The Alarmist (1998)

I rented this film for $1 and feel like I got gypped! Granted, I rented it because Stanley Tucci is in it, so it wasn't a total loss - he can make chewing gum interesting. But the plot was stupid, most of the characters too goofy to be entertaining, and the abrupt changes in the storyline (from visiting the parents to murder?) ask too much of an audience unaided by drugs or alcohol. I haven't seen all of Arquette's movies, but he can't carry a film. Does he always play the bland, likable dufus who gets to accidentally realize maximum potential? Sounds like his real life. I get very annoyed when I think about film makers who are able to get paid to churn out this kind of nonsense and then foist it on an unsuspecting public wrapped in the cachet of adjectives like "indie" or "original" or, worse, "comedy." This movie isn't funny, period. It's like whipping up a new recipe in the kitchen by stirring together flour, eggs, ketchup, and sardines, serving it raw, and expecting people to rave about it. One star only because Tucci is always a joy to watch.

It's rather sad to see that so many people seem turned off by this comedy. Just like Romeo is Bleeding, too many people seem to just give up when they're finally shown something that truly creates an original tone for itself. This movie walks a tight-wire between the absurd and offbeat while still seemingly plausible and realistic. The plot twists with wonderfully subversive glee. I could not help but fall hopelessly in love with this charming movie. Don't listen to all the negative comments. Rent it and judge for yourself. You just might be wonderfully surprised.

Aside from David Arquette's irritating performance, this is solid and fairly competent work. Although the characters may be dead-hollow, the events that ensue during the 90 minute run of the film are both amusing and inspired. Genuinely good.

I had looked forward to seeing this film after reading about it, especially given Stanley Tucci's involvement. The first half of the film is quirky and interesting in it's "Tin Men" like overview of the home security sales business. However, the second half of the film veers sharply into post-Tarantino plot devices, none of which are remotely interesting or innovative. By the end of the film (and it's pointless prologue), I was thoroughly bored and ready to leave. Tucci is OK as the slimy proprietor but Arquette's one-note performance grew tiresome. Kate Capshwaw, who looks absolutely gorgeous, is wasted but Ryan Reynolds is outstanding as her son. His scene with Arquette in which he described his attempt at lovemaking was worth the price of admission. In fact, I would have preferred to see a movie about his character rather than Arquette's.