Love it! Zemeckis loves to pioneer new vfx tech, and though dated now, the Mad V Hel fight scene was groundbreaking at the time. Beyond that, it's good campy fun. Everyone knows exactly what kind of movie they're in and brings big energy to the screen.
In the original ending of the film it turns out that Bruce Willis' character had only faked his death to get away from Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep's characters .. and the woman he was married to was played by Tracy Ullman.
Bruce Willis is absolutely amazing in this movie his comedy is so on point!" Where did you take my wife ? She's dead sir we took her to the morgue. The morgue! She'll be Furious!"🤣😅🤣😁
This film's ending is especially moving with Bruce Willis' current condition. He may have been forced into retirement by a permanent cognitive decline, but his legacy will live forever, and that's true immortality.
Regarding Bruce Willis, there are a variety of types of aphasia, and his condition isn't necessarily "permanent." There are therapies that can help, and sometimes aphasia just vanishes, all by itself. I wish the very best for him.
I never noticed before, but I think that, at the moment Ernest steals the car, and escapes, the blond young man in the tuxedo is meant to be 1950's actor James Dean! Verrry clever!
@violamateo yes. And I m actually very surprised how that scene is not included. I mean the whole concept of super famous die young legends faking their own death and then secretly partying together is not something you can just skip as an insignificant suggestion.
Oh yeah, it's definitely him. And you see Elvis inside at the party, where the French guy gently chastises him for being unable to resist "popping up in public to grab a few headlines".
What's really great about these super-expensive fx is that, instead of explosions & such, they're used to tell the story & they make the whole thing that much more hysterical.
One especially great effect is Goldie Hawn sitting on the couch with the shovel going through the hole in her stomach. She actually didn't quite hit her mark right and had to be digitally shifted, which you can't tell at all.
Bruce Willis had a gift for comedy. Both his first staring role in the Tc series Moonlighting and the 1987 movie Blind Date (1987) were very big hits . Also I love the SFX.
Yes, "Moonlighting" remains very underrated. As great as Bruce Willis was in "Blind Date", John Larroquette stole the show, just as he did in "Night Court".
Yes, he is a very underrated versatile actor! (I believe: Has never been nominated for any Oscars!) very funny in this movie and Blind Date, and very good in action films, and was excellent playing an evil SOB hitman in "The Jackal!" And of course there is the Moon lighting series!
It won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, and you can see why! The FX team at Industrial Light and Magic got off doing CGI shots for Terminator 2 Judgement Day, which was a huge hit. Robert Zemeckis wanted to see how CGI can make an undead character walk and talk like a normal human being. To create the effect of Streep's character twist her head back in the right position, she was sitting on a chair in front of a blue screen, they placed a CG version of her head on her body facing backwards while she was wearing a blue cloth that will be removed from the film, this creating a crazy scene in movie history. ILM would later do VFX work for JURASSIC PARK
I'm glad you liked this one --- it's one of my favorites. I have found that it's a film that people tend to either love or hate, because it's like the ultimate "gallows humor" movie and some don't handle the grotesquerie of joking about death very well. The movie's last line is a classic, and as usual you picked up on the underlying philosophy quite well.😁
Oh my gosh the humor in this was right up my alley- but I definitely can see some not caring for it. My mom made jokes like this when I was a kid so I guess it just kind of stuck.
I’ve always felt kinda meh about it, even though everything about it was so well done. I guess I wasn’t invested enough in the characters. But I get why it has such a fan base.
Between Helen 15:56 stalking Ernest and Madeline being spraypainted on the pooltable there was a whole day cut out. Ernest goes to Helen's hotel and she has to pretend she was there all along (barely made it in there before he was at the door almost hitting a valet with her car). She shoved her entire 'Never again' shrine into the other room and tries to convince Ernest they have to dispose of Madeline's body in the desert. Ernest doesn't agree and she gets angry with him when he goes on about a miracle happening. A very funny scene. This is directly followed by the maid coming in for work in the morning. She finds the kitchen a mess and opens the fridge... Madeline stuck in there all frozen. She runs to Ernest and says "It's in the fridge!"... Ernest makes up some bs story about Madeline trying some new beauty treatment. He pulls Madeline out and she lands on the floor all stiff. Madeline tries to act alive to Rose and tells her she's fine while she waves at her with some ovenmits on. They get rid of Rose and Ernest starts to pull Madeline up the stairs (you can see some of this scene in the Theatrical trailer). He promises to make her his masterpiece. A lot of scenes were removed including 8 speaking roles. Tracey Ullman played another love interest (barmaid) you can see in the trailer too. Ernest ends up at her place after he drives of in James Dean's porsche. They fake Ernest's death and Ernest is free. 27 years later Ernest is happy in Switzerland with her. Mad and Hel watch them having a picnic not realising it's them... the two eternal ladies still look stunning but as the movie fades to black we see a glimpse of skulls over their faces as they realise who they are looking at. The test audience didn't like the sweet ending and Zemeckis opted for the more crazy ending we see in the final cut. Around a half hour of the movie was left on the cutting room floor.
Meryl Streep said this was the hardest film she ever worked on since doing scenes with blue screen are one of the most difficult for her. It’s the only time she ever did it and I’m so grateful because this is an absolute classic, as far as I’m concerned
I'd also heard that her mother (I think) visited the set one time wben they were setting up a blue screen shot & found it surprising & insulting that Meryl's face was being covered up.
