Review: Very Bad Things
Starring: Christian Slater, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Stern,
Jeanne Tripplehorn, Jon Favreau, Jeremy Piven, Leland Orser
Directed by: Peter Berg
Rated: R
Review by: Joy Wyse
The main reason that Christian Slater has the Star billing is that he also has credit as one of the Executive Producers. This is definitely an ensemble film. If anyone is the star, it isn't Slater.
Cameron Diaz is the bride and Jon Favreau is the groom. Although the opening scenes are immediately before the ceremony, the action quickly moves back a couple of days, focusing on the bachelor party in Las Vegas. The five male buddies are in their hotel room when a stripper arrives. Her rousing dance is too much for Jeremy Piven who accompanies her to the big marble bathroom. In a moment of passion, he accidentally kills her. It's a very startling scene. From that moment on, their lives change forever. Instead of calling the front desk and the police to explain the accident, they agree to Slater's suggestions for disposing of the body.
Supposedly it is humorous to see bodies sawed into pieces and packed into suitcases…or to see brother attack brother, with a car…or blood everywhere. The term `black humor' seems to mean that if bad taste is funny, then it will be even funnier if it's in dreadful taste.
There are some very funny scenes mingled with the scenes that make you squeamish. Cameron Diaz is delightful as the Bride, playing with tiny little tables and chairs to decide the reception seating arrangement. You almost feel sorry for her when Daniel Stern and Jeanne Tripplehorn's children overturn the entire project. Speaking of Tripplehorn, she plays her part with flair, and a lot of gumption. You're really pulling for her.
I really can't recommend this film for the older generation, although most of the under-forty audience will probably love it. I don't want to see it again. I give it a C-.
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