Moving 1988

In the vibrant state of New Jersey, mass transportation engineer Arlo Pear experiences an unexpected setback when he loses his job following a heated disagreement with his boss. This unforeseen change of circumstances prompts him to seek new opportunities, leading him to an interview with G.T.I. Transits. There, personnel officer Gary Marcus presents Arlo with a remarkable chance: to assume the role of head of Research and Development for an innovative monorail project set to take place in the scenic locale of Boise, Idaho.

Excited, Arlo rushes home to deliver the good news to his family, including his supportive wife, Monica, their teenage daughter Casey, and their mischievous twin sons, Marshall and Randy. However, Arlo’s enthusiasm is quickly met with opposition as each family member expresses their reluctance to leave behind their familiar surroundings for the uncharted territory of Boise. Understanding this hesitance, Arlo cleverly convinces Monica that a move to Boise will mean freedom from their much-dreaded neighbor, Frank Crawford, and his notorious, intimidating lawnmower tractor.

With the decision made, Arlo and Monica put their beloved home on the market despite Casey’s desperate attempts to thwart the sale, driven by her desire to remain nearby her new boyfriend, Kevin. Her efforts fail, and soon enough, they sell the house, embarking on a journey to Boise to seek a new residence. Upon arrival at the intriguing Cadill household, Arlo and Monica are initially enchanted by the property, only for their excitement to dwindle when Mr. Cadill casually reveals his intention to take the windows, doors, and even the swimming pool with him. Arlo, thinking this is a jest, decides to purchase the property regardless and returns to New Jersey.

As packing commences, Arlo encounters movers Edwards and Perry, who raise his suspicions and lead him to find alternate movers. During this time, he also engages a young man named Brad Williams to transport his prized Saab sports car to their new home. The plot thickens when Arlo receives distressing news from their neighbors, the Butterworths; a rumor circulates that their daughter, Casey, is planning to marry to escape the move. To their utter disbelief, they discover Casey at the chapel, not marrying Kevin, but rather a random stranger named Rudy she met at the mall. In a bid to prevent the marriage, Arlo and Monica strike a deal allowing Casey to reside with the Butterworths until she completes her high school senior year.

On the day marked for their move, Arlo is taken aback when the suspicious movers Edwards and Perry show up as the ones hired to assist with their relocation. As these movers, accompanied by a colossal figure known as Gorgo, load up the truck, Arlo steps outside only to witness Brad departing with his beloved car. This leads to an emotional farewell as the Pear family and their dog, Flipper, finally set off towards Boise. In a moment of levity amidst the chaos, the twins present Arlo with a psychology magazine detailing Brad’s eight distinct personalities, sure to add a touch of humor to their tumultuous situation.

The family arrives at their new house only to realize it has been stripped bare, leading to a confrontation with Mr. Cadill. With the frustration mounting, Arlo resolutely tracks down the movers, only to learn they have taken an unexpected detour to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

The following morning, the sound of a roaring lawnmower tractor interrupts Arlo’s thoughts, prompting him to investigate; incredibly, their new neighbor is none other than Cornell Crawford, the menacing twin brother of his previous, fearsome neighbor, Frank. Brad arrives with the Saab, but its appearance is alarmingly altered, outfitted for battle. In a twist of bad luck, Arlo’s first day at work starts with disheartening news—Marcus delivers the crushing blow that the ambitious monorail project has been shelved due to prohibitively high costs. Arlo argues his case, determined to revive the project, but Marcus remains unmoved, leading to Arlo’s dismissal from the firm.

Overwhelmed by the series of misfortunes, Arlo takes matters into his own hands, equipping himself with firearms and reclaiming the moving van from Edwards, Perry, and Gorgo, with intent to unload their belongings in Boise. To his surprise, Casey, missing her family and the comfort of home, decides to join them, adding a welcome relief to their turbulent journey. As Marcus later arrives at their house looking for reconciliations, it becomes clear that Arlo’s expertise in the field may just breathe new life into the monorail project.

Hearing the unmistakable sound of Cornell’s loud lawnmower, Arlo grows impatient, demanding that Cornell acquires a standard lawn mower instead. When Cornell stubbornly refuses, Flipper steps in, growling ominously until Cornell reluctantly adheres to Arlo’s request. With the family reassembled and Arlo’s professional path once again ignited, he finds peace and happiness in his new beginnings, ready to tackle whatever challenges come next in his family’s new life.