Directed by
Rod Amateau
Made by
Atlantic Releasing Corporation
Discover the intricate plot of The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A garish spaceship shaped like a garbage can is spotted flying near Earth, only to later reveal itself inside the vintage shop owned by Captain Manzini. In a nearby park, a young boy named Dodger faces harassment from a group of four older bullies, led by Juice. The situation escalates as Juice robs Dodger of his money, leaving him in a puddle. Seeking refuge, Dodger heads to Manzini’s shop where he works. There, Manzini takes the boy’s wet clothes to clean them, cautioning him to steer clear of the enigmatic garbage can.
Later, Dodger catches sight of Tangerine, Juice’s girlfriend, who appears to show him a glimmer of empathy. Enthralled, he tries to convince her to purchase something from the shop while covertly inhaling her scent as she is distracted. Trouble brews as the bullies burst into the store, intent on harassing Dodger once more. Ingeniously, he manages to outsmart them, but during their altercation, the garbage can tips over, unleashing a mysterious green ooze. The bullies then drag Dodger into a sewer, handcuffing him to a rail and dousing him with sewage. Just when it seems all hope is lost, he is rescued by the quirky group known as the Garbage Pail Kids.
Upon Manzini’s return, he expresses his discontent at the Garbage Pail Kids’ release, yet introduces Dodger to them: Greaser Greg, a tough greaser with a fierce demeanor; Messy Tessie, a girl perpetually battling a runny nose; Windy Winston, an eccentric boy in a Hawaiian shirt with a propensity for flatulence; Valerie Vomit, who has the unsettling ability to vomit on command; Foul Phil, a whining and hungry baby with bad breath seeking parental figures; Nat Nerd, a chubby boy with acne who dresses like a superhero; and Ali Gator, the whimsical leader with a taste for human toes. Manzini warns that these peculiar children must avoid mingling with “normies,” or regular people, as they are likely to face rejection.
The following day, Dodger accompanies Tangerine to a nightclub where she showcases her clothing designs. Awkward tension arises when she removes her shirt to sell it, leading Dodger to hide upon the arrival of Juice. Meanwhile, the Kids cause chaos by stealing a Pepsi truck, using it to flatten Juice’s vehicle, then indulging in stolen food during a campfire. The morning after, nursing food comas, the Kids surprise Dodger with a home-sewn jacket that impresses Tangerine, prompting her to ask him for more clothing to sell. They eagerly craft additional attire for him after swiping a sewing machine and singing an endlessly annoying song about teamwork, but their excitement fades, and they decide to venture outdoors disguised as regular kids.
Their escapades land them in a theater screening Three Stooges shorts, where they attract attention with their unruly behavior. Ali and Winston stir up a bar fight after Ali’s insatiable appetite for toes gets the better of him, yet they impress the bikers involved, ultimately celebrating together with drinks. Meanwhile, Tangerine capitalizes on the Kids’ designs for her upcoming fashion show. On the night of the event, she locks the Garbage Pail Kids in the basement of Manzini’s shop to keep them contained, but they are soon captured by Juice and his gang, who take them to the State Home for the Ugly, a grim facility for society’s castaways who face dire fates. This establishment houses figures like a grotesquely overweight Santa Claus, an excessively bald Gandhi, a gaunt Abraham Lincoln, a frail elderly man, and a comically silly clown.
With the help of Manzini and Dodger, they evade capture and rush to the fashion show, ultimately wreaking havoc by dismantling the runway and its outfits, while Dodger confronts Juice in a climactic fight. In the aftermath, Juice and his crew find themselves arrested, potentially facing a lengthy sentence. Later that night, Tangerine seeks reconciliation with Dodger, but he refuses her apology, recognizing her underlying greed. Meanwhile, Captain Manzini attempts to sing the Garbage Pail Kids’ song in reverse to coax them back into the garbage can, but the Kids slip away on stolen ATVs, ready to unleash more chaos on the world.
Track the key events of The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Spaceship Appearance
A garish spaceship that resembles a garbage can is spotted flying near Earth, capturing the attention of locals. It later reveals itself inside the vintage shop owned by Captain Manzini, hinting at the unusual events about to unfold.
Bullying Encounter
In a nearby park, young Dodger faces harassment from Juice and his gang of four older bullies. The situation escalates into trouble as Juice robs Dodger of his money, leaving him humiliated and wet from falling into a puddle.
Seeking Refuge
After the incident with the bullies, Dodger seeks refuge in Captain Manzini's shop. Manzini takes Dodger's wet clothes to clean them and cautions him about the mysterious garbage can, igniting curiosity in the young boy.
Encounter with Tangerine
Dodger catches a glimpse of Tangerine, Juice's girlfriend, who seems to show him empathy amidst the chaos. He is captivated by her presence and attempts to engage her by convincing her to buy something from the shop.
Bullies Attack the Shop
The bullies storm into Manzini's shop, intent on harassing Dodger again. In a moment of quick thinking, Dodger manages to outsmart them, but the garbage can tips over and unleashes a mysterious green ooze, causing further chaos.
Sewer Abduction
The bullies drag Dodger into a sewer after overpowering him. They handcuff him to a rail and douse him with sewage, leaving Dodger in a desperate situation until help arrives.