I saw this movie as a kid and I loved it, especially the cartoonist bits, which hold up very well for 90's CGI. As I've gotten older, I see it more as a cautionary tale of the dangers of selfishness, vanity, miscommunication, and fear of being irrelevant. Madeline was an actress but she was so insecure about her looks and getting older, that she did that ridiculous play that looked like a celebration of her beauty. Helen was a writer but was too meek and insecure to stand up to Madeline, leading her to impotent rage and some mental instability. Lastly, Ernest was a plastic surgeon who was probably seduced by Madeline's fame and money, only to learn that she didn't love him, turning him to drink. They saw what each other had and wanted it for themselves, without thinking about the consequences or feelings of other people. Only Ernest finally saw that he needed to escape this cycle, even if it meant that if he died, at least he got to choose. Madeline and Helen never changed, making them into basically fragile living porcelain dolls that shattered into pieces and had no one who gave a damn about them. Also, Bruce Willis had one of the wildest filmography in the 90's! He was all over the place, which was really rad. If you want a good laugh, check out Goldie Hawn in "Private Benjamin." Imagine if a Kardashian joined the army.
Have to Love that Massive Hollywood Party with all the Famous Actors and Singers, When Ernest fell into the swimming Pool Jim Morrison was standing on the side of the pool with a girl and the Silver Porsche Ernest steals is James Dean's.
"And these dogs are using the elevator..." 😧 I love all the weird little touches at Lisle's mansion. The muscle bros, the super smart dogs, her outfits 😳. And then the living dead party is a who's who of famous dead celebs. Great location, as is Madelyn's mansion, and they use it to great effect.
I have told my children that they and my grandkids are my immortality". So I know even after I'm gone, I will live on. This movie is brilliant and so was your reaction! Take care..xx
I agree! Unusual if not totally unique - a rarity 3 decades later, with franchises and remakes the orders of the day. An original story with totally committed acting and production.
Robert Zemeckis. He made some pretty amazing stuff. Goldie Hawn is also underrated in my book. Loved her and Chevy Chase in Foul Play. That's a rare gem not enough people discover these days.
And “Overboard” with Kurt Russell. But, of course, Goldie’s best was the classic, “Private Benjamin”. GREAT movie. Her comedic timing and delivery is always perfect.
I LOVE this movie! So glad you reacted to it. I’ve only seen 1 other reactor do this film and they loved it too, despite never having heard of it before. I think this is a brilliant comedy, yet for some reason it’s perhaps the least talked about film by Zemekis. I’ve never been able to figure out why this wasn’t a huge hit. Perhaps it hits a little too close to home for the beautiful people of the world…
forgot how good this was - fun fact = Lisle von Rhuman is played by Isabella Rosselini - Ingrid Bergman's daughter 😍 incidentally, the reason we want to stay young is because (at least from a physical point of view) growing old sucks.
Oh boy, I was looking forward to this one, and you absolutely did not disappoint! (Not that you ever would, but, y'know). Delighted that you completely got this deliciously dark comedy, and it was such a joy to see you laugh and have fun with it. Your thoughts at the end were completely spot on, nailed it. Lead a more selfless life, and you can have immortality in the hearts and minds of those you leave behind (in a spiritual sense at least)
So glad you enjoyed this one so much! I totally ADORE this bonkers film - it's such a unique genre blend. A high-camp supernatural dark comedy! Part of me wishes there were more films like it, and part of me loves that it's one-of-a-kind. :)
Glad I voted for this reaction in the poll, great reaction again! I haven't seen this for 20 yrs and forgot how funny it is even in edited format. Thanks again friend, your choices are top tier.
The only reason I’d crave youth would be so that my joints & muscles don’t hurt as much. Also, Having no responsibilities or bills was a perfection I didn’t appreciate as I would now.
Did you notice all of the "dead" celebrities at the party in the castle? Bruce Willis steals the car from James Dean, when he lands in the swimming pool, Jim Morrison is there. Others at the party are Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and many others.
I only noticed Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. I figured the rest were famous as well. I had some comments about the elvis faking his death joke, but had to cut this down to avoid a copyright claim.
I'm writing that Universal Pictures should give Death Becomes Her a special Blu-ray release that would include all 25 deleted scenes that were cut from the film and including the film's original Switzerland alternate ending as special features.
The doctor who has a cardiac arrest is played by director Sydney Pollack. From the 1970's to the 1990's, he directed many movies with Robert Redford... that you can add to your list of movies to react to. 😉
This movie is SO MUCH FUN! The music, the snark, the plot. I love seeing Very Serious Actors (Meryl Streep) playing up the laughs. All the little in-jokes are fun as well. Meryl, Bruce, & Goldie all play off each other so well.
You cut out one of the most iconic moments. Her realization that she can see her backside and his comment that there is something wrong with her neck is a part I always look forward to. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.
Meryl Streep is a great and beautiful actress and she is charming in this film and even though she plays a somewhat negative character you can't help but love her.❤
This movie is one of my favorites, but I'm SO glad the needle has moved...a little...on how we see women and aging. Now that I'm "older", I see getting older as the privilege it is. Life gets better with wisdom and experience! Nowadays, when you hit forty, you're just getting into the good years. Glad I don't suffer from "Madeline Ashton Syndrome".
