Raising Arizona is an impressive early effort from the Coen brothers who introduce cleverly constructed characters and a simple but enjoyable story. Nick Cage and Holly Hunter are at their best and this should be some essential viewing for anyone who enjoys good American films.
I often claim to be anti-narration, but when the narrator is Nicolas Cage and it's written by the Coen Brothers? Yeah, of course it's going to be fantastic. The opening 15 minutes is a masterclass in filmmaking. The writing. The pacing. The efficiency of storytelling. The visuals. The performances. The humor. 10/10.
So why did I end up only giving the whole movie a 7? Because throughout the film we get some goofier sequences that are just a bit too much for me. This doesn't seem like the kind of story that needed extended chase sequences or fight scenes, and yet we get them anyway. They're not bad per se, but they don't add anything for me. They also drag on way longer than I think was necessary.
All of that said, the movie is still well worth a watch, with consistently hilarious dialogue throughout and memorable performances from both Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter. Not sure why I neglected a Coen Brothers' film for this long. I should know better.
Great movie from the Cohen brothers. Nicolas cage at his best. A must watch.
An enjoyable early entry by the Coen brothers, which says a lot because I am generally not a fan of anything that Nicholas Cage does. It was really funny in parts and I think the ending was honest.
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Nicolas Cage is just the best at playing the most outlandish characters. National Treasure.
Probably their simplest film and a great starting point if you’re looking to get into the Coens, but not their best effort by a long shot. I attribute that mostly to the directors not quite having found their brand of presenting stupidity in a charming way just yet. It’s a really fun film with a lot of entertaining scenes, however sometimes it tips into annoying/hysterical territory for me. The screwball/slapstick comedy would get perfected on The Hudsucker Proxy, while I’d argue O Brother Where Art Thou and Burn After Reading execute the idea of the idiotic protagonist a little better. It’s also not really trying to elevate its premise in any way, this is very much a film that’s to be enjoyed on the surface. Thankfully, there’s a lot going on there. The acting from everyone in the cast is pretty stellar (probably Cage’s most eccentric performance that isn’t OTT), there’s so much interesting camera movement and editing (lots of great POV shots) and the score/music choices are exactly right for the tone they’re aiming for. Overall, this is a wacky, unpredictable ride from start to finish. The sum of its parts doesn’t add up to something more, but I’ll be revisiting this one.
6.5/10
A couple kidnaps a baby.
Wow, just wow. I am sure there is nothing new I can bring to the table in regards to Raising Arizona but this film is great as it will definitely have you laughing the entire way through but will also make you feel emotional as you care about the characters played by Nicolas Cage (H.I. McDunnough) who gives one of his best career performances and Holly Hunter (Ed McDunnough) who even though what they do is wrong you want to see them happy.
I don't wanna give anything away, so please watch this classic and my only issue with this film is that it is too short but I think otherwise it is pretty perfect.
It's no wonder the Coen brothers have become such a powerful team considering this early entry. Many of the actors in this were just starting their careers, but are huge now. Such a powerful movie with some wonderful writing.
I don't know what's more on speed.
The film or Nicolas Cage. Or maybe me.
I saw Raising Arizona during its original theatrical release and, back then, I couldn't believe how well it lived up to the hype. In the 30+ years that have since passed, my memory has been holding onto this like a good PB&J sandwich which, unfortunately, has gone a bit stale in the meantime.
Yes, Raising Arizona is one of the best directed comedies of all time. Absolutely. Sadly, unlike Nathan Jr., the jokes haven't aged so well.
Stunning movie, brilliant narration, sparkling performances, crazy humour, whacky and unique... 10/10.
I don't know what's more on speed.
The film or Nicole Cage. Or maybe me.
Baby crazy kidnapping funny! ha Great cast :P
7/10
Goofy but entertaining. Nice camera work
A bandit that falls in love with a police woman. They want to have a baby but they can't have it or adopt, so they decided to steal a baby from a couple that had 5 twins! Sounds like a good story and it really was! Another great work of The Coen Brothers.
Raising Arizona is a funny story, full of crazy characters but it's also heartwarming and emotional.
Lately I've been discovering some good works of Nicolas Cage, he was very good in this. Holly Hunter was great also and I really enjoyed the small role of Frances McDormand.
Shout by ShismaBlockedParent2022-08-13T19:04:57Z
This is what I imagine living in the United States is like.