2015 * R * 1h 45m If you're in the mood for something a bit different, give this movie a shot. I'd never heard of it, but the unusual title piqued my attention. And when I saw the stellar cast, I was all in. It's another one of those films that I just don't understand why it isn't better known Maybe because it's so quirky!
Baxter (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Nichole Kidman) are siblings in the notorious Fang family Their parents Camille (Maryann Plunkett) and Caleb (Christopher Walken) have been performance artists since the kids were little. What they do is more public gags than actual art. The opening scene which involves a fake bank robbery is so funny, I had to stop myself from doing my workout to catch my breath. The film jumps back and forth in time via movie videos of the family in action.
Then, one day, the parents take off on a trip and say farewell to Baxter and Annie. Little do they now that that might be the last they ever see of each other. The parent's abandoned car is found at a rest stop and due to the bloody interior, it appears that they may have been abducted. While to police are taking it seriously and suspect an abduction took place, the kids are convinced it's just another one of their pranks.
The film goes back and forth between their funny skits to the grim reality of the present situation. Bateman directed the film and he did a great job. I always love seeing Christopher Walken and he really shined in this one.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Prime and Roku and to rent on YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV and other services.
