Raising Arizona is the second in the Coen Brother’s long list of films, and the first marked as a comedy. While there are similarities between this and Blood Simple, the distinction is clear, as they find their own voice of storytelling. Most of the jokes in the film work well, this is partially due to the situation of the comedy. However, I found that because it failed to build upon that, there were quite a few problems. Like many comedies, it plugged in this huge dramatic moral. This doesn’t need to happen all the time, but in many comedies, they force these messages down your throat, diminishing the pacing of the film, while also feeling stiff. But, one could make the argue that this isn’t meant to be a full-out comedy. Sure. However, the build up of numerous jokes that were perfect for call backs were set up in the first act of the film, but were never built upon. It is clear that emotional moments are thrown in at the last minute when they take place of a better payoff for the ending of the film.
Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter bring light to these characters, and I honestly could have watched more of the way their relationship grew. Being that the movie clocks in at just about an hour and a half, there was definitely room to add a bit more comedy. I feel that if they did this, it would also add to making the dramatic half feel as more of a pay-off. It may seem that I’m completely bashing on this movie, but, the truth is that I really did enjoy it. While I didn’t enjoy the ending, the first half hour was easily the most enjoyable. And, as I said, this is all situational. Having the person taking mug shots falling in love with a regular resident of the prison is something right out of a sketch comedy show, and there is plenty of room there to have some comedy, and they do. The idea of good versus evil is an ever-prominent theme throughout. Sometimes though, it does get a little too over the top, bringing in the biker from one of Hi’s dreams. While I didn’t like this plot-point, I must say that on the low budget this was made on, it’s impressive that they pulled off a some high budget looking scenes (for 1987)
Overall, this is a fun comedy that falls to the many pitfalls that many comedies still face, even today. 7.8/10
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