Customer Reviews

Crazy in Alabama

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This DVD is in my library of Great films because it was entertaining but at the same time had a moral I'd like my son to understand.

It was comedic in its dealing with the theme of the decades of the 60's and the 70's ( and even today) yet at the same time dealt seriously and respectfully with the topic.

There was one theme, of a group's search for recognition of humanity and inalienable rights in the story of a young woman who kills her husband for her freedom and a younger Black man who gives his life in a similar cause. The two ongoing stories were handled in a unique and entertaining manner.

I will watch this DVD over again and enjoy it many times in the future. I will watch for other films directed by Antonio Banderas.

I have seen all of the Oscar contenders and critically acclaimed movies of 1999 and believe this movie should have been up there with them. It was humorous, touching, uplifting and wonderful. Some might be disturbed by some of the subject matter - a woman who cuts off her husband's head and drives around with it in a tupperware jar - but there is so much depth to this movie, it literally made me cry. It is also the story of the narrator, Pee-Joe's, summer in Industry, Alabama where he inadvertently ends up tangling with the evil Sheriff and stands up against the injustices committed against the blacks in his town. Lucille lends a little humour to the film but her speech in court at the end is touching as she tells the reasons why she killed her husband, Chester. It was definitely a great movie all around. It will go down as one of my favorite films of all time. All of the actors in it were superb. A great message to the film is summed up by Pee-Joe "You can bury freedom but you can't kill it".

"Crazy in Alabama" is set in the early 1960's and combines several plots expertly: the Civil Rights Movement, spousal abuse, and parentless children. Antonio Banderas directs brilliantly. Melanie Griffith is a vision of loveliness and her performance is worth seeing all by itself! The bottom line is, no matter what the consequences, we must do the right thing.

This movie truly is a fun escape even though there are some serious sub-plots (racism, domestic violence, etc). You will truly root for Lucille to win and expect laughter and tears on this journey. Great movie!

Melanie Griffith is one of the biggest stars in the late 80's and early '90's, and her stardom has faded a bit in recent years. Although I really was impressed by her early work in Working Girls, it wasn't until I saw this film when I was swept away by her multi-layered performance that was funny, campy, and melodramatic. For a low-key period piece, she's the reason to see it.
Melanie plays a house wife raising 7 children under the roof of house dominated by her sexually, verbally, and physically abusive husband. She's had enough, so she cut his off and headed for Hollywood to pursue her acting career, leaving her kids and friends behind in Alabama. She carried his dead husband's head in a big hat box along for the ride. The police are trying to track her down.
She landed a gig in a TV show and became a big star over night. It's hard to believe that happened so easily. Everyone saw her on TV including the cops. A black boy was killed by a white boy accidently in Alabama and it was a huge racism scanddal. Melanie got arrested and was sent back to Alabama. Everyone treated her like a star when she arrived.
The courtroom scene was the climatic part of the film when Melanie gets to tell her story as a victim of abuse and trying to win the simpathy of the jury. I was so moved by this scene, and Melanie commands absolute attention, because she's very real and powerful emotionally. Whether she was released or sent to jail, you are just going to have to watch it.
It was obvious that Melanie gave her all to the direction of her husband/Antonio Banderas' debut. This is a must see for Melanie Griffith fans!

Crazy In Alabama is engrossing and entertaining with the excellent re-creation of the mid-60's with respect to cars, fashions, and the civil rights movement.All actors were superbly cast for their roles. Not bad directing Mr. Banderas; You may have another artistic venue or outlet, yet. There are two stories simultaneously being told here. Yes, they are both effective and do meet at the end of the road for purpose and not filler. The title itself is also double edged meaning ; It is indicative of the racial tension and madness in Alabama happening while Lucille is on her cross country/Hollywood quest (to lay certain ghosts of the past to rest as well)...

Overall, Crazy in Alabama is a thought-provoking , funny and sensitive film. Yes it borders on farce, Lucille running toward Hollywood with her husband's head in tow. But Melanie Grifith really grabs our attention in court and makes us think seriously about a woman being killed little by little. In addition, Director Banderas is able to skillfully weave together the story of the civil rights struggle to Lucille's bid for freedom. I rented the film and after viewing it, felt that it was a film that I'd want to see again and share it with my friends. My only criticism is that the ending with the three kids going of fishing was a little Mark Twainish. The director would have been well advised to have them look a bit scruffier to be believable. As it stands the scene looks too staged for my taste. All criticisms aside, I think this is an enjoyable family film.

"Crazy in Alabama" is one of the best films I've ever seen, combines with great ability two different stories, one of Civil Rights and other about Lucille, who killed her husband , put his head into a bag and went to Hollywood to become a TV star.
I think Antonio Banderas directed this film perfectly and Melanie Griffith does one of her best movies.
I watch this movie from time to time and I really enjoy it, the music is beautiful.
I'm expecting your next movie Antonio!

This Movie was just...how shall I say? It was great! It was realy great! Melanie is better than ever! It's the Story of a Woman who lives in Alabama, she killed her husband, decapetated him and put his head in bag! With the Bag she's off to Hollywood to become a hillarious Actress! And she becomes one! But when she comes back to Alabama a whole lot of truble is waiting for her!

It's a wonderful Picture, with a great Soundtrack and a very good Crew! Two Thumbs up (!!!) for Antonio Banderas Director-Debut...

This should be considered one of the best films of the year. In his first attempt as a director, Antonio Banderas did a superb job, and Melanie Griffith was born to play Lucille. The excellent supporting cast, lead by a powerful performance by Meat Loaf as the brutal sheriff, also helped bring the two different storylines together.

Technically, the DVD is great. The picture and sound are excellent, and there are a lot of great extra features included. Both the Making-Of Featurette and Photo Montage are interesting, but I wish they could have included more of the deleted scenes and bloopers.