Raising Arizona Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
A comedy beyond belief.
Their lawless years are behind them. Their child-rearing years lay ahead...
Colourful and unconventional slapstick comedy. Ex-con Hi and ex-cop Ed meet, marry and long for a child in the wilds of Arizona. When Ed discovers she's barren the God-given solution is presented: to snatch a baby from a set of quins. Thus begins a series of kidnappings, capers and rum goings-on that revolve around the helpless yet universally-loveable child. Hi's convict friends, his boss, and even the Lone Biker Of The Apocalypse become involved in the ever-twisting plot in the quest to own the baby.
| Nicolas Cage | H.I. McDunnough |
| Holly Hunter | Edwina 'Ed' McDunnough |
| Trey Wilson | Nathan Arizona Huffhines, Sr. |
| John Goodman | Gale Snoats |
| William Forsythe | Evelle Snoats |
| Sam McMurray | Glen |
| Frances McDormand | Dot |
| Randall 'Tex' Cobb | Leonard Smalls |
| T.J. Kuhn | Nathan Arizona, Jr. |
| Lynne Dumin Kitei | Florence Arizona |
| Peter Benedek | Prison Counselor |
| Charles 'Lew' Smith | Nice Old Grocery Man |
| Warren Keith | Younger FBI Agent |
| Henry Kendrick | Older FBI Agent |
| Sidney Dawson | Moses, Ear-Bending Cellmate |
| Ethan Coen |
7.50 out of 10 (31003 votes)
Visitor Reviews
T I M I N G
posted on 06 Aug 2009One of the best-paced films ever made. Relentlessly hilarious. I have to say more so the database will take my comments, but I just finished watching this and I am truly at a loss for words. This film did not let up. I wouldn't be surprised if the PAUSE function on my DVD player had been disabled. Anyway... the cast is excellent too. Goodman, Cage, Hunter, the late Trey Wilson (who was going to play the Albert Finney role in Miller's Crossing"), the under-appreciated William Forsythe, and in a performance that should have merited some sort of award somewhere, former boxer Randall "Tex" Cobb. If you haven't seen this one yet, I envy you the initial joy you are going to feel.
Listening to Arizona
posted on 03 Aug 2009After being wowed by Blood Simple, I thought this movie was a let down. When I first saw it, I couldn't understand how the Coen Brothers could stumble so quickly. The comedy in Blood Simple was absurdist, not cartoonish. Then along comes this extended, live action Chuck Jones cartoon, but without the verve.Last weekend, though, I had the chance to reconsider. Joel's hyperactive Steadicam hijinks really distract from Ethan's sly dialogue. OK, it may still be as silly as a Warner Bros. cartoon, but the biggest laughs often come from what people say, and when the say it.Try turning off the image and listening to this movie. It ain't Preston Sturges, but at least it knows what to aim for.Some of my favorites: "Hi, you get on up there and get us a toddler. You know them people got more than they can handle!" "Sometimes a man has to put career before family." "You got any funny shaped balloons?" "Well, if you think round is funny.""Sir, do you think your child's disappearance may be a UFO abduction?" "Son, don't print that idea, cause if my wife reads it in the paper she'll just give up all hope."
Great little flick here by them Coens
posted on 31 Jul 2009Coincidentally, I felt this piece highly qualified to generally be included in my opus of most humorous films of this past generation.Incidentally, I currently, in my present time, have a fellow film buff who lives in the small, idle city of Tujunga, California and agrees with my judgments and opinions of my desire to dissect this unique piece of art. Recommended and condemned to all. Enjoy and view over again.
One of the best comedies of the past 30 years
posted on 31 Jul 2009I have seen this movie at least 20 times, and every time I watch, it is as though I am watching it for the first time. The comedy and the special humor that so perfectly is delivered by this movie is timeless. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good comedy.I read the few comments by those who said they hated this movie. All I can tell them is to see a psychologies for only then they can overcome their hostility toward the world. To say this movie was not funny, or was not good is to say you hate being by a beautiful beach under a 80 degree weather in Bora Bora! Raising Arizona is a definite must see. It is a classic by all standards. I wished they made movies like this more often.
