Review of Crimewave (1985) by Zack E — 26 Mar 2009

There were good intentions that went into the making of this not so good film. I was never sure if the way this movie remains buried even today (now that Sam Raimi, who directed, and the Coen Bros, who wrote it, are all famous) was their call or a studio call.

Either way I'd kind of understand why the film might be considered somewhat of an embarrassment to filmmaker and studio alike. At first, the film's style of essentially being a live action cartoon complete with goofy sound effects and 3 stooges slapstick is cute (especially as it comes from Sam Raimi, a well documented 3 Stooges nut).

It gets old really quick, but it doesn't let up. This film shows Raimi and the Coen bros testing out their craft and just doing what they enjoy without that much of an eye towards marketability and craft and for that it really doesn't turn out so well.

In the end, this is largely a movie that's really only worthwhile for die-hard Coen Brothers &/or Sam Raimi &/or Bruce Campbell (who has a supporting role) enthusiasts. The lead character is pretty annoying in his over the top loser style, but supporting characters played by Campbell, Brion James, Louise Lasser and Paul L.

Smith all get to go way over the top while managing to remain at least slightly endearing. I seem to recall having liked this movie a lot more when I first watched it 10 years ago, but now... it was sort of painful.