Posted on 08/04/2004 11:39:44 AM PDT by grundle
Those who aren't familar with the 1991 movie Drop Dead Fred may be in for a real treat, or a major disappointment, depending upon your point of view. This is one of the most polarizing movies ever. All the major movie critics hated. A lot of the general public hated it. At the same time, there is a sizable cult following of people, including myself, who love it. Most people either love it or hate it - there are very few in the middle.
On the surface, the movie is a comedy. And as such, it's a great one. But at a deeper level, this is a very serious psychological drama.
Phoebe Cates gives the performance of a lifetime. Her acting here is amazing.
I love this movie. You may love it, or hate it, depending upon your tastes.
In its own way, this movie is a very strong proponent of family values. The movie shows that there are very severe negative consequences when people mistreat family members. The Phoebe Cates character suffers because of her husband's adultery, and also from having a mother who is very controlling and domineering. The Phoebe Cates character is given tremendous sympathy in the film, and we veiw everything from her point of view. Viewed in the proper context, this movie is a wonderful proponent of family values.
There isn't really anything political in the film. There is a funny crack about Marilyn Quayle's haircut, but that's all.
The movie is rated PG-13 for cartoon type violence, mild cursing, mild adult type situations, and a brief, comedic, non-sexual view of a man's naked behind. The movie definitely earns its PG-13 rating, so be aware that I have warned you in advance, if those kinds of things are a concern for you.
Besides Phoebe Cates, the movie also features Rik Mayall, Carrie Fisher, Marsha Mason, Tim Matheson, and Ashley Peldon.
Rik Mayall was funny in that BBC sitcom young ones, now thats good television!
Agreed.
It should also be noted that the heart of the gag is that "Drop Dead Fred," Phoebe Cates' "imaginary friend" from childhood, reappears in her adulthood.
Having been in DC for a number of years, I'm here to tell you, the only thing worse than having an imaginary friend who reappears is discovering that a person who you thought was a friend turns out to only have been one in your imagination.
Like they say, "In Washington, if you want a friend, buy a dog."
Rik Mayall is cool.
He was good in Blackadder as well :)
Haven't even finished the article, much less read the responses.
For the record, I vote "Loved it!"
It is excruciatingly silly, but I love silly. The restaurant scene is one of the funniest things I have ever seen on film. Ever.
I think "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is by far Phoebe's best work.
/sorry, had to say it
This is "breaking news?" Man, August really is a slow news month!
Even with Phoebe Cates, it's the worst movie ever made.
still waitng for a new season of black adder (they said they were going to make one, though i cant remeber what era it was suppose to be)
I still own a Young ones t shirt (though i really should throw it away)
I really miss Phoebe Cates. Geez, I wish the clods in Hollyweird would put her in something. She's probably not perverted enough to compete in Hollywood anymore.
Now that I think about it, I have only seen her in two movies. The other one was "Paradise".
Although the movie was pretty bad, she definitely looked good.
I'm with you on this and I was a big fan of Phoebe Cates.
This movie is almost unwatchable in my view and relies on gross childish humor and none of the intelligence present in "The Young Ones."
I loved it too! It is a favorite movie as it succinctly paints a picture of control through narcissism while at the same time bringing forward really great comedy. The point is that the narcissist has no power over the person who shows that he or she isn't afraid anymore and can't be hurt by the narcissist.
This gets at the heart of liberal elitism.
I once read she is part Chinese. I wouldn't have thought of it, but she does very slightly have that look.
Better yet, when in Washington, stand back because some control freak is gonna try to fix you. And you will be the worse for it.
She made the decision to step away from the camera when she married Kevin Kline. She wanted a successful marriage and family more than a movie career. I used to enjoy seeing her with David Letterman when she first married Kevin Kline. He used to always refer to her husband as Robert Klein.
Makes me seriously consider putting in a pool.
Both my girls, now 25 and 12, adore it.
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