Funny, Funny, Funny - Holly is wonderful
posted on 22 Jul 2009It's worth the price to see Holly's wonderful performance as Ed. You've got to see her BAWL. No crying here. She opens her usual flat affect and lets go as if there were no tomorrow. This movie is further proof of Holly Hunters incredible range and her status as the premier actor of her generation and surely one of the best in the history of film.this movie is not just HH... It is comedy of the absurd at it's highest level. Don't miss it.
Over-rated
posted on 01 Jun 2009Although I like Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, and John Goodman; this movie was not a favorite of mine. It must have been the story because they are all excellent actors. There was something weak about the plot. I cannot quite pin it down. I sat through it hoping it would improve and it did not. It was more ridiculous than funny. I did not find myself laughing much at all. The ending was the best part of the entire film. I would not recommend this movie to anyone nor would I watch it again.
Classic of Comedy
posted on 14 May 2009Roger Ebert once said that a great movie is like great music. The more familar with it you become, the more you enjoy it. This classic piece of comedy has as many memorable moments as the other greats: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation -- and they are truly better when watched again.The story telling and acting of Nicolas Cage is highly entertaining and perfectly in character. John Goodman is also a tremdous talent on exhibt in this film.Consider yourself deprived of one the best comic epics if you haven't seen this one!
Early Coen comedy
posted on 14 May 2009Roger Ebert recently called the Coen Brothers an American institution. Their latest film, No Country for Old Men is out in cinemas now and is widely expected to win a handful of Oscars in March amidst a hail of critical praise. I tend to agree with the view of critics about their high standing in American cinematic history, especially during the otherwise largely barren 80's. Their films can be divided into two categories: crime and comedy.Their earlier crime films, movies like Blood Simple and Miller's Crossing and more recently Fargo are hailed as classics and justifiably so. Blood Simple and Miller's Crossing may have aged with time, but they are still very stylish and intelligent films and will, I believe, stand the test of time like the B&W classics of film noir.Their comedies however, have been a hit and miss affair. They haven't received the critical acclaim of their crime movies even when they were among the very best of the genre such as the brilliant The Big Lebowski. Where you can see a strong noir influence in their crime movies, the comedies are heavily influenced by Preston Sturges whose Sullivan's Travels inspired the title of O Brother Where Art Thou! I didn't much like O Brother or the recent The Ladykillers. The primary problem was with the script and the heavy duty homages to Ealing and Sturges.Of their comedies, Raising Arizona is probably the best after Lebowski. It does not take itself seriously and can get surreal at times but combines reasonable characterizations with a zany plot and good writing to entertain. Nic Cage gives a good early performance, before he went the way of the blockbuster, as an incompetent thief who falls in love with Holly Hunter's police officer. They decide to kidnap a child when they can't have one of their own. The child is one of several (5 or 6) born to a millionaire businessman. The Coen's milk the setup for all its worth in both the kidnapping attempt and the aftermath when assorted criminal elements try to take the child from them. A good humored and good natured film, this is decent viewing for fans of the Coen's. Others not accustomed to their style and work may find it a bit dated.
Its Real Good Movie
posted on 11 May 2009Unlike other comedy's this films plot doesn't exist merely for the convenience of the jokes. The Coen Brothers do a great job of creating comical situations as part of a tightly woven plot.As the film begins a young Nicolas Cage explains the conflict. The story progresses through the introduction of unique characters and new conflicts. Cage's character, H.I. McDonnough, speaks with a poetic southern accent as Holly Hunter illuminates the screen. Every element of this film is significant to the story. The end is satisfying and appropriate.If you haven't seen this movie yet you should do so. Pay close attention to the little things.