Such a classic dark, dark comedy. This was so different for Meryl at the time, she has done a lot of comedy since, but this one was a tour de force - Her and Goldie have such amazing comedic timing. SFX are outstanding and still look great! Glad you enjoyed it. Siempre Viva!
YES! I was one of the people who suggested this! I told you! If anyone tells me Bruce Willis can't act I always think of this. he has way more range than anyone gives him credit for. Fitting to watch this since he announced his retirement. Not to mention Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep just chewing scenery. Great and underrated film.
There are so many references to Frankenstein in this movie. I watched it again last night, when Meryl says "it's alive" as Goldie gets up from being shot. In the day dream sequence where they stamp "Case Closed" on the coroner's report there is a brain in a jar that says Abnormal. I love those little Easter eggs.
This movie is quintessential and subgenre defining (in my honest opinion) Dark Comedy. You have to be in a certain mood in order to enjoy it. Fun Fact: Isabella Rossellini used a body double for her nude scene in this film. The body double that stood in for her is Catherine Bell. Interestingly, a couple of years earlier, Rossellini did her own nude scenes in the film, Blue Velvet (1986). Bonus Fact: In several scenes toward the end of the film, references to deceased musicians and actors are visible. When Bruce Willis's character, Ernest Menville, falls through the glass roof and lands in the pool, Jim Morrison can clearly be seen with a girl. Later on, an extra playing James Dean turns around (with his signature hairdo) as Ernest steals his Grey Spider. During the big welcome address at the ball, Elvis Presley is scolded for making random public appearances, an urban myth long-held by his fans that think he's still alive but hiding from the public eye.
CNR ...I love them. The main problem, is that Hollywood tends to market them as straight comedies and that often turns off movie goers, since they didn't know what they were getting into. This has led the subgenre to be viewed as box office poison.
Helen's mistake was introducing Madeline to Ernest. I don't care if she wanted to test him. She knew Madeline would steal him she should have married him first. If you look carefully after Madeline shoots Helen just before the blood comes out you see the pink potion before the blood so it proves she took it.
What I find fascinating is that even though the three main characters are horrible people, Ernest was the only one who saw redemption and escaped the madness as soon as he could. Being stared in the face by death both metaphorically and LITERALLY (Mad and Hel were living dead when they confront him near the end), he just shapes his life in which he is TRULY happy and not driven by artificial love and lust. And he followed the natural order and died when his time was up. Meanwhile, Mad and Hel were so bitter and petty that they couldn't even hold onto what they wanted and had (money, fame, and youth) because they wanted more, even if it would cost them. So at the end, they lost the one person that could help them be "fixed", with the supplier of the tonic disowning them, and are stuck together living forever while they are literally dead on the inside. The last frame, as hilarious as it is, shows how much of a living hell the ladies are in; they are falling apart, they hate each other, and cant rely on anyone to help them stay put. Ernest in the end had the last laugh as the two harpies that nearly ended his life are stuck living a hell on Earth of THEIR own doing. The movie works because everyone got what they deserved; horrible people get horrible outcomes unless they change.
I love Death Becomes Her... So glad that you watched it! For some '80's fun , find "Mr. Mom" .... it's a lot of fun! It's completely on a different vein than this one., plus some " historical " lessons on attitudes.
Adore this movie! And your reactions gave me life. The original ending wasn't so slapsticky. The women weren't decayed but still beautiful, Ernest was alive and married (Tracey Ullman in a deleted role) and when they come across him from a distance Mad laughs and remarks how "sad" he looks and Hel sighs, still feeling something for him and says "Yeah, sad." But test audiences thought it was too real and they went for the more comedic ending. I get wanting to see the ladies get their comeuppance and it's a nice callback, but imo, it does serve the theme better. But either way this movie is awesome!
Brought to you by Writer Director Robert Zemeckis starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis in this dark comedy about death and living forever...and the ramifications of living forever
Ha! So fun! This was when Meryl Streep reinvented her career; she had a string of incredible roles (ala De Niro) throughout the 80s (and late 70s), almost all Oscar contenders/winners, all heavy dramas. Then she did these two comedies: She Devil and this one! At the time, she was panned for doing these movies! Now seeing Meryl (or De Niro, like I said) in comedies is normal, but back then it was seen as a step down! Crazy, right? "Meryl is doing a movie with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis? Whaaaat?" lol. PS: As far as her iconic work from the 80s, hands down: "Sophie's Choice". Shocking there's not a reaction for that yet, that's THE Meryl Streep performance of all time./THANKS CHRIS! Great reaction to a super fun movie!
Oh my gosh. Why has Sophie’s Choice not been higher on my radar? I’m going to add it to my priority list now. Sadly that list has months of films in it 😅
Most people's want of continued youth has to do with fearing death as well as vanity, wanting to stay young looking forever is what makes most people love the idea of things like vampires. Everyone's so hard on aging and don't know how to just accept it gracefully
Robert Zemeckis took everything he learned after working on HBO's TALES FROM THE CRYPT ( which you should also watch in its entirety, because it's the darkest comedy horror you'll find outside of British series like LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and INSIDE NO. 9. ) and poured it into this movie. If you loved this film, CNR, then take the plunge and dive into the Crypt.
