Raising Arizona Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An infertile ex-cop and a reformed criminal steal a baby quintuplet because, why not, and then a biker from hell wants the baby too.

🍿 Raising Arizona: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unlikely Romance

H.I. McDunnough, a repeat offender known for robbing convenience stores, and Edwina (Ed), a police officer, meet in an unconventional setting – the prison booking room. As H.I. is repeatedly booked, a spark ignites between them, ultimately leading to their marriage after H.I. vows to reform. They embark on a life together in a humble trailer home, their happiness shadowed by a deep longing for a child.

Desperate Measures

The couple’s dreams of parenthood are shattered when Ed learns she is infertile. After facing rejection from adoption agencies due to H.I.’s criminal record, desperation sets in. Their attention is captured by the news of the ‘Arizona Quints,’ quintuplet sons born to furniture magnate Nathan Arizona. Consumed by their desire for a child, H.I. and Ed decide to kidnap one of the babies, believing the Arizonas have ‘more than they can handle’.

Chaos and Consequences

The kidnapping sets off a chain of chaotic events. H.I.’s prison buddies, Gale and Evelle Snoats, escape from prison and seek refuge with the couple, adding to the instability. Meanwhile, a fearsome biker named Leonard Smalls is hired as a bounty hunter to find the missing baby. The situation spirals out of control as the McDunnoughs try to maintain their facade while evading the law and the increasingly dangerous individuals involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• H.I. McDunnough (Nicolas Cage): A recidivist convenience store robber who marries a policewoman and impulsively kidnaps a baby.
• Ed (Holly Hunter): A former policewoman, now married to H.I., who longs for a child and instigates the kidnapping.
• Nathan Arizona, Sr. (Trey Wilson): A wealthy furniture store owner whose quintuplet son is kidnapped, leading him to hire a bounty hunter.
• Gale (John Goodman): One of H.I.’s escaped convict friends who complicates the kidnapping with his own criminal schemes.
• Evelle (William Forsythe): The quieter and less intelligent of H.I.’s escaped convict friends, accompanying Gale in his exploits.
• Leonard Smalls (Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb): A fearsome bounty hunter hired by Nathan Arizona, Sr. to find the kidnapped baby.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• H.I. McDunnough: “Edwina’s insides were a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase.” – H.I. describes their infertility struggles in his signature quirky, poetic narration.
• Gale: “All right, ya hayseeds, it’s a stick-up. Everybody freeze. Everybody down on the ground.” – Gale’s botched attempt at a robbery demonstrates his ineptitude.
• H.I. McDunnough: “I love you, Ed. But I can’t live like this no more. I’m gonna turn myself in. We both know I belong back in the joint.” – H.I. expresses his deep love for Ed, but also acknowledges his inability to provide a stable life, leading to his decision to return the baby.
• Nathan Arizona, Sr.: “They got more than they can handle.” – The off-hand remark that inadvertently sparks H.I. and Ed’s kidnapping plot.
• H.I. McDunnough: “Okay, then.” – A catchphrase used throughout the film, often as a form of agreement or acceptance of a situation, becoming one of the most recognizable quotes.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,847,564
• Worldwide Gross: $29,180,280

💥 Raising Arizona Reviews

Personal Review

I still remember the first time I saw ‘Raising Arizona’! I was hooked from the opening sequence. The Coen brothers created something truly unique. The film just has a charm to it that’s undeniable. The humor is so quirky and the characters are so endearing. I was laughing one moment and feeling strangely touched the next. The chase scene is still one of the funniest and most inventive things I’ve ever seen in a movie. And don’t even get me started on Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb’s biker from hell – terrifying and hilarious at the same time! For me, ‘Raising Arizona’ isn’t just a great movie, it’s an experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Coen brothers’ unique style of filmmaking”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark comedies with quirky characters”
  • “People who appreciate satire and absurdist humor”
  • “Those looking for a fast-paced and entertaining movie experience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Some language”
  • “Thematic elements involving kidnapping”