Well... it sure ain't "Ozzie and Harriet."
posted on 02 May 2009I wasn't sure whether I was watching a "baby" movie or a "heist" movie. Whenever you watch a movie by the Coen brothers one thing is sure; you never know what will come next.This film with Nickolas Cage (The Weather Man, Lord of War) and Holly Hunter (Thirteen, The Piano) was a laugh-a-minute riot of fun and excitement.With colorful characters like John Goodman, who played a character reminiscent of his role in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and William Forsythe (The Devil's Rejects), and Frances McDormand (Laurel Canyon, Fargo), who had a too small role, the film was funny from start to finish.Ant Coen brothers film is worth watching for pure fun, but when you put a cute baby in it, it just soars.
Good Stuff.
posted on 29 Jan 2009The only Coen films I have seen are this one, The Hudsucker Proxy, and Fargo. Hudsucker and Fargo are on my favorite movies list, and Raising Arizona is pretty good too. This is a very funny, kinda weird at parts, but pretty good movie. Coen movies always have weird twists in the writing, and this one has a sadistic motorcycler from hell, whose introduction is very funny. The first 11 minutes of the movie are hilarious too, the fast-paced narrated introduction. There are so many funny parts in this, like everything that happens when HI's boss's family comes over to visit (kid writing on the wall, kid with the squirt gun, kid with jello)But whenever I think of Raising Arizona, the image that will always come to my mind is that of Nicolas Cage running down the road in the middle of the night, with a panty on his head and a package of Huggies diapers clutched under his right arm. The whole 10-minute sequence when Cage steals the Huggies and is running all over the place is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in film in my life. And that silly banjo yodling music only makes it all the more odd and comical. When I finished watching the movie, I watched this sequence 3 more times!!!So go rent it if you haven't already, it's worth seeing. It is a really weird movie, at some parts you'll laugh out loud, and at others you'll say "huh?" But all in all it's great. Kudos!
Jon Monsarrat review: a little too arty but worth seeing
posted on 03 Dec 2008I'm an action film buff, and frankly I'm not into dramas. Why? Well, the slow melodramatic pace bores me. Also, I don't have the film school sophistication to enjoy the editing and makeup, for example, if the plot and characters are awful.But I've found the Coen brothers' work accessible, especially "O Brother Where Art Thou". And Raising Arizona was a worthwhile comedy -- original and interesting. I couldn't identify with the protagonists, and there were some slightly surreal bits that dropped me out of the film, and this was definitely a comedy / drama. And I have not quite forgiven "Holly Hunter" for the horrid "The Piano". But there was plenty of wacky and I laughed out loud several times. Who should see this film:-- comedy lovers who think a bit of wacky will make up fora bit of drama.-- drama lovers. Don't expect a romance.-- Art film types who will get all the stuff I didn't getI'll give "Raizing Arizona" a 7 out of 10.
The Coen brothers so easily make strange comedy poignant
posted on 21 Nov 2008I think "Raising Arizona" is more a comedy in that you are in awe of the complete stupidity of every one of the Coen brothers' characters. There aren't that many "jokes," it's just all sort of ridiculous. The Coen brothers first successful comedic film is pretty much a stranger version of their later comedies, taking a small time crook story and expanding it in terms of weird. Most criminals aren't smart or clever and the Coen brothers let you know that for sure.In the film, Nicholas Cage plays a repeat convict named H.I. McDunnough who convinces a cop named Ed (Holly Hunter) to marry him somehow. The couple then decides the American dream for them is having a baby, so their plan is to steal a quintuplet of a wealthy business owner. Though they are successful, it's not that simple, especially with a $25,000 reward for the baby.The Coen brothers create the dumbest criminals and most irresponsible human begins to grace to the silver screen (that are actually believable and not just dumb for laughs). We don't quite get to know any of the characters that much, we just know all of their motivations: money or children. Cage, early in his career, shows success in a role that would seem out of character for him in this decade. John Goodman as H.I's escaped convict friend and Frances McDormand and Sam McMurray as family friends with crazy kids round out a pretty great cast.I can't really overstate the weirdness of this movie. There are some strange fight scenes, lots of unnecessary screaming, a guy riding a motorcycle with two shotguns on his back--there is a clear intention to be outside of normal here. Though as the Coen brothers later prove they're unbeatable at, it's not without some poignancy.Oddly enough, the way these characters come into conflict with ideas of the real world, like the reality of taking care of a child and its demands, is quite effective. The viewer is so wrapped up in the characters' blind motivations that those things that are obvious to people about responsibility in the real world sneak up to you in the film. There is also the whole "crime doesn't pay" mentality in terms of immediately satisfying your wants, but what makes "Raising Arizona" stand out for the Coen brothers is the sense of the American dream, even if it comes across as strange the whole film, it's definitely genuine. How the Coen brothers get you to see that amid absurdity is a secret they should tell no one, but it's incredible.
