Charlie Mackenzie is a San Francisco poet who fears commitment. When he finally meets someone special, he begins to suspect she may not be quite who she seems.

Runtime
1 Hour 28 Minutes
Region
Region 2
Sound
Dolby Digital 4.0
Aspect
1.85:1
Release year
1993

Details

Charlie Mackenzie is a coffee-house poet with a severe allergy to commitment. The moment a relationship begins to look remotely serious, he vanishes faster than a free buffet at a wedding reception. Much to the frustration of his parents, he always finds an excuse. Sherri was a kleptomaniac (he still can't find his cat). Jill was unemployed, though Charlie was convinced she worked for the Mafia. And then there was Pam - but she smelt of beef vegetable soup. That was clearly unforgivable.

While shopping for haggis for his larger-than-life Scottish father, Charlie meets Harriet, a butcher with charm, intelligence and - alarmingly - genuine interest in him. Sparks fly. For once, Charlie decides not to run. Harriet might actually be "the one."

But when Charlie's mother waves a copy of the Weekly World News - that bastion of journalistic integrity - under his nose, he learns of the mysterious "Mrs. X," a woman who marries men and murders them on their honeymoon before relocating to another city. Harriet has, inconveniently, relocated several times. Is she an axe murderer, or is Charlie simply sabotaging yet another relationship with his own paranoia?

Picture & Sound

The 1.85:1 transfer is respectable for a back-catalogue title. There is some noticeable grain and the occasional dust speck, with contrast occasionally pushed a little too far. However, there are no major issues with artefacting or outlining, and it remains a clear step up from the old VHS version.

The Dolby 4.0 soundtrack is functional rather than flashy. This isn't a film that demands thunderous LFE or aggressive surround effects, and most of the soundstage is occupied by dialogue and the musical score. Dialogue is clear and stable, and there's no need to ride the volume control - which is more than can be said for some modern "remasters."

Menu & Extras

Extras are sparse, as is often the case with early back-catalogue releases. The highlight is an amusing trailer hosted by Mike Myers. Beyond that, we're treated to trailers for unrelated and frankly underwhelming films such as Cops and Robbersons, High School High, Joe Dirt and Big Daddy. A textbook example of disc-padding.

Overall

If you ever wondered where Mike Myers mined some of the inspiration for Austin Powers and Shrek, look no further. The exaggerated Scottish accent, the manic grin, the slightly unhinged delivery - it's all here. You could argue that Myers has a limited toolbox: Scottish accent and silly facial expressions. But if it works, why change the formula?

Filmed shortly after Wayne's World, this one often gets overlooked. That's a shame, because it's genuinely funny, packed with quotable moments and elevated by strong supporting turns - particularly from Anthony LaPaglia and the always dependable Phil Hartman.

It may not have launched a franchise, but So I Married an Axe Murderer remains an underrated 90s comedy that rewards repeat viewings. Just don't blame me if you start shouting "Heed! Move!" at the television.

Special features

  • Theatrical Trailers