Lucky Stiff (1988)

Admirable film.

Absolutely the worst movie.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

LUCKY STIFF is probably one of the most unworkable comedies I can remember watching. The story is about an all-American nuclear family who just so happen to be cannibals. Hungry for their next feast, they send out their attractive daughter to hunt for suitable villains, and she soon discovers one in the form of the obese and loathsome Ron Douglas.For most of the running time, LUCKY STIFF plays out as a ridiculous romantic comedy with all manner of lame situations and bizarre interludes. The aim is to deliver something quirky and humorous, but the effect is excruciating; I can't imagine anyone would have found this funny at the time, let alone now. Joe Alaskey's hammy turn as the lead is embarrassing and at no point do any of the cast members try any form of restraint.Yes, there's a little macabre humour here and there, and some action at the climax, but for the most part LUCKY STIFF is as dull as it is unfunny. Believe it or not, PSYCHO star Anthony Perkins directed this, which was my main reason for watching; sadly he has about as much interest in the material as the viewer does. Watch out for THE WALKING DEAD actor Jeff Kober (he played the lead Claimer in the hit zombie show) in an early role.

Pudy Ron Douglas (a solid and likable performance by Joe Alaskey) can't believe his luck when he wins over the stunning Cynthia Mitchell (radiantly played with sultry aplomb by ravishing blonde knockout Donna Dixon). However, Ron doesn't know that Cynthia's kooky backwoods family are really a bunch of cannibals who want to have him for Christmas dinner -- as the main course! Director Anthony Perkins, working from a witty and quirky script by Pat Proft, nicely milks an amusing line in off-center black humor, relates the loopy story at a zippy pace, and maintains an engaging lightweight tone throughout. Perkins warrants extra praise for handling the dark and potentially off-putting themes of incest and cannibalism in a pleasant and charming manner. The wacky members of the Mitchell clan are drawn in colorfully broad strokes. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an enthusiastic cast, with especially stand-out work from Jeff Kober as the creepy Ike, William Morgan Sheppard as the gruff Pa, Barbara Howard as the sweet Frances, and Leigh McCloskey as shallow arrogant jerk Eric West. Jacques Haitkin's sharp cinematography gives the picture an attractive bright look. The spirited score by Tom Jenkins and Mike Tavera keeps things bouncing along. A real hoot.

So let me start off by saying that I saw this movie as part of a bargain. I was really bored one fine 1997 day and so I biked over to the movie rental store. I asked the clerk what the worst movie he had in stock was. Without hesitation he walked me over to "Lucky Stiff." He told me that he'd waive the $1 rental fee (he said it would be wrong to charge more) if I promised to watch the whole movie. So watch it I did, for free...This movie is terrible. God-Awful even. I don't need to go into plot details, read the other reviews. The jokes make no sense. The acting was terrible. I know it was supposed to be a comedy, but the stupidity of the main character was exhausting. You might try to watch it as something to laugh at, but it's so bad that it isn't even funny in that way. Avoid!

Portly nice guy falls for a luscious blonde; she likes him too, but not for the reasons you might think. Little-seen black comedy from writer Pat Proft features very good performances by Joe Alaskey and Donna Dixon, yet it makes no lasting impact. It's just a quickie throwaway effort, helmed by Norman Bates himself, Anthony Perkins. Even on the level of B-comedies, the somewhat-similar "Eating Raoul" is a better bet. There's definitely an amusing set-up here; unfortunately, the picture has nowhere to go in its second act. An interesting try, but it misfires.** from ****