DEATH BECOMES HER is my kind of horror flick -not super scary, but bizarre, hair-raising, and borderline chilling. Spooky movies need an absurd plot, music that pumps your heart along with a lightning storm in the middle of the night, a kick-ass cast, and humorous moments. Robert Zemeckis created a most intriguing comedy, fantasy, and horror film in 1992, which won an Oscar for Special and Visual Effects.
Looking younger than your actual age is still a thing in Hollywood. The camera is not always forgiving. People today will tuck, snip, and hoist up anything that falls. Botox is widely accepted. If thereโs a wrinkle or sagging skin, plastic surgeons can take care of it. This is why the theme of immortality is fascinating. Would any of us want to โliveโ forever if we had the means and power? Obviously, there is an entire secret cult group that believes in looking young forever. Cue Meryl Streep as Madeline, Goldie Hawn as Helen, and Isabella Rossellini as Lisle. One has the magical potion, and the other two would maim and kill to stay fresh and beautiful. Bruce Willis goes against his usual roles and plays Ernest, the wimpy, โfixer-upper.โ The result is gobs of physical comedy, tons of CGI, and body contortions audiences will never forget. DBH is quirky and fun, with just a dash of trembling fright.
The costumes are fabulous, especially Lisleโs gemstone halter top. The makeup and wigs are divine. The homage to horror movies is a hoot (YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN). The long stairway and fountains are stunning, and the mental hospital support group scene is a tribute to ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOโS NEST. ZEMECKIS is a genius, as can be seen in his vast resume, which includes BACK TO THE FUTURE, WHO KILLED ROGER RABBIT? CONTACT, and FOREST GUMP.
DEATH BECOMES HER is a feast for Meryl and Goldie fans. Their chemistry will leave viewers giggling until the sobering final seconds. Horror movies offer choices. It is easy to be the first one knocked off. My motto is always to think before you take a drink, open any door, stand at the top of a spiral staircase, or hang from a rooftop. Everyone knows what will happen next, and it wonโt be pretty.ย
DEATH BECOMES HER is available on Peacock.