For all that is holy please watch Sunset Boulevard, which is three blocks from where I type. The building in which the opening scene is placed (dude's apartment) is still there. A bachelor unit (one room with tiny bathroom) is 3 grand a month now in that building. Hollywood! Land of Instant Karma or LIK. Lick or like. Ten years ago I realized that the new kids could play circles around me on guitar so I was inspired to become the most interesting (never boring) guitarist on planet Earth. "A man's gotta know his limitations" - Clint Eastwood, director/actor.
If I were to say why people want to get younger. Maybe it is just because we are scared of getting old, which is linked to the instinctual fear of death and decay. Also as mentioned the nostalgia over our past experiences, our body which just did function better and look better... Perhaps also vanity and envy
its fun. A great dark comedy. Wonder if you recognized any of her other 'guests'? Been a while since I've seen the full length movie. The car he steals is James Deans' and If I remember right Elvis and Marilyn were at the party.
- Una de mis películas favoritas de todos los tiempos, sería genial reenlarzarla en cine para poderla disfrutar de nuevo en pantalla gigante... ✅️ Meryl Streep ✅️ Goldie Hawn ✅️ Isabella Rossellini ✅️ Bruce Willis
Death Becomes Her, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Rope. Hello, morbid month of May 🌻. No complaints here tho! Bruce Willis is one of the most charismatic actors ever. It's heartbreaking when they officially announced his retirement. Revisiting one of his rare comedy roles is a great tribute.
There have been some, but they tend to get buried. Also, more & more of the best ones are either documentaries or based on true stories. Try "The Red Pill" & "The Founder", both from around 2016.
What an absolutely WILD film. What are your thoughts on this film? 😳
This was a nice surprise to see a reaction for this film pop up 😃. One of my favourite films 😆
Love it! Zemeckis loves to pioneer new vfx tech, and though dated now, the Mad V Hel fight scene was groundbreaking at the time.
Beyond that, it's good campy fun. Everyone knows exactly what kind of movie they're in and brings big energy to the screen.
Brilliant movie and performances. Bruce Willis doesn't get enough props for his comedic ability.
Love this one. And it is topical as I THINK Johnny Depp owns the ‘creepy castle’ these days. It came up recently in the court proceedings.
@@827honey1 Those of us old enough to remember Moonlighting really miss that show.
"WHAT IF I GET BORED?"
this entire movie should be saved and admired forever. it's my comfort movie.
"Ladies, seriously, pull yourselves together..."
Haaaaaa!!! That is the line!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
In the original ending of the film it turns out that Bruce Willis' character had only faked his death to get away from Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep's characters .. and the woman he was married to was played by Tracy Ullman.
"It's okay to leave toxic people, especially if they're dead."
- Casual Nerd Reactions 2022
💯🙌
Bruce Willis is absolutely amazing in this movie his comedy is so on point!" Where did you take my wife ? She's dead sir we took her to the morgue. The morgue! She'll be Furious!"🤣😅🤣😁
Spray paint is the secret to make the dead skin look natural!🤣🤣🤣
This film's ending is especially moving with Bruce Willis' current condition. He may have been forced into retirement by a permanent cognitive decline, but his legacy will live forever, and that's true immortality.
Most people haven't even discovered
one of his newer classics--"Surrogates".
Regarding Bruce Willis, there are a variety of types of aphasia, and his condition isn't necessarily "permanent." There are therapies that can help, and sometimes aphasia just vanishes, all by itself. I wish the very best for him.
So glad I got to grow up watching him. An absolute legend of an actor
I never noticed before, but I think that, at the moment Ernest steals the car, and escapes, the blond young man in the tuxedo is meant to be 1950's actor James Dean! Verrry clever!
It’s also the kind of car he was driving when he died in a car crash.
It is.
It's been ages since I've seen this movie, but I seem to recall seeing Elvis and Jim Morrison, too.
@violamateo yes. And I m actually very surprised how that scene is not included. I mean the whole concept of super famous die young legends faking their own death and then secretly partying together is not something you can just skip as an insignificant suggestion.
Oh yeah, it's definitely him. And you see Elvis inside at the party, where the French guy gently chastises him for being unable to resist "popping up in public to grab a few headlines".
I love when he says “THE MORGUE!!! SHELL BE FURIOUS” lol 😂
So happy to see that you enjoyed this! The special effects were phenomenal at the time, and are still quite amazing even today.
They really really are! Only one or two looked dated, most of it looked absolutely fantastic.
What's really great about these super-expensive fx is that, instead
of explosions & such, they're used
to tell the story & they make
the whole thing that much more hysterical.
One especially great effect is Goldie Hawn sitting on the couch with the shovel going through the hole in her stomach. She actually didn't quite hit her mark right and had to be digitally shifted, which you can't tell at all.
Chris sums it all up: "Its okay to leave toxic people. Especially if they're dead."
I stand by that one to be sure.
Bruce Willis had a gift for comedy. Both his first staring role in the Tc series Moonlighting and the 1987 movie Blind Date (1987) were very big hits . Also I love the SFX.
Moonlighting 🥰❤️
Yes, "Moonlighting"
remains very underrated.
