Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 31, 1993 TAG: 9309090297
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
While it probably will not become the surprise mega-hit that ``Wayne's World'' was, it may well develop its own cult following. The reasons: evocative use of San Francisco locations; a quirky sensibility combining elements of beat poetry and the '60s; and a supporting cast that fills the slower moments with surprises.
Robbie Fox's script is faux-Hitchcock. Charlie Mackenzie (Mike Myers) is a poet who can't commit to a relationship. But when he meets butcher Harriet Michaels (Nancy Travis), he falls hard. Then his mother (Brenda Fricker) shows him a tabloid story about the unidentified ``Mrs. X'' who has been murdering her husbands on their honeymoons.
The sketchy details of Harriet's past are spookily similar to Mrs. X. Could they be the same? Charlie's cop pal Tony (Anthony LaPaglia) tells him it's all in his imagination. He should forget his foolish suspicions and follow his heart.
There's not much suspense to the plot, but that's no problem. Director Thomas Schlamme is more interested in the edges of the story. Note the wonderful cameos by Alan Arkin as Tony's chief who's trying to learn the right cop cliches; Phil Hartman as Alcatraz Park Ranger Vicki; Steven Wright as a pilot; Brenda Fricker's bizarre take on a stereotyped role; and Myers himself as his own father.
It's an unusual mixture for a comedy - one that could easily be a complete flop - and it certainly won't appeal to all tastes. But moviegoers in the mood for something outside the narrow range of slick Hollywood escapism, should give this one serious consideration.
With its grainy color and a fine rock soundtrack, ``So I Married An Axe Murderer'' is a low-budget alternative to summer blockbusters.
\ So I Married An Axe Murderer: *** A Columbia TriStar release playing at the Salem Valley 8. 90 min. Rated PG-13 for language, subject matter.
by CNB