Review of River's Edge (1986) by Michael F — 04 Mar 2008
The pinnacle of Crispin "Cripsy" Glover's career, and also an early breakout role for Keanu Reeves (yes, the guy is actually tolerable in certain early films).
A psychopathic, bullying teen (played by Daniel Roebuck) murders his girlfriend for no real reason at all. He displays her dead body to his surprisingly large circle of friends...most of whom are only a half-notch less demented as him, or at the very least, too scared to do the right thing.
Keanu's character is the tortured rebel who wants to inform the police, but these thoughts sometimes take a back seat to his dysfunctional family situation and love interest. Meanwhile, Crispin Glover, looking like a Dave-Blood-from-the-Dead-Milkmen-on-meth lunatic, is bent on sticking up for Mr. Bully and keeping his secret.
Meanwhile, Dennis Hopper is thrown into this alternately hilarious and disturbing film...mostly chewing the scenery as a reclusive drug-dealer with a fondness for blow-up dolls.
80s cinema is a quagmire of awfulness that no amount of VH1's critical air freshener can ever completely cleanse and make cool. And yet this overlooked indie gem rises above all that retarded bullshit.
Poor Crispin. It was all downhill after that Letterman appearance. See this film for Crispy at his demented, hilarious best!!
This review of River's Edge (1986) was written by Michael F on 04 Mar 2008.
River's Edge has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
