Batdad

All I can say is: Hitchcock's versatility shows in this delight of a black comedy. At first glance it doesn't look like it would come from the same mind that gave us "Psycho," "Lifeboat," or "The Birds" --- but stick with it, and prepare to see what the old master was up to! Several folks have posted negative reviews, but it must have to do with the perspective they brought with them to the viewing. This is a charming, devious black comedy, right up there with "Bringing Up Baby" in my book. Not a landmark film, or even Hitchcock's best, but it does what I imagine he intended, and does it devilishly well. To those who didn't enjoy it, I say "my condolences"; perhaps saying they didn't "get it" would be more accurate, if less kind.

This film is an interesting little experiment: lots of bright white light framing images that linger for the camera, the Frankenstein story updated as an anti-war morality tale. Rutger Hauer chews the scenery a bit as the update of Dr. Frankenstein, and the generic evil general is all cartoon; still, Wil Wheaton as Lazarus, the creation, and Nia Peeples as his sympathetic caretaker/tutor, are worth watching. (Taylor Negron also makes an appearance as a slimy cohort who gets his just reward--his specialty.) Not a big budget affair, but not a complete waste of time, either, if you like quirky sci-fi fantasy.

If you haven't yet seen this movie with your sweetie, rent it, put the kids to bed and enjoy this edgy romantic comedy. It has spurned lovers, revenge schemes, telescopes and (some) sex---what could be missing? Broderick is perfect as the nice guy who learns a few new tricks and Meg Ryan is great, though this isn't her best character. It could be miscasting--someone a bit...darker, like Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Stuart Masterson, or even Broderick's first costar, newly gritty Ally Sheedy might've been a better fit; then again, it may just be that this character is so...undeveloped, so unexplained. We never really see who she is or where she came from (or why someone so articulate and obviously well-educated took to raccoon make-up and motorcycles). It's the one weak spot in a fun ride. But don't analyze (like I just did); just rent and ENJOY.