As great as Bruce Willis
was in "Blind Date",
John Larroquette stole the show,
just as he did in "Night Court".
Yes, he is a very underrated versatile actor! (I believe: Has never been nominated for any Oscars!) very funny in this movie and Blind Date, and very good in action films, and was excellent playing an evil SOB hitman in "The Jackal!" And of course there is the Moon lighting series!
It won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, and you can see why!
The FX team at Industrial Light and Magic got off doing CGI shots for Terminator 2 Judgement Day, which was a huge hit. Robert Zemeckis wanted to see how CGI can make an undead character walk and talk like a normal human being.
To create the effect of Streep's character twist her head back in the right position, she was sitting on a chair in front of a blue screen, they placed a CG version of her head on her body facing backwards while she was wearing a blue cloth that will be removed from the film, this creating a crazy scene in movie history.
ILM would later do VFX work for JURASSIC PARK
I'm glad you liked this one --- it's one of my favorites. I have found that it's a film that people tend to either love or hate, because it's like the ultimate "gallows humor" movie and some don't handle the grotesquerie of joking about death very well. The movie's last line is a classic, and as usual you picked up on the underlying philosophy quite well.😁
Oh my gosh the humor in this was right up my alley- but I definitely can see some not caring for it. My mom made jokes like this when I was a kid so I guess it just kind of stuck.
I’ve always felt kinda meh about it, even though everything about it was so well done. I guess I wasn’t invested enough in the characters. But I get why it has such a fan base.
“Could you just not breathe?” ❤
“ first, we finished dinner”
Is absolutely the funniest bits in this movie. I saw this when I was a kid and I watch it like once a year I love it.
Between Helen 15:56 stalking Ernest and Madeline being spraypainted on the pooltable there was a whole day cut out.
Ernest goes to Helen's hotel and she has to pretend she was there all along (barely made it in there before he was at the door almost hitting a valet with her car). She shoved her entire 'Never again' shrine into the other room and tries to convince Ernest they have to dispose of Madeline's body in the desert. Ernest doesn't agree and she gets angry with him when he goes on about a miracle happening. A very funny scene.
This is directly followed by the maid coming in for work in the morning. She finds the kitchen a mess and opens the fridge... Madeline stuck in there all frozen. She runs to Ernest and says "It's in the fridge!"... Ernest makes up some bs story about Madeline trying some new beauty treatment. He pulls Madeline out and she lands on the floor all stiff. Madeline tries to act alive to Rose and tells her she's fine while she waves at her with some ovenmits on. They get rid of Rose and Ernest starts to pull Madeline up the stairs (you can see some of this scene in the Theatrical trailer). He promises to make her his masterpiece.
A lot of scenes were removed including 8 speaking roles. Tracey Ullman played another love interest (barmaid) you can see in the trailer too. Ernest ends up at her place after he drives of in James Dean's porsche. They fake Ernest's death and Ernest is free. 27 years later Ernest is happy in Switzerland with her. Mad and Hel watch them having a picnic not realising it's them... the two eternal ladies still look stunning but as the movie fades to black we see a glimpse of skulls over their faces as they realise who they are looking at.
The test audience didn't like the sweet ending and Zemeckis opted for the more crazy ending we see in the final cut.
Around a half hour of the movie was left on the cutting room floor.
wow. i dint know about that. Thanks for sharing. i feel like the test audience was right
This movie is so underrated 😊
Completely agree. A tragedy I hadn’t even heard of it until this year.
1:07 - Most don't know this. This actress right here is Mimi Kennedy, who is recently most remembered for playing Marjorie on Mom.
When Ernest stole the red sports car, the guy that turned around to see, was suppose to be James Dean.
That’s awesome!
Meryl Streep said this was the hardest film she ever worked on since doing scenes with blue screen are one of the most difficult for her. It’s the only time she ever did it and I’m so grateful because this is an absolute classic, as far as I’m concerned
Yes! If she had to do only one, I’m glad it was this one.
I'd also heard that her mother (I think)
visited the set one time wben they were
setting up a blue screen shot & found it
surprising & insulting that Meryl's face
was being covered up.
LOVE the two women’s names: “Mad” & “Hel”. And, of course, “Earnest” (as in heart-felt, sincere). How CLEVER!!!!!
Also, MAD(eline) + ERN(est) + HEL(en) = madder than hell.
Not to mention, an _urn_ is a vessel 🏺for storing a cremated person's ashes.
They refer to each other as Mad and Hell. Lots of hidden details like the French girl with the ascent that’s fake when her boss shows up.
You didn’t realise the guy who’s silver sports car was stolen was James Dean. Little inside joke that he’s still alive.
I saw this movie as a kid and I loved it, especially the cartoonist bits, which hold up very well for 90's CGI.
As I've gotten older, I see it more as a cautionary tale of the dangers of selfishness, vanity, miscommunication, and fear of being irrelevant. Madeline was an actress but she was so insecure about her looks and getting older, that she did that ridiculous play that looked like a celebration of her beauty. Helen was a writer but was too meek and insecure to stand up to Madeline, leading her to impotent rage and some mental instability. Lastly, Ernest was a plastic surgeon who was probably seduced by Madeline's fame and money, only to learn that she didn't love him, turning him to drink. They saw what each other had and wanted it for themselves, without thinking about the consequences or feelings of other people.
