6/12/2008

I Love You to Death (1990)

Based on a true story -- hard to believe, but true!

Joey Boca (Kevin Kline, with an incredibly fractured Italian accent) and his wife Rosalie (Tracey Ullman) own and operate a Tacoma pizzeria. While Joey is a major philanderer with several girlfriends (including Victoria Jackson, Heather Graham, Michelle Joyner), one of his employees, Devo Nod (River Phoenix) is trying to convince Rosalie that she's a dreamer to think she's got a good marriage. Both Devo and Rosalie's mother Nadja (Joan Plowright) know Rosalie can do much better without Joey.

Rosalie finally finds evidence that Joey's been unfaithful and with her mother and Devo, they hatch a plot to murder Joey. With the help of discount-priced hired murderers and potheads Harlan James (William Hurt) and Marlon James (Keanu Reeves) the plan is launched.

But before long, pizzeria regulars Police Lt. Larry Schooner (James Gammon) and Sgt. Carlos Wiley (Jack Kehler) bumble through disclosure of the plot -- but not before several riotously funny attempts have been made on Joey's life.

Miriam Margolyes appears as Joey's mother,

If you're a fan of A Fish Called Wanda, this one might be fun for you. Thanks to VR for recommending this film that I'd never heard of before.

Directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

My personal rating: B

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