Friday, May 5, 2017

Movie review: Slums of Beverly Hills

 
Coming of age in 1970's Los Angeles, Vivian is an awkward teen dealing the usual hormonal and social issues. As if that is not enough, her father is failing financially and her rehab runaway cousin is moving in.

Natasha Lyonne (Vivian), Alan Arkin (Murray), Marisa Tomei (Rita), Eli Marienthal (Rickey), David Krumholtz (Ben), Kevin Corrigan (Eliot).

Slums of Beverly Hills doesn't waste much time, jumping right to the comedy and storyline. Vivian is struggling enough with her changing body, but her family is also penniless, moving from one crummy apartment to another. But, steak fixes everything! As the story moves along it seems Vivian might be the only normal one in her family. With some good laughs, this one moves along at a nice pace.

Acting was good with Lyonne doing a great job as an awkward teen. Arkin delivered well as always and worked well with the rest of the cast. Tomei was funny and sexy at the same time, while Marienthal, Krumholtz, and Corrigan rounded out the cast well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nothing exciting but fit the film. Action was mild, while comedy was evident throughout. Dialogue was campy, silly, and just plain fun. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

Slums of Beverly Hills isn't going to appeal to everyone. Though the film is funny, it can also be a reminder of our own awkward years, something most of us don't want to experience again. Those who enjoy the humor of life should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality and nudity, save this for older teens and above.

Released: 1998
Reviewed: 4.12.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Cult Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

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