Bitchin' Film Reviews

This is the second post for the 1001 Movies You Must See Club. And it was actually my pick. Which makes the fact that I hated Raising Arizona extra annoying.  To all those of the film club that didn’t like this movie, I apologize and promise to make better picks in the future.

The film was written by Joel and Ethan and is their second feature film, after their Sundance movie Blood Simple became a hit.  Why, in God’s name, they would choose to make this movie when so much hinged on it, is beyond me.  And that is why I am not in the moving making business.  Raising Arizona has a certified fresh rating of 89% on RottenTomatoes.com (although, it only received 50% approval from top critics–only six reviews counted).

I did not understand the humor for the most part.  The only actor who illicited an audible laugh was Holly Hunter, whom I thought was marvelous.  The rest of the cast, Nic Cage (technically this was the time he was using his entire first name), John Goodman, even Frances McDormand didn’t really do much for me.  Since I’ve seen all these actors in other films, and I’ve been quite pleased by their performances, I’d have to blame my dislike of the film on the script by the Coen brothers.  It’s simply not to my taste.  And when the bounty hunter, motorcycle man of death came on the scene, I pretty much mentally checked out.

I just didn’t get it.

I will say, that it took me three viewings to finally jump on board The Big Lebowski.  I don’t remember hating that film as much as this, but I will reserve final judgemental until I’ve seen Raising Arizona one more time.  Until then, I’m going to stick with the Coens’ dramas.

Bitchin' Stars:

Tags:   1001 Movie Club · Ethan Coen · Frances McDormand · Holly Hunter · Joel Coen · John Goodman · Raising Arizona3 Comments