Rescue by Garbage Pail Kids
Just when Dodger's fate seems grim, he is rescued by the quirky group known as the Garbage Pail Kids. This peculiar crew introduces themselves, each with their own bizarre traits and abilities.
Introducing the Kids
Captain Manzini returns to express his frustration over the Garbage Pail Kids’ antics, yet he introduces them to Dodger. The Kids, from Greaser Greg to Valerie Vomit, embody a chaotic blend of personalities that intrigue Dodger.
Nightclub Adventure
The following day, Dodger accompanies Tangerine to a nightclub where she plans to showcase her clothing designs. Awkwardness arises when Tangerine removes her shirt to sell it, prompting Dodger to hide from Juice's arrival.
Culinary Chaos
Meanwhile, the Kids create chaos by stealing a Pepsi truck, using it to flatten Juice's car. Afterward, they indulge in their thievery, savoring stolen food during a whimsical campfire gathering.
Theater Antics
During an outing to the theater to watch Three Stooges shorts, the Garbage Pail Kids display their unruly behavior, attracting attention. Their antics culminate in a bar fight instigated by Ali's peculiar appetite for toes.
Fashion Show Setup
As Tangerine prepares for an upcoming fashion show, she locks the Garbage Pail Kids in the basement of Manzini's shop to keep them contained. However, they soon fall into the hands of Juice and his gang.
State Home Capture
Juice and his gang take the captured Kids to the State Home for the Ugly, a facility for society's outcasts. Here, they encounter bizarre characters who amplify their feelings of rejection and despair.
Dramatic Fashion Show
With Dodger and Captain Manzini's help, the Garbage Pail Kids evade capture and race to the fashion show. They cause pandemonium on the runway, dismantling displays while Dodger confronts Juice in a climactic showdown.
Aftermath and Escape
Following the chaos, Juice and his crew face arrest, but tensions linger. That night, Dodger rejects Tangerine's apology for her greed while the Kids escape on stolen ATVs, eager for future mischief.
Meet the characters that bring The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Dodger
Dodger is a young boy caught in the throes of bullying and societal rejection, but he possesses a resilient spirit. Despite his struggles, he shows kindness and curiosity, particularly towards Tangerine, highlighting his desire for connection amidst adversity. His evolution throughout the story reflects themes of bravery and self-acceptance.
Captain Manzini
Captain Manzini serves as a mentor and protector to Dodger, possessing an air of quirky wisdom. He introduces the Garbage Pail Kids and understands their struggles, yet also cautions them about the complexity of societal interactions. His character adds a layer of depth, showcasing how one can guide others through difficult times.
Tangerine
Tangerine is portrayed as Juice's girlfriend who initially shows empathy towards Dodger. However, her character reveals a more complex nature, driven by ambition and a desire for acceptance. As the narrative unfolds, her choices reflect the tension between personal gain and genuine friendship.
Juice
Juice is the film's primary antagonist, embodying the traits of a bully with a sense of entitlement. His actions towards Dodger reveal a desperate need for control and dominance, showcasing the negative impact of peer pressure. Ultimately, Juice's downfall serves as a reminder of the consequences of such behavior.
Greaser Greg
Greaser Greg is a tough yet loyal member of the Garbage Pail Kids, showcasing a fierce demeanor contrasted by his camaraderie. He represents the rebellious spirit of youth, often leading the charge in their mischief. His character highlights the notion that strength can coexist with friendship.
Ali Gator
Ali Gator is the whimsical leader of the Garbage Pail Kids, known for his bizarre appetite and playful spirit. He adds a layer of humor to the group while embodying a carefree approach to life. His character evokes the theme of embracing differences in a fun and lighthearted manner.
Uncover the settings of The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie exists in a contemporary setting that captures the essence of youthful rebellion and individuality. It portrays a world where appearances and social status govern interactions, reflected in the dynamics between Dodger, the Garbage Pail Kids, and the bullies. As Dodger navigates these societal nuances, themes of acceptance and self-identity emerge.
Location
Captain Manzini's shop, nearby park, State Home for the Ugly, a nightclub
Captain Manzini's shop is a vintage store filled with quirky items, hosting a unique blend of characters and situations. The nearby park is a common playground for children but becomes a battleground when Dodger is harassed by bullies. The State Home for the Ugly serves as a grim reminder of society's neglect for the unconventional, housing individuals who have fallen from grace. Finally, the nightclub is a chic venue showcasing Tangerine's fashion designs, where creativity meets chaotic encounters.
Explore the core themes of The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Friendship
At its core, the film emphasizes the value of camaraderie, particularly seen in the bond formed between Dodger and the Garbage Pail Kids. As they face societal rejection together, their friendship becomes a source of strength, enabling them to confront their challenges with resilience. The narrative highlights that true friends appreciate each other's differences and stand together against adversity.
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Rebellion
The Garbage Pail Kids embody the spirit of rebellion, challenging societal norms and expectations. Through their antics, the Kids symbolize the refusal to conform and the celebration of individuality. Their mischief becomes a way to assert their identity in a world that often marginalizes those who are different.
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Acceptance
The film illustrates the theme of acceptance, as Dodger learns to embrace the Garbage Pail Kids despite their oddities. In a world quick to judge based on appearances, the narrative encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and recognize the inherent value in each unique individual. Ultimately, it's about finding belonging with those who may not fit traditional molds.
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