Review of Cabin Boy (1994) by Alicia K — 30 Dec 2009

I first saw this movie when I was 8 or so. I could never remember the name of the movie, but I always remembered the blue woman with all the arms and Chris Elliott. I just know, it left such a lasting impression on me that I tried for years to remember what the movie was called. I finally remembered a few years back. I was only able to see it again a few months ago with the help of downloading....

Anyway. I love this movie, though most people seem to hate it. I have five favorite movies, and this is one of them. Chris Elliott, first of all is amazing as a priss-ass little fancy lad, Nathaniel. He makes you hate him so much, but laugh at him and sort of love him for being so ridiculous. His squeaky voice and feminine white wig add a good visual for his character. The performances of the others in the cast are amazing and put you right on the boat. The sailors are funny, crude, dirty and plain weird. They seem like what stodgy old fisherman should be. Although Trina, played by Melora Waters, can be a little annoying and abrasive, her strength is a funny contrast to Nathaniel's weak and sissy ways. They make such an unlikely pair, that you have to laugh and wonder how it' going to turn out.

As for the setting, it's fantastic. Everything looks and feels purposefully like it's made out of cardboard to look sort of fake. It's surreal, which adds to the fantasy elements of the story. Randoms tidbits with the shark man, the giant and his blue multiple-armed wife are the quirky things that make this film what it is. This film is awkward, and weird, and funny in a not so obvious way. Anyone who is a die-hard Tim Burton fan should watch it for the reason that he and Denise DiNovi are producers. To sum it all up, if you can handle odd movies with offbeat characters and wonderful visuals, that are surreal and definitely not mainstream, then this is a film for you.