Only Ernest finally saw that he needed to escape this cycle, even if it meant that if he died, at least he got to choose.
Madeline and Helen never changed, making them into basically fragile living porcelain dolls that shattered into pieces and had no one who gave a damn about them.
Also, Bruce Willis had one of the wildest filmography in the 90's! He was all over the place, which was really rad.
If you want a good laugh, check out Goldie Hawn in "Private Benjamin." Imagine if a Kardashian joined the army.
"First, we'll finish dinner..."
This movie is just the right amount of insane!
Yes it is! 👏
Meryl is hilarious in "she devil" with Roseanne Barr.
The real ending is actually quite darker and much more meaningful, but they changed it cause it's a comedy show.
Have to Love that Massive Hollywood Party with all the Famous Actors and Singers, When Ernest fell into the swimming Pool Jim Morrison was standing on the side of the pool with a girl and the Silver Porsche Ernest steals is James Dean's.
Both these women are so beautiful in this movie!!
"And these dogs are using the elevator..." 😧
I love all the weird little touches at Lisle's mansion. The muscle bros, the super smart dogs, her outfits 😳. And then the living dead party is a who's who of famous dead celebs. Great location, as is Madelyn's mansion, and they use it to great effect.
HEY Chris!! Great laugh and reaction!!
~Dawne
This film, From Dusk Till Dawn and The Frighteners were almost made into Tales From The Crypt movies.
WOW! October 26, 1985 - from "Back To The Future"!
I have told my children that they and my grandkids are my immortality". So I know even after I'm gone, I will live on. This movie is brilliant and so was your reaction! Take care..xx
I agree! Unusual if not totally unique - a rarity 3 decades later, with franchises and remakes the orders of the day. An original story with totally committed acting and production.
Robert Zemeckis. He made some pretty amazing stuff. Goldie Hawn is also underrated in my book. Loved her and Chevy Chase in Foul Play. That's a rare gem not enough people discover these days.
Foul Play has been unjustly forgotten.
@@Bfdidc
A good companion piece to
"Silver Streak", released 2 years earlier.
And “Overboard” with Kurt Russell. But, of course, Goldie’s best was the classic, “Private Benjamin”. GREAT movie. Her comedic timing and delivery is always perfect.
I never noticed that in-joke until I saw this video.
When Bruce Willis escaped the mansion, he stole James Dean's car 😄🤣.
Probably my favourite movie of all time!!! Glad to see someone else really enjoy it as it doesnt get as much recognition as it deserves.
I LOVE this movie! So glad you reacted to it. I’ve only seen 1 other reactor do this film and they loved it too, despite never having heard of it before.
I think this is a brilliant comedy, yet for some reason it’s perhaps the least talked about film by Zemekis. I’ve never been able to figure out why this wasn’t a huge hit. Perhaps it hits a little too close to home for the beautiful people of the world…
musical number is fabulous . why would any one walk out?
forgot how good this was - fun fact = Lisle von Rhuman is played by Isabella Rosselini - Ingrid Bergman's daughter 😍 incidentally, the reason we want to stay young is because (at least from a physical point of view) growing old sucks.
Trivia - Isabella was 38 years old when filming( inside joke ) so that’s why Madeline guessed 38 when asked by Lisle how old she was .
Oh boy, I was looking forward to this one, and you absolutely did not disappoint! (Not that you ever would, but, y'know). Delighted that you completely got this deliciously dark comedy, and it was such a joy to see you laugh and have fun with it. Your thoughts at the end were completely spot on, nailed it. Lead a more selfless life, and you can have immortality in the hearts and minds of those you leave behind (in a spiritual sense at least)
So glad you enjoyed this one so much! I totally ADORE this bonkers film - it's such a unique genre blend. A high-camp supernatural dark comedy! Part of me wishes there were more films like it, and part of me loves that it's one-of-a-kind. :)
One of my very favorite films ever, thank you for sharing this with us.
Glad I voted for this reaction in the poll, great reaction again! I haven't seen this for 20 yrs and forgot how funny it is even in edited format. Thanks again friend, your choices are top tier.
I’m glad you voted for it too, even though it didn’t win it was definitely worth the watch!
The only reason I’d crave youth would be so that my joints & muscles don’t hurt as much. Also, Having no responsibilities or bills was a perfection I didn’t appreciate as I would now.
Sign me up for that 👌
Did you notice all of the "dead" celebrities at the party in the castle? Bruce Willis steals the car from James Dean, when he lands in the swimming pool, Jim Morrison is there. Others at the party are Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and many others.
I only noticed Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. I figured the rest were famous as well. I had some comments about the elvis faking his death joke, but had to cut this down to avoid a copyright claim.
I've seen this movie soooo many times and I never got the Back to the Future reference till you showed the DeLorean dates. 👍
I'm writing that Universal Pictures should give Death Becomes Her a special Blu-ray release that would include all 25 deleted scenes that were cut from the film and including the film's original Switzerland alternate ending as special features.
