SpecialsTarget Disturbing yet enthralling

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Brenda The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

moonspinner55 A smash-and-grab cut-rate showpiece from green-yet-enthusiastic director and co-writer Sam Raimi and his writing partners, brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. Loosely-hinged tale concerns an inmate at Hudsucker Penitentiary who swears he is innocent of murder, telling his fateful story while strapped to the electric chair. Raimi and cinematographer Robert Primes treat the camera like a brand new toy, seeing its possibilities as endless. Their visual satirizing of cheap noirs and late-night thrillers is initially quite impressive; however, without a bigger budget and a sharper sense of narrative, the film simply can't sustain itself. "Crimewave" is full of whiz-bang effects, but the slapstick motifs and vignettes hold no weight--it's just a doodle. Paul L. Smith (who does a funny slow burn) and Louise Lasser have a wonderfully silly extended chase sequence, and there's a funny pay-off after the end-credits. *1/2 from ****

zetes Sam Raimi's follow-up to The Evil Dead is a goofy, live action cartoon. Reed Birney plays a dork who is about to be executed for murders he didn't commit. Sitting on the electric chair, he tells the improbable story of how a couple of crazy exterminators went on a killing spree and in reality he was the hero who stopped them. This is an utterly bizarre film, not really like anything else I've seen (the one film I've seen that it reminds me most of is Louis Malle's underrated comedy Zazie dans le metro). I wouldn't say it's overly successful - it's annoying as often as it's funny. But still, it's amusing, and every bit as inventive as The Evil Dead and the film that followed this one, Evil Dead II. In fact, I'd say a lot of the craziness of this film fed directly into Evil Dead II, which is probably Raimi's best film (well, I'd probably say his absolute best is A Simple Plan, but Evil Dead II is the more iconic contribution to cinema). Evil Dead II is a better film in every way, but Crimewave is most certainly worth a look.

Scott LeBrun Sandwiched in between his first two "Evil Dead" movies is filmmaker Sam Raimis' "Crimewave", a silly, over the top tribute to film noir and especially slapstick comedy. (Film buffs know that Raimi is a big Three Stooges fan.) It may be a little much for some people, but it does have a lot of energy, and spirited performances.It begins as Vic Ajax (Reed Birney), the ultimate nerd / patsy, is about to be executed for a series of crimes. He desperately pleads his case that the real perpetrators were a demented pair of exterminators / hit men, Faron (Paul L. Smith) and Arthur (Brion James) who had initially been hired just to eliminate the business partner of a man in the security business. As schmucky Vic stubbornly tries to woo the gorgeous Nancy (Sheree J. Wilson of 'Walker: Texas Ranger'), he ends up being terrorized by the gargantuan goons.Like a lot of comedies, "Crimewave" does lose a bit of its momentum after a while. Fortunately, things pick up again for an exciting climactic vehicle chase. Overall, the movie is extremely well cast; Raimis' old pal Bruce Campbell (also the co-producer) has a recurring bit and is so funny the viewer will wish that he had more to do. Also in the cast are TV star Louise Lasser, veteran film producer Edward R. Pressman in a rare acting gig, Richard Bright, Antonio Fargas, Julius Harris, and long ago Three Stooges co-star Emil Sitka. Smith and James are hilarious and fun to watch as the antagonists, although in real life Raimi and company had their problems dealing with them: James had a drug habit during this period and Smith, supposedly believing himself above the material, gave a performance disliked by the filmmakers so much that they dubbed him for the duration of the movie.From beginning to end, this is an effectively wild and (fairly) unpredictable affair; Raimi co-wrote with his fellow directors and friends the Coen brothers. The Coens appear as reporters, with Joels' wife Frances McDormand playing one of the nuns and Raimis' brother Ted in a bit as a waiter. They all make this a very easy to take diversion that at the very least is certainly never boring.Seven out of 10.

turboxiann Canadian director John Piazs made another film titled Crimewave at the same time and was unable to use the title in the states due to Dantes Crimewave. Its titles have the word "big" awkwardly pop up on the screen. The Piazs film is also a homage to pulp 50s/60s crime dramas as well as the frustration, illusion and apathy the main character goes thru in trying to realize his dream. Despite how depressing the description may seem the film is hilarious and one of my all time faves. Its narrated by the little girl who's parents rent him the attic above their garage. The film contains beginnings and endings of his films. According to the girl Kim he has problems with the stuff in between.Hence why he never finishes his Crimewave films. Piazs even filmed the movie in lavish color. Its a total classic and unfortunately even less known in the states then the Dante crimewave Thu a respected cult film in Canada. See by all means if you can find a copy