his thing.
It's hard for me to say, Dave Kim,
but this is the best movie I've ever been a part of.
It means a lot to hear that.
Especially the part where you admit it's hard for you to say.
If I have one criticism--
I would love to hear it-- super busy.
I just wish it was longer.
Okay.
Everything you think of is so good.
Why stop writing?
More jokes, more story, more pages, more--
Dave Kim.
Exactly.
To my room trailer!
-I need to create. -Go!
Do what only you can do!
[Adult Adam] Just like that, I used the ultimate weapon to destroy
Dave Kim--
Dave Kim.
Hilarious!
If I weren't too busy typing, I'd be laughing.
I just hope there's more.
-[keyboard clacking] -Yes, more! Much more!
All the precious words!
I'm envisioning a comedic nightmare
where Silly Larry's butt grows to the size of a beach ball.
You'll need a special pair of pants.
I'll go get my mom's sewing machine.
[sewing machine whirrs]
Ugh. Dave Kim.
This is a terrible dream.
Shh! Let the genius work.
Perfect!
I'm perfect!
[Adult Adam] With my trap set, the rest was easy.
-Ahh! -Relax, buddy. It's me.
Did you sleep at all?
-Not really. -You should rest.
I'll fill in while you gather your strength.
-But my movie-- -It'll be fine.
I have your shot list, your mediocre script--
-Mediocre? -I said meteoric.
You're hearing things, you poor fellow.
Silly Larry will take it from here.
[orchestra swells]
[Adult Adam] My plan worked flawlessly.
Barry, on the other hand, was running out of moves.
They're worms and minnows, Gerald.
They can survive for one night without you.
[dial tone]
-Cousin Gerald's out. -Oh, damn it!
We're running out of time!
You know, now that my kin is out of the picture,
I'm rethinking this.
Then there's no other choice.
-You must seduce my mother away from him. -No, thank you!
Take off that sweater vest and let me comb out your mustache.
We gotta raise your appeal, man.
No! Get off of me!
And why am I conspiring with my friend's son?
Because we both want the same thing--
for my mother to grow old alone.
No! And Mr. Perott's a good guy.
He keeps his cubby clean in the lounge at school,
and he's the only person I've ever met
that actually likes your mom's sweaters.
Well, if it's her sweaters he likes,
it's her sweaters he'll never see.
Exactly. [chuckles]
Wait. What nonsense!
She can't go on a date if she has nothing to wear.
This relationship will be over before it's even started.
[Adult Adam] So, with one last desperate attempt,
Barry hid my mom's sweaters,
then packed her pants,
ditched her dresses, and stashed her shoes.
Just when he thought he'd won,
Erica had once again beat him to the punch.
Aw, man!
Are you sure this is okay?
I feel silly in your dress.
It's so plain.
Faculty advisors always dress up
for outside-the-school meetings.
It's in the school charter.
Quakers-- they're so peaceful and weird.
Barry, Erica told me you took all my clothes to the cleaners.
Ah, such a good boy.
Yeah, such a good boy. [chuckles]
[softly] But I'm the better boy.
[doorbell rings]
Wow.
Beverly, you look great.
Well, by-laws are by-laws.
-Here's the yearbook stuff. -Okay.
[Adult Adam] As my mom still couldn't see where the night was headed,
I had steered Dave Kim's production in a new direction.
Okay, people. Time to roll film.
This is so exciting.
I'm a professional actor!
Also, I lost my script.
I don't get these new pages.
I made a few tweaks.
Amadoofus admits he's a fraud
and then declares Silly Larry the real genius?
Then he poops himself and dies?
A death poop.
Hilarious, right?
Why do I keep agreeing to do these things?
Cut!
He's ruining my masterpiece!
Balls! He's awake!
I know what you're up to.
I found your new pages on the back of the toilet!
Oh, there's my script.
You just couldn't stand that Dave Kim's the funny one now.
That Dave Kim's the one everyone wants to be!
-Don't get carried away. -For starters, your hair...
-Your clothes... -Sometimes your personality...
Okay, Dave Kim is flawed!
You're more than flawed. You're petty and mean!
Oh, you're one to talk!
Casting me as your jealous rival?
Refusing to admit I can write, too?
Making Brea your "wife"?
