If you haven’t seen The Slums of Beverly Hills, you are denying yourself a real treat.Featuring a fantastic ensemble cast and a great script from director Tamara Jenkins, the film chronicles the comic misadventures of the Abromowitz family as they seek shelter within the 90210 zip code.
Led by the head of the clan, Murray (Alan Arkin), the Abromowitz family is not interested in living in Hollywood to be part of the movie industry. Instead, they’re there to be part of the school district so they can get a Beverly Hills education at bargain living prices.
Their already chaotic lifestyle gets a jolt of adrenaline when cousin Rita (Marissa Tomei) escapes from rehab and moves in with them as an alternative to being locked up by her overbearing father, Mickey (Carl Reiner).
Natasha Lyonne is fascinating as Vivian, the blossoming daughter of the family, whether she’s discovering her body or battling with her brothers. And Kevin Corrigan steals every scene he’s in playing Eliot, the stoner neighbor.
In less talented hands, the adventures of this family may not make for very compelling film viewing, but these folks do such a fantastic job all you can think of at the end of the film is hitting replay to watch it again.
Starring Alan Arkin, Marisa Tomei.
1 comment:
I agree - it's a good one. I saw it a few years ago and I just (as I sit here writing a Constitutional Law essay) made the realisation that Alan Arkin played the father. Granted, I saw it before I saw Catch-22, and really knew who he was, but I guess it just tops off the whole movie nicely!
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