Review of Raising Arizona (1987) by Clem666 — 17 Nov 2022

The movie benefits from a very quick and effective start. The two main characters and their backgrounds are depicted in a few minutes which allows the plot to be on track very easily.

The script is interesting and original, and highlights the fact that these characters evolve and question themselves (like Hi who keeps asking himself if he should continue to be a criminal or not for example). Others characters appear but are sadly way more stereotyped than Hi and Ed. It feels like the Coens did need them in order to make the plot move on. And this plot goes on and on with these terrible 'humourous' lame scenes. So many dull gags. And those gags lasts for something like an eternity. The ending quite interesting as it is an open one.

I almost said that Hi & Ed were likeable. In fact, only Ed is, since Hi (Nicolas Cage) can't help but make faces and spout uninspired lines from the beginning. His character is very one-dimensioned and acts like if he doesn't know if he is an adult or a dumb teenager. Ed's acting is terrific, just the best of the whole movie.

I have to recognize environments and many scenes are beautiful though. Lighting is great. In conclusion: visually beautiful movie with dumb characters (sometimes with sparks of intelligence), bad humour, and mixed ending.