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Plot: A petty crook falls in love with the woman cop who always arrests him, but when they find out she can't bear children, they steal one, hit the road, and lots of mayhem ensues.
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:July 28, 2008"H.I." (Nicholas Cage), a convict who goes by the nickname "Hi", and his police officer wife (Holly Hunter), who he met while being booked on a robbery charge and courted during even more bookings on robbery charges, have been trying to have a baby. They soon learn that she can't have a baby.
They try the adoption route, with her appearing at the adoption agency in uniform, but they are denied because of "Hi's" huge criminal record. Soon after, the couple learn that a local businessman and his wife have just brought home a set of quintuplets, and because she wants to be a mother so bad they decide to take one of the children and raise the kid as their own.
I have heard a lot of good things over the years since this movie came out, and I have to disagree with what people have said about this film.
The first problem with the movie is the script. It's basically not funny at all, and the performances all around suffer from it. None of the characters were memorable, and were all a bit over the top.
None of the jokes, with exception of two, made me really laugh. In fact the jokes were not real funny at all. Maybe if they were set-up better, the jokes may have worked.
Like I said earlier, the performances are bad all around. Not one of the characters are performed with any intelligence. Every character is one step up from an idiot. Maybe this was done because the writers thought it would be funny, but it wasn't.
Even the wardrobe was pretty boring, as was the sets. If you ask me, the movie was also poorly developed, as were the characters.
If you ask me, this movie should only be seen on TV. I wouldn't rent this one, unless my first five choices were not available. -
MCT:July 17, 2008My favorite comedy of all time. Note perfect from beginning to end. Saw it in a run down little theater in Ely Minnesota - all by myself. Fantastic
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MCT:July 9, 2008well, it was funny and quirky, and i love nicolas cage. it's one of those movies you'll love or you just won't get. guess which it was for me!
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MCT:July 9, 2008
Le deuxième film des frères Coen, qui explorent cette fois l'univers de la comédie. L'histoire est assez simple, aurait pu même tourner au banal, mais les cinéastes ont su guider l'intrigue juste comme il le fallait, en alliant l'humour parodique au suspense un peu plus classique. Une mixture dosée avec habileté qui garde toujours le bon ton.
La caméra est maniée avec vitalité; les réalisateurs s'amusent beaucoup avec les plans et les mouvements, mais jamais de manière à détourner l'attention du spectateur. La technique des frères Coen, comme celle de Scorsese, demeure toujours subtile, toujours en arrière-plan, la priorité allant à l'histoire et son déroulement. Ce n'est pas exactement un grand film, mais c'est un bon film, réalisé avec beaucoup de savoir-faire. C'est surtout un excellent divertissement. -
MCT:July 1, 2008
I liked the simplistic feel of the movie. It was edgy without being dramatic which complimented the irony of the film very well. I would have personally prefered John Goodman as Hi and Cage as Gale, but that's just me. Casting Goodman was brilliant as every film I see with him in it always gives me a sense that the movie will get better. The actors did very well with the exception of Holly Hunter and the film was overall laughable, but like a lot of movies you've got to be in the right mood. I only watch this film occasionally, but I would reccomend it!
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MCT:June 27, 2008
I loved this. It has a crazy, loose, beautiful rhythm to it that doesn't let up until right towards the end when it descends slightly into schmaltz. Nic Cage is a brilliant whirlwind and Holly Hunter is gorgeous. Pity about the music.
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MCT:June 21, 2008
My 2nd fav Coen Bro flick. Both NC & HH should go back to comedy & give up the dramas. JG is hilarious as always.
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MCT:June 10, 2008
"I tried to stand up and fly straight, but it wasn't easy with that sumbitch Reagan in the White House. I dunno. They say he's a decent man, so maybe his advisors are confused."
Raising Arizona is now considered a classic gem from currently-renowned filmmaking duo Joel and Ethan Coen. Now that the pair have achieved such success with their crowning jewels such as No Country for Old Men, Fargo and O Brother, Where Art Thou? to name a few, it's an interesting experience to revisit some of the earlier films created by the Coen Brothers. Taking all their succeeding films into account, Raising Arizona is a top-notch production and is unmistakably the effort of Joel and Ethan Coen. It is simply their type of movie: wildly offbeat, surreal, atmospheric and unique. However their style of humour will certainly not be appreciated by all tastes.
In this bright and moderately unconventional slapstick comedy, we are initially introduced to criminal H.I. McDunnough (Cage). H.I. (known as "Hi" among friends) is a repeat offender who is continually arrested for armed robbery. Every time Hi is arrested he meets Ed (Hunter), a police photographer. With each new arrest, the two continue developing a relationship. Hi vows to give up his life of crime when he mounts a successful marriage proposal to Ed. All is wedded bliss until it is discovered that Ed is unable to fall pregnant, and due to Hi's former persistent dedication to crime they are subsequently rejected by every adoption agency in town. Things become desperate when the inability to have children places a strain on the marriage and the relationship between Hi and Ed. They soon learn that well-known furniture tycoon Nathan Arizona (Wilson) has recently welcomed quintuplets that he feels is too much to handle. In an attempt to finally gain a baby, Ed and Hi plan to kidnap one of the babies from Nathan Arizona and pass it off as their own. When things look shaky, the happily wedded couple grab the baby and hit the road. In typical Coen Brothers style, pure mayhem and chaos ensues.