Esterhazy Haydn
posted on 07 Oct 2008Clearly this is less well crafted than the Coen brothers' later work (and by "later work" I mean the amazing string of films that started with their very next, "Miller's Crossing") … but does that mean it's not as good?You bet it does. This is the cinematic equivalent of Haydn's first Esterhazy symphonies. Those works are fresh, their quirkiness is charming, you're a mug if you don't like them, but they lack the polish of the later symphonies Haydn wrote for Paris and London – and this seemingly inessential ingredient, "polish", turns out to be the difference between a pleasant trifle and a masterpiece.The analogy with Haydn runs deeper than this. Like an early Esterhazy symphony, "Raising Arizona" is all moment-to-moment brilliance, with little effect overall. The film has plenty of amusing one-liners, situations, sight gags, even (although these are more rare) whole episodes. These are "enough" in the sense that they're enough to make a good film, but later Coen works have so much more. When John Turturro's character in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (mild spoiler ahead) reveals to the audience that he was just a week away from having completed his sentence before he escaped, this is not just funny in itself; it makes the whole preceding narrative funny in retrospect. There's nothing like this in "Raising Arizona". But there ARE moments like it in Haydn's Paris and London symphonies.The more obvious point of comparison with "O Brother" is the intrusion of folkloric fantasy into a twentieth-century tall tale; there, it's integrated; here, it's not. When the Devil appears in the later film, he belongs; when the Apocalyptic Biker appears here, he does not. (This is besides the fact that he's not nearly as impressive a figure as he ought to be. There's something dead about his scenes, and he seems to mumble his lines.) In "Raising Arizona" the Coens shatter the coherence of their film in order to startle us. In their later films they startle us just as much, but they do so coherently. Not only is "Raising Arizona" as much inferior to "Barton Fink" or "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" as Haydn's first dozen symphonies are to his last dozen; it's inferior for much the same reasons.I like the early Haydn symphonies, too, but I realise that they grew into better and more fully realised versions of themselves. So it is with the Coens.
Son, you got a panty on your head
posted on 04 Oct 2008That line pretty much sums up this entire movie, another surreal, and hilarious effort from the misfit Coen clan. It is also my all-time favorite comedy(or at least tied with A Fish Called Wanda). What stands out most from this classic are the amazing cinematography from future Men in Black director Barry Sonenfeld, and the outstanding cast. Everyone knows about Nicholas Cage, Holly Hunter and John Goodman. But don't forget Sam MacMurray's role as the biggest idiot in the world, and Trey Wilson as Nathan Arizona. And M. Emmet Walsh gives the most hilarious 5 second cameo ever(he's the 'walking down 9 mile' guy). Even funnier than the lines themselves is the dialect. You'll find yourself imitating them for days('Everything's chaaaaaaaanged', 'aaambiytion'). There's also the wild chase scene featuring dogs, women in curlers and a giant pack of diapers.
