🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Thomas Schlamme
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Crime, Mystery
- Release year: 1993
- Runtime (length): 1h 33min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (44K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 56%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A commitment-phobic poet thinks his butcher girlfriend might be a serial killer, but it’s actually her quirky sister, so everything works out, except maybe for the ex-husbands.
🍿 So I Married an Axe Murderer: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Charlie’s Commitment Issues
Charlie MacKenzie, a San Francisco poet, consistently sabotages his relationships due to irrational fears and perceived flaws. His friend Tony, a police officer, points out his pattern of avoiding commitment. Charlie’s poems often reflect his failed relationships and his anxieties about love.

Meeting Harriet
Charlie meets Harriet Michaels, a charming butcher, and is instantly smitten. Despite his usual paranoia, he finds himself falling for her. However, certain details about Harriet’s past and habits begin to raise red flags for Charlie, fueling his suspicions.

Growing Suspicion
Charlie’s mother, a believer in conspiracy theories, shares a tabloid story about “Mrs. X,” a black widow who murders her husbands on their honeymoon. The details of Mrs. X’s victims eerily align with Harriet’s past connections, leading Charlie to believe his girlfriend may be a serial killer. He enlists Tony’s help to investigate.

The Honeymoon and Revelation
Charlie and Harriet marry and go to a secluded mountain hotel for their honeymoon. Tony discovers that Harriet is indeed connected to the missing husbands and attempts to warn Charlie. A storm isolates the couple, and Charlie finds himself trapped with Harriet, an axe, and growing terror. The real killer is revealed to be Harriet’s sister, Rose, who attacks Charlie. After a struggle on the roof, Rose is apprehended, and Harriet is exonerated.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Charlie MacKenzie (Mike Myers): A commitment-phobic poet who suspects his new girlfriend might be a serial axe murderer.
- Harriet Michaels (Nancy Travis): Charlie’s charming but mysterious girlfriend who works as a butcher and becomes the subject of his suspicions.
- Rose Michaels (Amanda Plummer): Harriet’s odd and unsettling sister who harbors a deadly secret.
- Tony Giardino (Anthony LaPaglia): Charlie’s best friend and a police officer who is initially skeptical of Charlie’s suspicions but eventually investigates Harriet.
- Stuart MacKenzie (Mike Myers): Charlie’s Scottish father, prone to conspiracy theories, who adds to Charlie’s paranoia.
- May MacKenzie (Brenda Fricker): Charlie’s mother who fuels Charlie’s paranoia by believing sensational tabloid stories.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Stuart Mackenzie: “Heed! Head! Move! Now!” – Stuart yells at his younger son William (‘Heed’) during Harriet’s visit, showcasing his overbearing and eccentric personality.
- Stuart Mackenzie: “I’m not kidding, that boy’s head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts!” – Stuart describes his younger son Heed’s large head, highlighting the film’s absurd humor.
- Tony Giardino: “No, it’s one of my favorite things.” – Tony says this to a commandeered driver while chasing a lead, showcasing his oblivious nature in the moment.
- Charlie MacKenzie: “Woman. Whoa-man. Woooo-man.” – Charlie says this during a poetry performance, encapsulating the film’s goofy romanticism.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $11,585,483
- Worldwide Gross: $11,585,483
💥 So I Married an Axe Murderer Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this movie as a kid and thinking it was hilarious. Mike Myers is brilliant in his dual role, and the Scottish dad is unforgettable. The storyline is silly but entertaining, and the supporting cast is fantastic. The scenes with Tony, Charlie’s best friend, and his police chief are some of the funniest I’ve ever seen. Definitely a comfort movie for me!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Mike Myers’ early work”
- “Viewers who enjoy dark romantic comedies”
- “Anyone looking for a lighthearted, quirky movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive humor”
- “Comedic violence”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While not Myers’ strongest work, ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’ boasts clever moments and a terrific supporting cast. The film benefits from its offbeat humor and San Francisco setting. It’s a fun, light-hearted romp even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its darker comedic potential.