Raising Arizona is an interesting twist on your usual comedy, in fact it's one of the most inventive, original and off-the-wall comedies I've seen for years. Interestingly enough, the only wacky comedies that can compare to this film are none other than the other works of the Coen Brothers. This film is wicked fun from the get-go. It's incredibly fast-paced and well made; featuring top-notch performances, effective direction, inventive cinematography and solid directing. For a film made in the late 80s it still looks pretty damn good in terms of production values and the extremely innovative utilisation of the camera. On top of this the film is skilfully edited and contains some music that effectively sets the tone and atmosphere. The chase sequence is a particular stand-out in this film. For something this wacky, you can only find two possible people at the helm (yes, Joel or Ethan Coen...or both).
Nicholas Cage convincingly pulls off the title role. His accent always sounds genuine and he never strikes a false note. Heck, even his facial expressions towards the film's conclusion are enough to make you laugh! Holly Hunter is also quite excellent. The chemistry between Cage and Hunter is outstanding. These two are supported by an excellent bunch of actors including John Goodman, Trey Wilson, William Forsythe and Frances McDormand among others.
Overall, Raising Arizona is a very funny movie and still one of the best creations of the Coen Brothers. From a simple storyline the duo were able to create a mesmerising landscape, deft one-liners and some very off-the-wall characters. Although the script is a little clichéd and the ending is fairly standard, the whole movie is very satisfying; featuring fight scenes and chases that are skilfully choreographed and filmed, as well as being exciting and entertaining. In a nutshell: this film is great enjoyment and is destined to keep you extremely entertained. -
MCT:May 26, 2008
This movie was frakkin awesome. It's hard to remember the last time Nic Cage was in a good movie. The Coen brothers rock.
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MCT:May 25, 2008
Paradigmatic example of the Coen brothers' fantastically odd, cartoonish and hilarious world of adorable losers. Barry Sonnenfeld's camerawork is amazing.
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MCT:May 8, 2008
Another genius creation of the Cohen brothers. Quirky comedy. We're going to do our Christmas cards in the theme of this Movie poster!
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MCT:May 5, 2008
The Coens deliver another clever and masterful laugh fest which happens to be one of the greatest comedies ever
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MCT:April 27, 2008
A very dark comedy about a couple that steals a child because they can't have one of their own. Lots of trouble happen as they get on the edge of a breakdown. The Coen brothers write and direct.
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MCT:April 20, 2008
Personally, I thought it was hilarious, but I'm also a little biased because it's the Coen Brothers. So five stars for it's hilarity and the Coens.
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MCT:April 16, 2008
Raising Arizona is a unique and enjoyable flick with extremely wonderful characters. Holly Hunter, Cage and Goodman were all great.
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MCT:April 10, 2008
the characters, crazy and deadpan that they are, make this movie...they are like extreme stereotypes...
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MCT:April 8, 2008
This film just cracks me up in how deadpan the characters are. The chase scene where Nicolas Cage runs from the store clerk and the police with the diapers in hand is classic.
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MCT:April 5, 2008
Débutons par le reproche principal, question que ce soit terminé et qu'on puisse enchaîner sur autre chose: à un certain moment, les frères Coen se mettent à cheval sur plusieurs genres cinématographiques, et ça devient littéralement ridicule. On passe de la comédie brittish au cabotinage hollywoodien, en passant par le film d'action, de combats et d'explosif pour ensuite se perdre dans les confins noirs de l'ô combien agréable drame noir. Si la majorité de ces genres m'ont plus, ça ne signifie pas pour autant que le mélange soit particulièrement plaisant; je le comparerais même à des ongles qui grattent violemment un tableau d'école.
Enfin, sinon, outre cela, si l'on prend la majorité des scènes individuellement, il s'agit d'un excellent film, d'une comédie incroyable qui a fait naitre de multiples sourires sur mon visage. Nicolas Cage n'a jamais été aussi incroyable que dans le rôle H.I. et Holly Hunter livre, sans conteste, la performance la plus époustouflante de sa carrière (du moins dans ce qui m'a été donné de voir de cette prolifique actrice). Même si le scénario peut paraître ridicule à certains endroits, j'ai bien reconnu la petite touche magique des vieux Coen (qu'on ne retrouvait pas nécessairement dans No Country for Old Men, signe d'une certaine évolution) et il est sacrément impossible de s'en passer. -
MCT:March 27, 2008
Raising Arizona is the kind of film that is hard not to enjoy. The kind of epic white trash story that not only makes you laugh but even somewhat inspires you...or at least inspires me. The first time i saw Raising Arizona was like a revelation. this movie with such a bizarre story and wild characters was so beautiful and human. it's one of those truly larger than life films. this is where i became a coen fan. the brilliant writing was something i was excited by.ONe of those rare expiriences where i am thrilled by a film all together.
of course this review would be too short if i didn't comment on holly hunter's awesome performance and nicolas cage's most universally liked performance to date. it's the kind of film that i will drop everything to watch. -
MCT:March 26, 2008
One of the funniest movies i've ever seen. And I don't say stuff like that at the drop of aa Arizona Quint, either.