I know what that's about!
Don't be ridiculous!
Unless, of course, some long-repressed feelings are emerging.
I really have to stop coming back home.
What scene is this?
Now I know I definitely don't want to live with you next year.
Live together?
I don't even want to be your friend!
Fine by me!
Could I borrow that script?
[orchestral flourish]
[Adult Adam] The big date was underway, and despite my mom's confusion,
or rather because of it, things were going pretty well.
So, what do you think of the background
for this dedication page?
A collage of your kids?
They really do represent
all the children of the world, don't you think?
I do.
More wine?
I love how creatively in sync we are.
You know, I always thought we, uh,
had our own sort of connection.
You know, I didn't think this place was gonna work
with the small table, the poor lighting,
and the roaming violinist,
but we are getting so much work done.
We make a good team. [chuckles]
One could even say, we make a good couple.
[chuckles]
Well, that's a funny place to rest your hand.
Were you reaching for the rolls and got tired?
No.
No, I wasn't.
[Adult Adam] In that moment, my mom finally put the pieces together.
My tummy just got hot.
[Adult Adam] The romantic bistro.
The tender music.
The flirty banter.
We'll have the "lovers' special."
[echoing] Lovers' special. Lovers' special.
Beverly, you are gorgeous.
[gasps softly] Oh, no!
I am gorgeous!
Beverly, are you okay?
Joe, are we...
on a date?
You didn't know?
-Unhand her! -No, hand her!
I told you, she's not ready for this!
I don't want to see her get hurt!
And I don't want to see her alone!
She's not alone. She has us.
-She needs way more than us. -Enough!
Stop fighting about your mother's romantic inclinations!
Oh, no! Don't say it that way. Gross.
Kids, sit down.
[both sigh]
The fact is, I am not ready to start dating.
-In fact, until this moment, I hadn't even thought about it. -Good.
But now that we are talking about it,
I guess I will be ready someday.
Okay?
Okay.
And when I am, everything's gonna be fine
because I have the most wonderful Schmoos
looking after me.
You got that right.
We really are pretty great.
You can leave now.
-Barry. -You've been rejected.
Barry!
Joe, I'm so flattered and so sorry.
Ah, don't be.
I get it.
Maybe some other time.
I'm just gonna make sure he actually leaves.
[scoffs]
He called me gorgeous!
-[squeals] -[giggles]
[Adult Adam] My mom took a big step that day.
And with Geoff's help, I was ready to do the same.
Adam has something he'd like to say.
So does Dave Kim, actually.
-I'm so sorry! -No, I'm sorry!
-Your script is amazing! -Your script is amazing!
I've been a terrible friend! I've been a terrible human.
Okay, they both know they suck.
Yeah, we can let them take it from here.
It was just...
hard seeing you thrive at something
I always thought was my thing.
It is your thing.
You're the funniest writer I know.
Well, you're pretty good, too, Dave Kim.
And you know what?
Maybe next year, when we're both at NYU,
we can work on something together.
That would be amazing.
Great.
But before all that, let's finish your Amadoofus?
I would really love that.
["Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco playing]
[Adult Adam] Relationships go through many changes.
Your best friend can turn into your enemy
then back to your best friend.
[glasses clink]
Or the people you take care of can, overnight,
be the ones who are taking care of you.
♪♪ Come and rock me, Amadeus ♪♪
♪♪ Amadeus, Amadeus ♪♪
[Adult Adam] Yeah, we may not always catch the hints right away,
but once we do, we realize they were there all along...
♪♪ Amadeus, Amadeus ♪♪
...thanks to those we love being there when we need them
and, of course, sharing laughter along the way.
[echoing] ♪♪ Amadeus ♪♪
Erica, thanks for being open to me
getting back out there.
Please, we're not just mother and daughter, we're friends.
You can always talk to me about this stuff.
-Like how dreamy Tom Berenger is? -I guess.
I like how his hair is so ruggedly curly.
Sure, nice lettuce.
You can tell he's a bad boy who does bad things.
Bad... [chuckles] That's how I'm starting to feel.
Major League? More like major yum. Am I right?
Okay, that's it! I'm out.
You know what? I'm gonna keep this magazine, if that's okay.
Oh, totally fine. Friendship over.