Watch Raising Arizona

Raising Arizona is a comedy film that was released in 1987, directed and co-written by Joel Coen. The movie features Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, and Trey Wilson in lead roles. The film has earned a cult classic status over the years. The basic premise of the film follows the story of a childless couple, H.I. McDunnough (Nicolas Cage) and Edwina (Holly Hunter), who decides to kidnap one of the five sons of local tycoon Nathan Arizona. They believe that by doing this, they can provide a better life for the child, who comes from a wealthy family. However, their plan goes awry when one of the escape convicts, who they tried to loot from, comes after them.

As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate through various obstacles and difficulties, including escaped convicts, a large extended family, and their own personal issues to make a better life for the baby.

One of the things that sets Raising Arizona apart from other slapstick comedies is its quirky characters, who are unique and memorable. The film uses a host of eccentric characters such as John Goodman as an escaped convict, Gale and William Forsythe as his drug-addled buddies, and Sam McMurray as H.I.'s paranoid prison buddy to great effect in creating an unusual and memorable cast of characters.

At its core, Raising Arizona is about the power of love and the importance of family. The characters in the film come together to form a family unit that is flawed but drawn together by their affection for each other. Even though the characters are portrayed in a humorous light, the underlying message is a heartwarming one.

One of the strengths of the movie is its pacing. The film moves at a rapid clip, with expertly crafted scenes that are both funny and engaging. The movie is a roller-coaster ride of laughter and tenderness that grips viewers from start to finish.

Another impressive area is the cinematography, which is inventive and creative. The Coen Brothers use unusual camera angles and bright colors to create a cartoonish feel that suits the tone of the movie perfectly. The camera work is upbeat, just like the movie itself.

The soundtrack is another notable part of the film. The music is cheerful and upbeat, with a mix of country, rock, and pop tunes that complement the mood of the film. The soundtrack features contributions from both established bands and lesser-known artists, which adds to the movie's whimsical feel.

In terms of acting, Nicolas Cage delivers one of his finest performances as H.I. McDunnough, a lovable and flawed character who has a knack for engaging audiences. Holly Hunter also shines as Edwina, bringing depth and charm to her character. The chemistry between the duo is one of the movie's main strengths. Trey Wilson as Nathan Arizona is also notable, his portrayal of the wealthy but lonely businessman who hires the only private investigator who could not locate his child adds to the film's humor.

In conclusion, Raising Arizona is a comedic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. With its unique characters, wacky story, and innovative cinematography, the film is a perfect showcase of the Coen Brothers' talents. It is a movie that has something for everyone – humor, action, drama, and even a few tears. With its heartwarming message and top-notch execution, it's easy to see why Raising Arizona is considered a true classic.

Raising Arizona is a 1987 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 69.