the coens at their funniest
posted on 01 Oct 2008I haven't seen this movie for a while but I loved it and I thought it was the most funniest movie that I have ever seen. All of the cast members in this film give excellent performances, especially by Holly Hunter. The Coen Brothers managed to make a feel-good movie after Blood Simple and they have succeeded in doing it. I LOVE THE COEN BROTHERS! I love them! I have seen all of their films and they are masterpieces. The funniest thing about the Coen Brothers is that they have a huge portal in their head and once you get inside of it, you can never get out and you see all these weird images in their head that they put in their movies like this one. Also, one of the great aspects of this film is the cinematography which was flat out great. This movie is the one for you. Recommended.10 out of 10
Stranger than friction...
posted on 01 Oct 2008This is one of my favorite comedic Nick Cage movies. The oddity and dry-air was enough to make this Arizona -made classic really enjoyable. The couple, good and bad, there is madness on their horizon. Holly Hunter is so lovable as a 'hick' in heat. Her wife to Nicholas's Hi is splendid and undoubtedly one of her most underrated yet to me memorable roles. This was fast and focused, on quite a few hilarious players who make this 'Raising' what it should be. I guess I am not a ' traditional ' Cage fan that's why I love the different roles that he has had, not all, but some. John Goodman and William Forsythe are a super-idiotic team with too much criminal ambition. They were a solid piece of this movies foundation. They, the somewhat happy couple want a baby and yet they are surrounded by fools, who have criminal intentions, even friends aren't friends, exactly. The ghost rider adds a spooky element to the tale of barren existence. I also liked the king of naked furniture and his sort of 'Bullyish' attitude loud and proud is he. Cage is so discombobulated in this (i.e.) his hair and clothing and demeanor that you can't help but feel sorry for him and his peace officer spouse. All in case, this comedy runs fast and the cantor is faster, but totally enjoyable. If you missed this one in the theater, catch it and if you saw it long ago, see it again. (****) 10/10
Off the wall comedy
posted on 10 Sep 2008Along with Barton Fink and O Brother this has to be my favourite Coen Brother's film. I may be in the minority but I did not enjoy The Big Lebowski (I think Jeff Bridges is probably the most reliable of actors - I would watch him in a soap commercial and find him value for money), Fargo or The Man Who Wasn't There. Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter have seldom been better and the chemistry between them is pure gold. This is a real laugh out loud comedy with some set pieces that deliver with repeated viewings. I have seen this film five or six times, and as someone who rarely watches a film more than once or twice, I can't praise this film more highly. I haven't seen it for a few years otherwise I would have written a more insightful review. I don't love every Coen Bros film but this one made me want to see every film they have made since at the cinema rather than wait for the DVD.
Offbeat in every way
posted on 26 Aug 2008While by no means a classic, this film is still a lot of fun in a WEIRD sort of way. It is quirky in the extreme, but unfortunately, I feel that it falls short of what it could have been. Nevertheless, the movie has several moments of inspired lunacy, a terrific opening, and a reasonably good pace that make it all a worthwhile experience.
Failing Illinois
posted on 15 Aug 2009Before I started to take the Coen brothers seriously with Fargo and The Big Lebowski, I had the misfortune of having this as my introduction to their work. It's a sophomoric comic book one step ahead of Spaceballs in parody, but lacking in everything else. Why did Cage reuse his southern accent in Con Air? Is he trying to be diverse or just show off?The Coen brothers aren't audio filmmakers. Having gone through all their work I can say that compared to James Cameron they aren't in touch with the ear. Whereas Cameron is a technical director always trying to show off his toys (whether on-screen or behind-the-scenes) to the audience, the Coens rely on the script. Believe me, they've done better than this...The world of film is so radical compared to any other medium created that not even cyberspace can threaten it. Detail must persist because when it doesn't the few creative threads in the world are stretched to the limit.
While the work load is certainly greater, the potential is thousands of times greater than stage or literature.That said, I am starting my personal escape from the escapism of mainstream film and deepening the trek into foreign, experimental, and aged-prototype genres. I hope to find there what is missing in Raising Arizona...coherence. The Coens have done better, except for Intolerable Cruelty which was just that, intolerable. (50%)