Today’s quick review: So I Married an Axe Murderer. Charlie Mackenzie (Michael Myers) hits the jackpot when he meets Harriet (Nancy Travis), a smart, funny, and gorgeous woman who has instant chemistry with him. The only catch is a big one: she might be a famous killer who murders her husbands on their honeymoons. As the evidence mounts up, Charlie must decide whether he wants to spend the rest of his life with Harriet—however long that may be.
So I Married an Axe Murderer is a comedy romance starring Michael Myers. True to its title, So I Married an Axe Murderer revolves around the question of whether Charlie’s new girlfriend is a marriage prospect or a woman with a murderous secret. Myers’ talents, a capable co-star in Nancy Travis, and a fun script to work with make the movie a straightforward but serviceable comedy. However, its overt humor and shallow plot won’t appeal to everyone.
The centerpiece of the film is Michael Myers, who plays a witty beat poet with a fear of commitment and a history of seeing the worst in his long-term girlfriends. His playful mannerisms and sarcasm as Charlie Mackenzie are not that far off of Myers’ usual routine, but they are constrained slightly by the role. The result is something less outrageous than Myers’ most famous work but still funny enough to entertain fans of his style.
The rest of the film is workmanlike and often clever. Nancy Travis is an excellent pick as Harriet, albeit a subtle one. Her expressions and delivery perfectly walk the line between dream girl and potential killer, and the ambiguity is what keeps the premise alive. The plot isn’t too sophisticated, but the movie does find some charming ways to play with the premise. Likewise, the gags aren’t brilliant, but they’re usually amusing and often clever.
How much you get out of So I Married an Axe Murderer will depend on your tastes. Fans of Michael Myers will find that the film’s humor hits home and that its creative premise pays off. Those who dislike Myers or prefer movies where he’s given free reign may want to skip it. In either case, So I Married an Axe Murderer aims to be nothing more than a modest comedy with a dash of romance. If that’s what you’re looking for, give it a shot.
For a more understated comedy with some of the same contrasts, try Grosse Pointe Blank or How to Murder Your Wife. For another comedy in the same vein, try The Man Who Knew Too Little. For a more memorable use of Michael Myers’ talents, try the Austin Powers movies. For a romantic comedy with similar chemistry, try Groundhog Day. For a romantic comedy about the perils of marriage, try Four Weddings and a Funeral.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for fun, serviceable comedy.