Post by Vits on Jun 1, 2018 11:45:34 GMT
When you read/hear the title DROP DEAD FRED, you assume that the name follows a verb and an adjective, right? They're actually both adjectives (it's a nickname), but it still doesn't sound like something we should let our kids watch. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best examples of a movie that tries too hard to appeal to viewers of all ages and that ends up pleasing no one. Mixing whimsical fantasy with adult themes can work, but only with the right elements. Adding adultery, emotional abuse and curse words to a story about a woman (named ELIZABETH CRONIN) and the imaginary friend she had when she was a child? That's as good of an idea as drinking a glass of vinegar when you have allergies. Stupid old wives' tales book! Also, the shot of the title character's face after being squashed by the refrigerator door is terrifying! Rik Mayall's performance is terrible. Although, to be fair, FRED was written as one of those obnoxious children entertainers. At one point, we see that ELIZABETH's mother "took" FRED away from her. She said that it was the starting point of the emotional abuse ("That's when she realized how to get to me... and she's done it even since"). Let me see if I get this straight: FRED appeared because little ELIZABETH was angry at her mom for being too controlling and convinced her that the best way to stand up to her was to misbehave and destroy things? Her mom (rightfully) got angry and became a worse person as a result? 21 years later, FRED saw that ELIZABETH's life sucked and tried to help her by making her look crazy?
1/10
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It makes no sense, which is why the climax, where FRED reveals his intentions, doesn't work. I first saw this movie as a kid and I didn't know what to make of their kiss. Seeing it now as an adult, I could tell that it was the type of kiss you give to a relative or an old friend... but it still felt out of place. The stupidest moment is when ELIZABETH's JANIE tries to beat up FRED. Since she can't see him, she asks "Is he here?" and FRED shakes ELIZABETH's head to make it look like she's nodding. OK, but he didn't have his hands on her for the rest of the scene. Why didn't she tell JANIE to stop?!
1/10
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You can read comments of other movies in my blog (in English, in Spanish or in Italian).