In my short time as a young film critique, I have never seen a more obscure yet appealing collection of yodeling, a bearded bounty hunter, Nicolas Cage, and baby-knapping.

The film starts with a love story between an ex-convict (Nicolas Cage) and an ex-cop (Holly Hunter).  The film escalates from there and the audience finds out that Ed (Holly Hunter) is infertile, making the characters take the logical jump that the only solution is to steal a baby.  The whole film goes on an adventure with them and others who are all trying to get baby Nathan Arizona Jr..  Through car chases, explosions, a fight scene, and a jail break, this film is solid in the standing for comedy.  One of the main keys to success is the writing.  Not only does it keep this film from turning into another 90’s action film, it also helps build the character of H.I..  A little awkward and a whole lot of funny, most of Nicolas Cage’s success in Raising Arizona needs to be credited to the writers.

While I am not a fan of most Nicolas Cage movies, Raising Arizona somehow felt like a perfect fit for him.  He wasn’t trying to act overly manly, nor overly suave.  The mixture of crazy hair, similar to Con Air’s, and hick-dialect gave his character qualities that could be loved, even if it is in a love-to-hate or hate-to-love way.  The only drawback, for me, was Holly Hunter’s southwestern accent.  Whether it seemed forced or just didn't seem right, every time she talked, the accent was too noticeable.  All of the other actors and actresses did a wonderful job taking on their roles as either a media addicted salesman or a recently escaped convict.  The acting was believable and enjoyable for anyone entertained by slightly obscure comedies.

All of the scenes involving the bounty hunter and H.I. sleeping where shot using different techniques from the other parts of the film.  The over shot of H.I. sleeping seemed to draw you in, both with the eyes and as a viewer.  It created intrigue and a sense of honing in on what he was dreaming about.  Most of the appearances of the bounty hunters, up until the end, were within the dream sequences.  The approach to not initially show his face was a good way to create the mystery that the director was trying to go for.  Not only did it cause a sense of danger in H.I., but it also caused a sense of fear in the audience.  However, the over the top explosions and motorcycle tricks kept the film in a comedy genre. 

With a film score full of yodeling and folk songs, it is hard to criticize the feel of the movie.  The Coen brothers created a southwestern/hillbilly feel with the music alone.  Beautifully paired with long chase scenes or opening credits, the yodeling wasn’t over or under-used.  As a recurring theme, the yodeling seemed to pull the mix-match and crazy scenes together.  The lullaby that H.I. sings to Nathan Jr., another great musical selection for the movie, fits the new parents well.  Although H.I. and Ed won’t curse in front of the baby, it is ironic that they would sing a song based on a man sentenced to death after killing his wife.  This example of ironic humor is one of many that appear in Raising Arizona, giving it the ‘cult’ film feel. 
While I thought this movie was funny from start to finish, it seemed to divide the audience in half.  The southern humor and subtle jokes were either lost on some, or they just weren't found funny.  I would recommend that this film should definitely be on people's bucket list.