- RogerEbert.com: “A quirky and enjoyable comedy that benefits from Myers’ dual performance as Charlie and his Scottish father. The film balances romance, suspense, and humor effectively, making it a solid entry in the romantic comedy genre. The supporting cast adds charm and wit.
Audience Reactions
Mike Myers’ performance as the Scottish father steals the show.: The humor is quirky and memorable, with plenty of quotable lines.
The supporting cast is outstanding, particularly Anthony LaPaglia and Brenda Fricker.: The movie is a fun, lighthearted watch that’s perfect for a casual night in.
Overall Consensus: A fun, quirky comedy with memorable performances, especially from Mike Myers, that balances romance and suspense effectively, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its darker comedic potential.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Mike Myers originally conceived the idea for the film with Robbie Fox in 1987, intending to explore the theme of men fearing women.”
- “Thomas Schlamme, primarily known for his TV work, found Mike Myers to be a dedicated but challenging collaborator during filming.”
- “The moment where Tony laughs at Stuart’s Colonel Sanders impression was not scripted. Anthony LaPaglia really did lose control and laughed at Mike Myers.”
🖥️ How to Watch So I Married an Axe Murderer?
As of October 2024, “So I Married an Axe Murderer” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. You may also be able to find it through subscription services that offer rotating movie selections, but it’s not currently widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed So I Married an Axe Murderer, you might like these similar films:
- Serial Mom (1994): Similar dark comedy with a focus on a seemingly normal woman who commits bizarre murders, blending humor and suspense.
- Arsenic and Old Lace (1944): Classic black comedy involving unsuspecting characters discovering dark secrets within their seemingly ordinary family, with comedic misunderstandings and a playful tone.
- Shallow Hal (2001): Shares the theme of overcoming superficial fears in relationships through comedic and fantastical elements.
- Wayne’s World (1992): Features Mike Myers’ signature comedic style and SNL background, appealing to fans of his humor.
🛒 So I Married an Axe Murderer Related Products
- So I Married an Axe Murderer [Blu-ray]: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray featuring behind-the-scenes footage, commentary from the director and cast, and deleted scenes. A must-have for fans of the movie and Mike Myers.
- Mike Myers: A Comedy Retrospective [Digital Content]: A digital download of a retrospective featuring interviews, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage from Mike Myers’ most iconic roles, including ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’.
- So I Married an Axe Murderer – ‘Mrs. X’ T-Shirt: A vintage-style T-shirt featuring a ‘Mrs. X’ design, inspired by the movie. Made from high-quality, comfortable material.
- Haggis: The Scottish Delicacy [Food]: Authentic Scottish haggis, as referenced in the movie. A savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach.
🎧 Soundtrack
So I Married an Axe Murderer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “There She Goes” – performed by The Boo Radleys
- “Stars” – performed by The Sundays
- “What Is This Thing Called Love?” – performed by Syd Straw
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie was primarily filmed in San Francisco, California, showcasing the city’s iconic locations. Some scenes were also shot at Dunsmuir House & Gardens in Oakland, California.
Mrs. X is the name given to a serial killer in a tabloid story, who murders her husbands on their honeymoon. Charlie initially suspects Harriet of being Mrs. X, but the real killer is revealed to be Harriet’s sister, Rose.
No, ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’ is a work of fiction. While it incorporates elements of mystery and suspense, the story is entirely fabricated for comedic effect.
🔥 Bonus Content
So I Married An Axe Murderer(colonel sanders scene)
Remember that hilarious Colonel Sanders scene? This clip captures the essence of the movie’s humor and is totally worth a watch for a quick laugh!
So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) | Almost Cult Classics
Ever wonder if this movie achieved cult status? This video dives deep, analyzing why ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’ is considered an ‘Almost Cult Classic.’ It’s a super insightful review!
The Birth of Dr. Evil
Did you know Dr. Evil originated in this movie? Check out this short clip showcasing the character’s beginnings; it’s pretty awesome to see where it all started!
Vicky’s tour (Phil Hartman as an Alcatraz Tour Guide Park Ranger)
Phil Hartman as an Alcatraz Tour guide is the best scene ever! Watch this video for his hilarious antics.
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