Reviews

I saw this film on cable not long after its release and remember enjoying it. But like most films, it didn't leave a lasting impression. For some reason I have had a DVD copy of the film in my collection for some time now, probably a b-day gift or some such, and I never watch it…Last night, sixteen years after it first appeared, I watched it again.

Sometimes, a piece of art takes time and multiple exposures for its audience to fully appreciate its quality. This is definitely the case with this film. For me, a film should show me new characters or new settings or give me a new way of looking at a recognizable situation. So often films just give their audience the same tired stereotypical content; Characters that differ in name only from other films and plot lines that so closely follow previous successful productions that I'm surprised there aren't more lawsuits between artists. Such is not the case with "So I Married an Axe Murderer". With the tiny exception of the girlfriend of the chief supporting character, every role can accurately be described as unique. A butcher shop owner/operator (Nancy Travis) for a leading lady that may be wielding her cleaver in the off hours plus her curiously flighty sister (Amanda Plummer). A suburban San Francisco family of intensely Scottish decent that includes the youngest son with an enormous head and a Mother (Brenda Fricker) who has no qualms about French kissing her eldest son's best friend just to assure herself he's good at it. There's a light aircraft charter pilot (Steven Wright) that probably shouldn't have been awarded a license and a slightly embittered, slightly maniacal former Alcatraz guard/now tour guide (Phil Hartman) who makes me laugh just to look at him on screen. There's an undercover cop best friend (Anthony LaPaglia) that wanted to be Starsky or Hutch but instead learns the job really entails filling out a lot of forms and his boss (Alan Arkin) who, if it wasn't for Mike Myer's performance, would have stolen the movie with his portrayal of a Police Chief that can only be described as the antithesis of that character that we've seen so many times in films and TV.

About Mike Myers: Intensely likable. Free and easy on film at a young age he creates two wonderful characters that make us laugh hard throughout. As the lead Charlie McKenzie and as his father Stuart, Myers keeps the film moving with his paranoid yet irresistible charm from Charlie and his Robin Williamsesque quips that flow from his two characters accomplishing the most difficult task for such a performance; namely, entertain without distracting from the story.

I've added this film to my "Favorites" list and recommend it highly. If you liked "You Can't Take it With You" you'll love this more contemporary yet equally quirky film of love and family.

I caught parts of this performance on cable and was very impressed. Then I was in Sun Coast Video and saw the entire show for sale on VHS and I immediately bought it. I was not disappointed.

Mr. Atkinson is trapped by his Mr. Bean character and it's a shame. I'm sure there are quite a few folks out there that would not bother to watch this type of performance thinking it will be filled with his somewhat gross line of comedy. There is some of that but for the most part, this video contains very thoughtful, and more importantly, very funny pieces of sketch comedy. In some places I laughed so hard I cried.

Get a few friends together and laugh till you pass out.

I'm shocked! The American film-goer loves a good romantic comedy and this one's perfect. George Segal and Barbara Streisand shine together in this "Odd Couple" meets "Bringing Up Baby" production. Belly-laugh funny throughout, this film succeeds in convincing the viewer to root for this couple to find love, instead of the fame and fortune they think they want. I give it a ten in spite of the lame soundtrack provided by Blood, Sweat and Tears. Fortunately, the music plays a completely insignificant role. If you like romantic comedy, you'll love this sleeper. Enjoy.

This is, in fact, my all-time favorite film. You can teach an entire course in film making from this one production. The camera is used as a thirteenth, silent juror. When the old bigoted juror goes on his tirade all the other jurors turn and or leave the table, including the camera. Henry Fonda gives his finest performance here when he must timidly vote against conviction then lead the group through strength of character to set aside their presumption of guilt and grant the defendant a shadow of a doubt. It's as gripping a drama as I've seen. You will not be disappointed.