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MCT:March 20, 2008
Parole Board chairman: They've got a name for people like you H.I. That name is called "recidivism."
Parole Board member: Repeat offender!
Parole Board chairman: Not a pretty name, is it H.I.?
H.I.: No, sir. That's one bonehead name, but that ain't me any more.
Parole Board chairman: You're not just telling us what we want to hear?
H.I.: No, sir, no way.
Parole Board member: 'Cause we just want to hear the truth.
H.I.: Well, then I guess I am telling you what you want to hear.
Parole Board chairman: Boy, didn't we just tell you not to do that?
H.I.: Yes, sir.
Parole Board chairman: Okay, then.
The first comedy from the Coen Brothers. It's zany, offbeat, and hilarious.
H.I.: There's right and there's right and never the t'wain shall meet.
The concept itself is so perfect, A petty crook and the cop who takes his mug shot fall in love, can't have children of their own so they decide to steal one of the newly born quintuplets from another couple.
It's so crazy it works. The whole movie is filled with bizarre characters and situations. Nic Cage and Holly Hunter are crook and cop and play well throughout.
Ed McDonnough: You mean you busted out of jail.
Evelle: No, ma'am. We released ourselves on our own recognizance.
Gale: What my brother here means to say is that we felt that the institution no longer had anything to offer us.
Then John Goodman and William Forsythe step in as escaped convicts who stay with H.I. providing their own sort of bizarre wisdom.
There is the quintuplets father, Nathan Arizona who is such a funny character on his own, his interaction with others is great.
Ed McDonnough: Gimme that baby, you wart-hog from hell!
To top that, you have this Hell's Angel bounty hunter character that comes out of left field and for some reason is just a great addition to the already wacky proceedings.
I was surprised how the visual style was so dependent on fast moving hand held work, but then I remembered that the Coen's and Sam Raimi are friends and you can see obvious influences between them.
There is also all the trade mark Coen humor throughout, that comes through running gags and dialog styles, continuing to make this film hilarious.
Overall a very funny movie that is extremely bizarre, but sweet in its own sort of goofy way.
Reporter: Mr. Arizona, do you have any messages for the kidnappers?
Nathan Arizona Sr.: Yeah: Watch your butts. -
MCT:March 20, 2008
The whole look and feel is hilarious, it doesn't even really need the jokes. I want to bone Holly Hunter something fierce.
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MCT:March 16, 2008
Another brilliant Coen Brothers' movie...too many hilarious scenes to count. The camera work was sensational as always, and Goodman and Cage are perfect for their roles. Fantastic movie
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MCT:March 12, 2008RAISING ARIZONA (1987)
directed by Joel Coen
starring Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John GoodmanIf you havent seen this film yet you should simply take a look at Nicolas Cage on the picture below and that should be enough to convince you to try and get your hand on a copy of that film. Doesnt he look like a real dummy ??? His hairdo is one of the best in cinema history.
Flixster - Share MoviesRaising Arizona is the Coens second feature, its miles away from their directorial debut Blood Simple but its just as effective in its own genre.A small-time criminal - who never uses bullets in his gun - fall for a cop whom he sees everytime he crosses her path as he goes to jail but he decides to go straith for her. When he gets out for the Xth time they get married, they soon find out she is infertile and they decide to kidnap a baby when they learn the owner of a huge store and his wife just had quintuplets. In the meanwhile a bounty hunter will try to find him, two of his old jail pals will escape and hide at his place.
Raising Arizona is a classic. Iits one of the funniest movies ever made. As usual with the Coens all the characters are, lets say, «special».
Nicolas Cage looks as dumb as it gets and is perfectly cast, Holly Hunter gives a great performance as his cop-wife. John Goodman and William Forsythe are just annoying enough to play their dumb characters - the prisoners who escaped - who have a great scene when they rob a bank at the end of the film. Frances McDormand as a friend of the couple is odd, she really creates and interesting character.
The famous diaper chase robbery scene is still as funny the 19th time as it was the first time. That moment stays in mind of whoever sees it cause its one of the most memorable in the history of comedies and maybe cinema. The soundtrack fits the film very well and its not too «80's», which is a good thing.
The ending of the film brings up some depth - the film already has some - with some kind of a dream/premonition sequence and that stuff is kinda touching and sweet. When you watch Raising Arizona you understand why the Coens have so many fans today.
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kylafilmgirlposted 485 days ago
