Serial Mom (1994)

Dreadfully Boring

Best movie of this year hands down!

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

As dad Eugene said to his son one day, "Your mother might have a problem." Might? Mom Beverly has a real problem. Outwardly she is the model of perfect motherhood. Her house is spotless, she cooks wonderful meals, she dresses immaculately. She's a mom right out of "Leave It To Beaver." But there's just this one tiny little thing. She's a serial killer - who takes out anyone who threatens her perfect existence or her family's happiness.It's a silly movie, obviously - but for a lazy day when you want a movie that isn't too deep, it's well worth watching. It actually makes a point about serial killers - they tend to escalate their behaviour. In this case, Beverly started out simply making obscene phone calls to a neighbour who had stolen a parking spot from her. It makes a point about the media and society as a whole - we tend to sensationalize serial killers and turn them into celebrities. So, yes, there are a few serious points here (that aren't made all that seriously, but are definitely there) but for the most part it's just a pretty funny movie.The cast is pretty decent. Kathleen Turner and Sam Waterston are mom and dad. Both played this pretty straight - which made it all the funnier. Suzanne Somers has a small role toward the end of the movie as herself (she's been signed to play Beverly in the TV movie about what happened.) It's all in good fun and it does make you laugh a fair bit. It's not a masterpiece by any means - but as I said, for a lazy day when you don't want anything too serious, it's not a bad choice. (6/10)

"Serial Mom" has the qualities that many mainstream comedies lack. It can be seen as satire, or you can just turn your brain off and have lots of fun. The dialogue is hysterical and the cast does a wonderful job, especially Kathleen Turner in the title role. In this film, she makes one of the greatest comedic roles in film history. I also love Mink Stole as the neighbor and unknown Patsy Grady Abrams as Emmy Lou, a customer in the local video store who only rents family films - and doesn't rewind! The film oozes with satire of the modern vs. 50's family, the celebrity status we bestow on criminals, plus other topics. I liked the background details such as the monster models I remember having as a kid as well as the Spiro Agnew painting in the courthouse. There were numerous memorable scenes and lines as in most Waters' films. This was probably John Waters's salute to the courtroom groupie phenomena. We can turn mass murderers into celebrities, although I wish he had captured more of the party aspect of it rather than the sale of T shirts and merchandise. With complete control of comedic timing, Turner is flawless here. She chews the scenery to perfection and creates this modified terror with such hilarious grace. Her facial expressions, changing at the drop of a hat, all work together in unity to give off a brilliant aura. The final courtroom scenes are hilarious and the highlights of the film.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

You wouldn't think Kathleen Turner aka Jessica Rabbit would take this role as a killer? She was good but I just didn't think it suited her in my opinion. Yes she suited better as a mum but not a serial killer. They possibly should really have got an actress who would fit the role better. I think that's why this movie didn't get a 7.1 rating. It was surprising that this was Matthew Lillards first acting job, no wonder he became Shaggy Rogers, he was awesome and I have to admit, he was sexy too haha. Ricki Lake was good too, she definitely gives ya a smile, she could make anyone laugh honestly!This film was funny in some scenes but it wasn't the best either. I reckon it was fair to give this a rating at 7 out of 10.

Uncreative, absurd plot, poorly shot, ridiculous acting and, above all, tremendously unfunny! I'm an easy going person and, still, this movie was a torture to watch. I would actually have stopped watching it after 15 or 20 minutes but, since reviews had been kind of okay, I kept at it hoping the movie would improve. Unfortunately it only got worse with every passing minute. And please don't think I "simply didn't get it". I fully understood the supposed satire Waters was trying to produce. It simply didn't work. Watching this film was a complete waste of my time, except for the fact that it will keep me away from any other Waters movies.