So I Married an Ax Murderer (1993) Review

 

So I Married an Ax Murderer (1993)

So I Married an Ax Murderer follows Charlie, a man with deep commitment issues but who thinks he found the one in Harriet, who just might actually be a serial killer.

It’s been a good many years since I’ve seen this and I’d say it’s mostly how I remember it being. Admittedly, it’s not really remarkable or anything to write home about but it’s a cute, lighthearted comedy with some darker undertones that repurposed a genius concept. Having Harriet as an ax wielding butcher by day and a possible murderer by night is so out there, but it works well within the context of Charlie’s character. He’s overly cautious and frightened of commitment and the minute he lets his guard down, there’s a possibility he’s right for once. So much of the focus is on Harriet as this honeymoon murderer that we don’t ever notice the blatantly obvious answer to this mystery—her wacko sister, who’s been lurking around the whole time. It’s actually a really great diversion and it’s nice to have a happy ending for once where no one gets hurt.

I was also thoroughly impressed with the soundtrack. The British pop/punk music really complements the mid-90s aesthetic and feel, but not in the usually dark, cynical way. It’s more in line with the bright, liberalizing vibe of 1990s San Francisco, which has a heart of it’s own in this film.

We get a pretty good cast as well, starring Amanda Plummer, Anthony LaPaglia (who somehow manages to look like both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro at the same time), Nancy Travis, and Mike Myers, pulling double duty as Charlie and Stuart. Honestly, this is one of Myers most down to Earth roles, featuring his trademark style of humor (that is somewhat dated and rather hit or miss), but I enjoyed his performance. Travis also deserves a nod because she comes off as the perfect woman, with hints at a darker secret, which ramp up the suspense.

So I Married an Ax Murderer, directed by Thomas Schlamme, is a hidden comedy gem from early in Myers career that provides a fun and enticing mystery in the midst of a campy romance story, never amounting to much but capitalizing on a clever twist.

6.6/10