And some people say I’m resistant to change! In “Edmond” (2005), William H. Macy plays a mild-mannered, big-city office worker who finds out his meeting tomorrow has been bumped back. Next thing you know, he’s haggling hookers over sex while becoming a knife-wielding, nonsense-soliloquizing, homicidal maniac. It’s like “Falling Down” fell down. And can’t get up. Because Macy stabbed it. And then talked it to death. The incessantly pretentious chattiness comes courtesy of David Mamet’s play, which he adapted to somehow be even more like a play. Everyone sounds like they’re Capital A Acting, even when they’re committing a felony.
Archives for posts with tag: Joe Mantegna
There’s a long list of movies where Stereotypical Suburban Family suffers a tragedy, is screwed over by the justice system, decides to take the law into its own hands, and has to weigh the philosophical magnitude of the decision. The tone of the times determines the ending. “Eye for an Eye” (1996) adds to the list without adding much artistic originality. Sally Field is the hyperbolically irrational mom and Ed Harris is the rock-solid dad. Their daughter is killed by psychopath Kiefer Sutherland, whose character is incredibly well fleshed out (no pun intended). He’s really the only reason to watch.
When you come across a movie you’ve never heard of starring a bunch of people you have heard of, it’s usually artsy fartsy (think “Gosford Park” or “Magnolia”). But sometimes, it’s just fartsy. The methane delivery system known as “Airheads” (1994) features Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi and Adam Sandler, along with Michael McKean, Joe Mantegna, David Arquette, Ernie Hudson, Chris Farley, Judd Nelson and Michael Richards. Loser L.A. rockers with toy guns and underdeveloped career plans hijack a radio station. Hijinks ensue. Thin plot. Physical comedy. Ninety-two minutes of your life you’ll never get back. Are you ready to rock?
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