Bruce Willis steals James Dean’s car, “Lil’ Bastard”
Bruce drove off in "Little Bastard"
Oh wow! I never noticed that the car that Ernest stole was James Dean’s car and that the extra was styled to look like him😮
The doctor who has a cardiac arrest is played by director Sydney Pollack. From the 1970's to the 1990's, he directed many movies with Robert Redford... that you can add to your list of movies to react to. 😉
This movie is SO MUCH FUN! The music, the snark, the plot. I love seeing Very Serious Actors (Meryl Streep) playing up the laughs. All the little in-jokes are fun as well. Meryl, Bruce, & Goldie all play off each other so well.
You cut out one of the most iconic moments. Her realization that she can see her backside and his comment that there is something wrong with her neck is a part I always look forward to. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.
I accidentally do that sometimes, whoops!
Meryl Streep is a great and beautiful actress and she is charming in this film and even though she plays a somewhat negative character you can't help but love her.❤
Thanks Chris. I'm glad you got to this one!
Me too!
This movie is one of my favorites, but I'm SO glad the needle has moved...a little...on how we see women and aging. Now that I'm "older", I see getting older as the privilege it is. Life gets better with wisdom and experience! Nowadays, when you hit forty, you're just getting into the good years. Glad I don't suffer from "Madeline Ashton Syndrome".
Such a classic dark, dark comedy. This was so different for Meryl at the time, she has done a lot of comedy since, but this one was a tour de force - Her and Goldie have such amazing comedic timing. SFX are outstanding and still look great! Glad you enjoyed it. Siempre Viva!
Brilliant movie!
"Ha! I can see right THROUGH you!"
YES! I was one of the people who suggested this! I told you! If anyone tells me Bruce Willis can't act I always think of this. he has way more range than anyone gives him credit for. Fitting to watch this since he announced his retirement. Not to mention Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep just chewing scenery. Great and underrated film.
Classic! If you enjoyed 'Death Becomes Her' you will probably also like 'She-Devil' (1989) and 'The First Wives Club" (1997).
There are so many references to Frankenstein in this movie. I watched it again last night, when Meryl says "it's alive" as Goldie gets up from being shot. In the day dream sequence where they stamp "Case Closed" on the coroner's report there is a brain in a jar that says Abnormal. I love those little Easter eggs.
Yes!
21:35 The guy, whose car he steals, is James Dean.
This movie is quintessential and subgenre defining (in my honest opinion) Dark Comedy. You have to be in a certain mood in order to enjoy it.
Fun Fact: Isabella Rossellini used a body double for her nude scene in this film. The body double that stood in for her is Catherine Bell. Interestingly, a couple of years earlier, Rossellini did her own nude scenes in the film, Blue Velvet (1986).
Bonus Fact: In several scenes toward the end of the film, references to deceased musicians and actors are visible. When Bruce Willis's character, Ernest Menville, falls through the glass roof and lands in the pool, Jim Morrison can clearly be seen with a girl. Later on, an extra playing James Dean turns around (with his signature hairdo) as Ernest steals his Grey Spider. During the big welcome address at the ball, Elvis Presley is scolded for making random public appearances, an urban myth long-held by his fans that think he's still alive but hiding from the public eye.
Dark comedies are definitely a subgenre I need some more of!
CNR ...I love them. The main problem, is that Hollywood tends to market them as straight comedies and that often turns off movie goers, since they didn't know what they were getting into. This has led the subgenre to be viewed as box office poison.
And of course the gag with James Dean's car is that he died crashing it.
@@CasualNerdReactions
In that case, I suggest the following:
"Parents"
"Murder By Death"
"Heathers"
"Serial Mom"
"Killer Klowns From Outer Space"
@@CasualNerdReactions Arsenic and Old Lace is a film I think you would enjoy. It's a classic from 1944, very dark, very funny.
Helen's mistake was introducing Madeline to Ernest. I don't care if she wanted to test him. She knew Madeline would steal him she should have married him first. If you look carefully after Madeline shoots Helen just before the blood comes out you see the pink potion before the blood so it proves she took it.
Such an underrated movie. Isabella Rosselini was glorious too.
:it's ok to leave toxic people...especially if they're dead...."best comment EVER!!!! LMAO....
What I find fascinating is that even though the three main characters are horrible people, Ernest was the only one who saw redemption and escaped the madness as soon as he could. Being stared in the face by death both metaphorically and LITERALLY (Mad and Hel were living dead when they confront him near the end), he just shapes his life in which he is TRULY happy and not driven by artificial love and lust. And he followed the natural order and died when his time was up.
Meanwhile, Mad and Hel were so bitter and petty that they couldn't even hold onto what they wanted and had (money, fame, and youth) because they wanted more, even if it would cost them. So at the end, they lost the one person that could help them be "fixed", with the supplier of the tonic disowning them, and are stuck together living forever while they are literally dead on the inside.
The last frame, as hilarious as it is, shows how much of a living hell the ladies are in; they are falling apart, they hate each other, and cant rely on anyone to help them stay put.
Ernest in the end had the last laugh as the two harpies that nearly ended his life are stuck living a hell on Earth of THEIR own doing. The movie works because everyone got what they deserved; horrible people get horrible outcomes unless they change.
I love Death Becomes Her...
So glad that you watched it!
For some '80's fun , find "Mr. Mom"
.... it's a lot of fun! It's completely on a different vein than this one., plus some " historical " lessons on attitudes.
