Houseguest

Kevin Franklin is raised in an orphanage in Pittsburgh with dreams of wealth and success, imagining himself driving a Porsche one day. Despite these ambitions, he ends up driving a rusted MG Midget and engages in reckless get-rich-quick schemes at the age of 25. His aspirations remain unfulfilled, and he struggles with financial and personal setbacks.

Kevin takes a handshake loan of $5,000 from loan sharks, which rapidly escalates to $50,000 due to interest and penalties. This overwhelming debt pushes him to attempt to escape by heading to Pittsburgh International Airport, planning to skip town. His financial troubles highlight his ongoing struggle to achieve his dreams.

Kevin overhears a conversation between lawyer Gary Young and his children while at the airport, learning that Gary has not seen his childhood friend Derek for 25 years and does not know his appearance. Seizing the opportunity, Kevin disguises himself as Derek to evade mobsters and to blend into the environment.

Kevin gives his baseball cap to the real Derek to throw off two mobster-like figures and then disguises himself as Derek. Despite knowing little about dentistry, Kevin convinces Gary's family that he is the successful dentist, gaining their trust and entering their affluent home in Sewickley.

Kevin, pretending to be Derek, connects with Gary's family, including his wife Emily, daughter Brooke, and son Jason. Despite his lack of dental knowledge, his affable personality helps him earn their goodwill, and he begins to integrate into their lives, forming bonds with each family member.

Kevin encourages Gary to stand up to his arrogant boss at his law firm, which ultimately leads Gary to quit his job. This act of defiance is motivated by Kevin's desire to support his new friend's personal happiness and family unity. The situation highlights Kevin’s unintended positive influence.

Mobsters threaten Kevin’s real friend Larry into revealing Kevin’s location, prompting Larry to pick him up. This sparks an argument about friendship, helping Kevin realize that Gary has been a true friend all along. The mobsters' threats escalate the danger surrounding Kevin.

Kevin's true identity is exposed when the real Derek Bond arrives while mobsters have taken Gary, his family, and Kevin hostage. Kevin manages to escape from captivity and escapes through a charity marathon, risking his safety to reunite with Gary, who continues to support him.

Kevin offers the mobsters his lottery ticket for a chance at $1 million, which he had purchased earlier, in exchange for their forgiveness of his debt. This moment shows his growth as he prioritizes relationships and integrity over money, accepting a smaller prize in a gesture of redemption.

In winter, Kevin arrives in a shiny red Porsche to a promotional party for his new book, 'Handbook for Houseguests,' based on his experiences. The scene culminates with a television wheel spin, initially hitting the million-dollar jackpot but ultimately landing on $5,000. The story closes with Kevin and Gary singing holiday-themed food parodies during a Christmas backyard barbecue.