Professional Reviews

• WeAreMovieGeeks.com: “One Of Them Days – Review. “Raising Arizona” stands as a hallmark of Coen Brothers’ creativity, blending outlandish characters with an unexpectedly tender core. The film’s visual dynamism and quirky humor remain captivating, solidifying its status as a timeless comedy classic.
• ScreenRant: “The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent Cast & Character Guide. Nicolas Cage excels as H.I. McDunnough, a role that showcases his unique comedic timing and ability to portray outlandish characters with surprising depth. His performance is a key reason why ‘Raising Arizona’ remains so beloved.
• Variety: “Joel Coen’s direction infuses the film with a manic energy that’s perfectly balanced by Ethan Coen’s sharp writing. The film’s offbeat tone and unforgettable characters, make ‘Raising Arizona’ a standout in the Coen brothers’ impressive filmography.

Audience Reactions

The non-stop quirky humor and unforgettable characters make this a cult classic.: Fans consistently praise the film’s unique comedic style and memorable performances, especially by Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter.

The film’s visually dynamic scenes, blending action with comedy, keep viewers engaged.: Viewers often highlight the film’s inventive cinematography and editing, enhancing the overall comedic effect.

Overall Consensus: ‘Raising Arizona’ is a beloved comedy known for its unique style, memorable characters, and blend of humor and heart.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Nicolas Cage was particularly fond of H.I.’s Woody Woodpecker-inspired haircut, believing it reflected his character’s stress levels.”
• “The Coen brothers have stated that the film was influenced by the works of Preston Sturges, William Faulkner, and Flannery O’Connor.”
• “The film’s exaggerated style was intended to evoke the feel of live-action cartoons, specifically the Looney Tunes shorts.”
• “Several crew members from the Coen brothers’ previous film, Blood Simple (1984), returned for ‘Raising Arizona,’ creating a sense of continuity in their early work.”

🖥️ How to Watch Raising Arizona?

Raising Arizona is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for rental or purchase. Check your preferred digital retailer for availability and pricing. You might also find it available through subscription services that offer a rotating selection of movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Raising Arizona, you might like these similar films:

• O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000): Another Coen Brothers film with a similar blend of quirky humor, crime, and Southern sensibilities, featuring John Goodman.
• Fargo (1996): Coen Brothers’ crime film with dark humor and memorable characters in a unique setting.
• The Big Lebowski (1998): Another cult classic by the Coen Brothers, known for its eccentric characters, absurd plot, and quotable dialogue.
• Baby Mama (2008): A more modern comedic take on the lengths a woman will go to in order to have a child, although far less extreme.
• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): An era-specific alternative, this action-comedy has a similar light-hearted law-breaking theme with quirky characters.

🛒 Raising Arizona Related Products

• Raising Arizona (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine, high-definition presentation of the film with exclusive bonus content. Restored version of the film along with bonus interviews and behind-the-scenes features.
• Raising Arizona Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster, perfect for decorating any fan’s space. High-quality print with vivid colors and a durable finish.
• Raising Arizona T-Shirt: Wear your love for this cult classic with a stylish T-shirt featuring iconic imagery or quotes from the film. Comfortable, high-quality fabric with a unique design.
• Coen Brothers Collection (Blu-ray): This collection includes the most iconic movies of the Coen Brothers like Fargo, The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men in high definition. Criterion collection with bonus features like interviews and commentaries.

🎧 Soundtrack

Raising Arizona features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Down In The Willow Garden” – performed by Arthur Gorson, Performed by Holly Hunter
• “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” – performed by Traditional
• “Rock Island Line” – performed by Lead Belly

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you know for RAISING ARIZONA…

Hey, did you know there’s a secret cameo by John Goodman in ‘Raising Arizona’? Check out this video to uncover this and other cool trivia about the movie!

Camera Tricks: RAISING ARIZONA #shorts

Curious how they achieved that unique shot in ‘Raising Arizona’? This short video reveals the clever camera trick behind it, giving you a peek into the movie’s technical artistry.

Quentin Tarantino on Raising Arizona

What does Quentin Tarantino think about ‘Raising Arizona’? Dive into this discussion where he reacts to and analyzes this beloved Coen Brothers classic, giving us his own directorial insights.

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