Serial Mom (1994)

A few years ago, I rated this a 9. But now, as time passes by, I give this a 10. Not only it brings back memories, but makes me laugh, like I did (a few) many years ago.Kathleen Turner's work in here is unique, and very impressive, The score is also very very good and Poledouris manages to keep you watching it with plenty of engagement.I was introduced to the fine music of Barry Manilow with this movie, and I'm very thankful for that.

Funny, quaint, executed well.It's not really a horror film, but more a mixture of slasher and comedy. A refreshing change as the protagonist is a mother, and her family and acting provide fantastic dark comedy.The pace of the film is good, progressing the story in interesting and unpredictable paths, with a satisfying end.Some interesting cinematography and cool shots of action unfolding. The film is kind of cheesy, but in a good way. It's fun to watch and doesn't seem to have any lulls. The films other strength is its believability. It doesn't have many moments you think "That wouldn't happen, they wouldn't do that" etc, and it's fairly clever at setting this up.

Beverly Sutphin seems to be the perfect Baltimore housewife; she cares for her family, does the recycling, she even likes the birds that come to her garden…she is also a killer! To begin with her crimes were limited to making obscene phone calls to one of her neighbours but when one of her son's teachers says he thinks he needs psychiatric help because of the violent pictures he draws... he has to go. The police are soon suspicious but there is no firm evidence. Soon she strikes again; killing the boy who dumped her daughter. With the police following her it looks as though she won't be able to kill again but she soon does. By the time she is finally arrested six people have died at her hands! Her family are obviously somewhat disturbed by it all but that doesn't stop her son and his friend Birdie helping her escape at one point. Once caught she is put on trial and with all the evidence there is no way she will get off… is there?This is a difficult film to categorise; on the one hand the comedy it delivered with a light touch on the other the subject matter is dark and there is plenty to offend those who are bothered by swearing or violence. Kathleen Turner is great as the psychotic 'perfect mother'; I loved how her character was willing to murder but couldn't tolerate the slightest social faux pas. While it is very much her movie she is ably supported by Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake, Matthew Lillard and Patricia Dunnock amongst others. The violence isn't too gory; in fact the way it is portrayed is fairly funny in a bad taste sort of way! After the murders things get even funnier when Beverly is put on trial; she hilariously discredits each of the witnesses in a way that could only work in a comedy such as this. I'd certainly recommend this to anybody who wants a good laugh but isn't easily offended.

Can we safely say that if John Waters' name wasn't plaster all over this thing, it wouldn't have gotten half as many good reviews as it did. I feel as if people like his movies BECAUSE they're so terrible. It's not the subject matter that is a turn off to me, it's that John Waters doesn't know how to write. Good grief, can we take an unbiased look at the film and point out how God awful the dialogue is? Who the hell says "You bring me such peace" during sex? The characters in crappy movies like this one. The plot is so contrived. How did she know her victim would stop running long enough for her to drop an AC on him. Everything just happens to fit into place for the main character. There are so many things that are just awkwardly unrealistic. Of course, if you're being chased by a murderous woman, you're OBVIOUSLY gonna wanna try to hide in a venue that for some strange reason is having band play at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon.Id say that since the 20th anniversary of Serial Mom is coming up, we should all celebrate by pretending this turd was never pushed out.