10:21 Bruh. Meryl should have won an Oscar for that line alone.
"The Morgue!? She'll be furious!!!"
Adore this movie! And your reactions gave me life. The original ending wasn't so slapsticky. The women weren't decayed but still beautiful, Ernest was alive and married (Tracey Ullman in a deleted role) and when they come across him from a distance Mad laughs and remarks how "sad" he looks and Hel sighs, still feeling something for him and says "Yeah, sad." But test audiences thought it was too real and they went for the more comedic ending. I get wanting to see the ladies get their comeuppance and it's a nice callback, but imo, it does serve the theme better. But either way this movie is awesome!
This is one of my favorite movies! Sooo glad you loved it too.
This is my fave movie, ty to my aunt to sharing this and many movies with me. Looooove this and all 90’s, early 2000 Meg Ryan movies
underrated film. should be regarded as a classic
Completely agree!
I will put in a plug for Death to Smoochie as a great dark comedy with Robin Williams and Edward Norton!
One of the most unique F'n movies of all time lol, and pretty good too .
Unique is definitely a label that belongs to this film! In a great way.
I love the music in this movie.
8:10 ...one gentle nudge...
yea, you're completely right (12:38)
Brought to you by Writer Director Robert Zemeckis starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis in this dark comedy about death and living forever...and the ramifications of living forever
The car he stole was James Dean's (who turned and looked) and it was also the car (a Porsche) James Dean died in.
Ha! So fun! This was when Meryl Streep reinvented her career; she had a string of incredible roles (ala De Niro) throughout the 80s (and late 70s), almost all Oscar contenders/winners, all heavy dramas. Then she did these two comedies: She Devil and this one! At the time, she was panned for doing these movies! Now seeing Meryl (or De Niro, like I said) in comedies is normal, but back then it was seen as a step down! Crazy, right? "Meryl is doing a movie with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis? Whaaaat?" lol. PS: As far as her iconic work from the 80s, hands down: "Sophie's Choice". Shocking there's not a reaction for that yet, that's THE Meryl Streep performance of all time./THANKS CHRIS! Great reaction to a super fun movie!
Oh my gosh. Why has Sophie’s Choice not been higher on my radar? I’m going to add it to my priority list now. Sadly that list has months of films in it 😅
Most people's want of continued youth has to do with fearing death as well as vanity, wanting to stay young looking forever is what makes most people love the idea of things like vampires. Everyone's so hard on aging and don't know how to just accept it gracefully
Amazing special effects.
Robert Zemeckis took everything he learned after working on HBO's TALES FROM THE CRYPT ( which you should also watch in its entirety, because it's the darkest comedy horror you'll find outside of British series like LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and INSIDE NO. 9. ) and poured it into this movie. If you loved this film, CNR, then take the plunge and dive into the Crypt.
Man What! Watched your live yesterday and then you pull this gem out. See keep doing what you are doing. I enjoy your reactions.
Thanks so much, Michelle. Appreciate this comment!
I love how you do not pause as much as others x
For all that is holy please watch Sunset Boulevard, which is three blocks from where I type. The building in which the opening scene is placed (dude's apartment) is still there. A bachelor unit (one room with tiny bathroom) is 3 grand a month now in that building. Hollywood! Land of Instant Karma or LIK. Lick or like. Ten years ago I realized that the new kids could play circles around me on guitar so I was inspired to become the most interesting (never boring) guitarist on planet Earth. "A man's gotta know his limitations" - Clint Eastwood, director/actor.
If I were to say why people want to get younger.
Maybe it is just because we are scared of getting old, which is linked to the instinctual fear of death and decay.
Also as mentioned the nostalgia over our past experiences, our body which just did function better and look better...
Perhaps also vanity and envy
I can quote this film from credits to credits and it is one of my absolute favorites. Amazing reaction. Earned a Sub!
A true talent indeed! I’m so bad at quoting even my favorite films. Welcome to the channel!
its fun. A great dark comedy. Wonder if you recognized any of her other 'guests'? Been a while since I've seen the full length movie. The car he steals is James Deans' and If I remember right Elvis and Marilyn were at the party.
I definitely recognized Elvia and Marilyn. I think that’s about it. I figured it was packed with cameos.
Oh I'm so happy you're watching this movie is one of my favorites!❤
It’s now one of mine too!
@@CasualNerdReactions sweet! 😊
I love that movie!!! 😆💜🎬 Happy Friday!
- Una de mis películas favoritas de todos los tiempos, sería genial reenlarzarla en cine para poderla disfrutar de nuevo en pantalla gigante...
✅️ Meryl Streep
✅️ Goldie Hawn
✅️ Isabella Rossellini
✅️ Bruce Willis
Isabella Rosalina and Catherine Bell, oh my.
Death Becomes Her, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Rope. Hello, morbid month of May 🌻. No complaints here tho!
Bruce Willis is one of the most charismatic actors ever. It's heartbreaking when they officially announced his retirement. Revisiting one of his rare comedy roles is a great tribute.
I miss films with punch from the US. So few have them these days. Safe choices make for a bored audience.
There have been some,
but they tend to get buried.
Also, more & more of the best ones
are either documentaries
or based on true stories.
Try "The Red Pill" & "The Founder",
both from around 2016.