Article Key Points
Even great directors like Christopher Nolan and Sam Raimi have had their passion projects rejected by studios but went on to make iconic films.
Despite the talented team behind it, "Crimewave," directed by Sam Raimi and written by the Coen brothers, underperformed at the box office. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that mixed reviews from critics should not dissuade viewers from giving the film a chance and potentially finding enjoyment in it.
All renowned directors are granted the liberty to pursue their passion projects. Christopher Nolan faced disappointment when he initially pitched the concept of Inception to Warner Bros, before he achieved immense success with his masterpiece, The Dark Knight. Surprisingly, within a year of Nolan's Batman sequel dominating cinemas nationwide, Warner Bros had a change of heart regarding Inception, a film that continues to be widely discussed to this day.
However, these unconventional films do not always attain the same level of triumphant recognition as others. In 1981, Sam Raimi directed an instant horror classic known as The Evil Dead. Nevertheless, four years later, he caught his fans off guard with a film noir slapstick comedy titled Crimewave, which unfortunately did not fare well at the box office.
Raimi enlisted the help of his Evil Dead franchise star, Bruce Campbell, for the production of the film, and also received screenplay assistance from the highly skilled Coen brothers (Ethan and Joel), known for their work on iconic films such as Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Considering the impressive talent involved in creating this satirical crime drama, perhaps it is worth giving Crimewave another watch.
What Is Crimewave About?
Crimewave | |
Director | Sam Raimi |
Writers | Sam Raimi, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen |
Cast | Bruce Campbell, Reed Birney, Louise Lasser, Sheree J. Wilson, Brion James, Paul L. Smith |
Release Date | April 12, 1985 |
Runtime | 83 minutes |
Where to watch | Available to stream on Prime Video |
Crimewave follows the tale of Victor Ajax, a man condemned to death for the murders of multiple individuals in a Detroit apartment building. As Victor sits on the electric chair, awaiting his fate, he reflects on the events that led him to this predicament.
Victor was employed by a security company called Trend-Odegard Security, which was owned by Ernest Trend and Donald Odegard. However, unbeknownst to Trend, Odegard was secretly in the process of selling the company to a wealthy businessman known as Renaldo, or "The Heel". Enraged by this discovery, Trend decides to hire two hit-men, Arthur Coddish and Faron Crush, to eliminate Odegard before his plan can proceed. However, Trend failed to adequately research the assassins he brought in.
The narrative of the film progresses by portraying Coddish and Faron's expansion of their project scope beyond their initial agreement. Meanwhile, Victor finds himself entangled in the chaos, simply searching for affection from a woman named Nancy. Does he bear responsibility for the killings that eventually lead to his execution by the electric chair? Discover the truth by watching the 1985 crime drama spoof.
What Is Crimewave's Rotten Tomatoes Score?
Crimewave Rotten Tomatoes Score | |
|---|---|
Critic Score | 57% |
Audience Score | 47% |
When it comes to comedies and horror movies, critic scores are often harsh, so it's best to watch the films and make a personal decision. Crimewave, for instance, received a critic score of 57% ("Tomatometer") and an even lower audience score of 47%. However, these scores should not necessarily determine one's interest in watching the film. Take Step Brothers as an example, which has a low critic score of 55%, yet it is considered one of the funniest movies of all time! For those who are not deterred by a less-than-stellar score, there are positive reviews from some of Rotten Tomatoes' top critics. A.A. Dowd, in his review for AV Club, mentioned that the film is fascinating as it combines the dueling sensibilities of its creative masterminds, blending a quintessentially Coen plot with Raimi's love for broad physical comedy.
Similarly, Kim Newman of Empire Magazine rated the movie 3 out 5 stars, writing:
Bizarre and entertaining little film that deserves a look.
What Did Sam Raimi Do After Crimewave?
Raimi gained recognition through his highly successful film The Evil Dead, which led to the creation of two sequels: Evil Dead 2 in 1987 and Army of Darkness in 1992. These films became synonymous with Sam Raimi for those who grew up in the 80s and 90s.
However, for a younger generation, particularly those who experienced their childhood in the early 2000s, Raimi became known as the mastermind behind the groundbreaking live-action Spider-Man trilogy, which began in 2002 and starred Tobey Maguire as the iconic kid from Queens. Raimi's ability to join or create successful franchises continued as he delved deeper into the superhero genre with his film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, further cementing his success in the Marvel universe.
Aside from his involvement in these iconic franchises, Raimi has shown a preference for the horror and thriller genres. Notably, he directed the 2000 thriller The Gift, featuring Cate Blanchett and Keanu Reeves, as well as the 2009 film Drag Me to Hell. He also served as a producer for The Possession in 2012 and the 2004 American adaptation of The Grudge.
With such an extensive list of credits, Crimewave might just be Sam Raimi's most unique film. It is a film that should be approached with an open mind, but definitely deserves to be watched.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have a deep appreciation for both classic and underrated films, and Sam Raimi's Crimewave is a movie that I believe deserves more attention. Despite its lackluster performance at the box office and mixed reviews from critics, I found Crimewave to be a highly entertaining and unique film that showcases Raimi's signature style and the talents of Bruce Campbell and the Coen brothers.
The film's blend of dark humor, crime drama, and slapstick comedy is a testament to Raimi's ability to blend genres and create something truly original. The performances from Campbell and the supporting cast are also top-notch, with Campbell bringing his signature charisma and physicality to the role of Victor Ajax. Overall, I highly recommend Crimewave to fans of Raimi, the Coen brothers, and anyone looking for an offbeat and entertaining film.
