Raising Arizona — A criminal and his wife try to steal a child

Spoiler-free review.

The film follows a couple who kidnap a child they think will make them happy. Their plan is messy but comes from a place of real need. The script leans on slapstick, which sometimes drowns out the more serious parts.

The direction keeps things moving, but some scenes feel rushed or not fully thought through. There are a lot of visual jokes, which can make the story feel less clear. Still, the weird and quirky characters keep the film from feeling too flat.

Nicolas Cage gives a wild performance, but he doesn't always show the deeper sides of his character. Holly Hunter is more steady, helping to ground the chaos. John Goodman does well, but his character doesn't get much to do.

The jokes don't always land, especially when the film tries to switch between funny and serious moments. There are some warm, genuine scenes that make it more than just a silly comedy. It's not perfect, but it's still a fun watch with some emotional ups and downs.

1987 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.

— Desly