I Love You to Death *** (1990, Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Joan Plowright, River Phoenix, William Hurt, Keanu Reeves) – Classic Movie Review 4561

Director Lawrence Kasdan’s intriguing, semi-successful 1990 crime black comedy has a good start in that it boasts a fine ensemble of actors to make it work – Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Joan Plowright, River Phoenix, William Hurt and Keanu Reeves.

Kline plays pizza man and compulsive womaniser Joey Boca, who gets found out by his wife Rosalie (Ullman) and his mother-in-law Nadja (Plowright), who promptly bring in inept hitmen Harlan and Marlon James (Hurt and Reeves) to teach him a permanent lesson by bumping him off.

Kasdan’s crazy comedy is a ragged affair, though often amusing, with the high-octane cast as hit and miss as John Kostmayer’s screenplay. Kline and Plowright are undoubtedly the standout funny star turns, and the film is worthwhile for them and the amusing premise.

There are quite a few big laughs along the way, even if it is slightly struggling. However, the most remarkable thing about it all is that it is based on a true story.

Unfortunately, Reeves and Phoenix (as Devo Nod!) are both wasted. Writer John Kostmayer appears as Benny, director Kasdan plays Devo’s attorney, and Kline’s actress wife Phoebe Cates is Kline’s date at the disco.

Also in the cast are James Gammon, Jack Kehler, Victoria Jackson, Miriam Margolyes, Alison Porter, Jon Kasdan, Heather Graham, Michelle Joyner, Samantha Kostmayer, Kathleen York, John Billingsley, Jeff Klein, Art Cahn, G Valmont Thomas, Michael Chieffo, Robert Radonich and Sheryl Lee.

Reeves and Phoenix teamed up memorably for My Own Private Idaho (1991).

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4561

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