Review of Raising Arizona (1987) by Dominick G — 31 Jul 2011

The Coens' second movie and first comedy is not up to the best of their work (their comedies tend to be their weaker efforts, in my opinion), but this loopy story of recidivist Hi, his ex-cop wife Ed, and their crazy scheme to have a child by stealing one mof Nathan Arizona's quints--five is more than they can handle, after all--has several lough out loud moments, not to mention numerous Coen trademarks, notably one of their better surprise deaths (just about every movie has one).

Nicolas Cage has rarely been better, and Holly Hunter is of course wonderful, but there are some great turns from others as well, notably John Goodman, who always shines in Coen brothers films. Not for all tastes, and occasionally a bit too over the top, but if you're in the right frame of mind, it's vastly entertaining.