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.

1 out of 4 stars

The Coen brothers supply the film with a terrific, clockwork script (the kind we’ve learned to expect from them) that shows their fascination with those who fatally act first, before learning all the facts.  Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt lead the whole cast with their comedic prowess.  Pitt is a good actor, there’s no doubt, but his best roles are the ones of the stupid pretty boy, and Burn is the perfect example.  The rest of the cast seems to be a who’s who of the acting world (Tilda Swinton, despite being involved in that Narnia nonsense, must have joined this esteemed rank as of her Oscar win earlier this year).

The plot is so complicated (and I don’t want to give away any spoilers), a summary isn’t really possible.  At the end, it doesn’t make a whole lot of a sense, but suffice it to say, this film is terrifically funny, and you should watch it.

3 out of 4 stars

Rottentomatoes: 78% – Cream of the Crop: 54%

Below is the ‘approved for all audiences’ trailer, and the redband trailer (squeamish be warned).