SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A well-realized, character-driven comedy about the wild capers of two rebellious women who become Malibu cat burglars, "Allie & Me" showcases a fine cast, while writer-director Michael Rymer ("Angel Baby") demonstrates that he's an emerging filmmaker with uncommon talents.
Worthy of distribution, "Allie & Me" is notable for the improvisational energy driving nearly every scene. In the same bad-girl genre as "Freeway" and "Citizen Ruth", the low-budget independent screened recently at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Leads Joanne Baron and Lyndie Benson dominate the intricately structured film, which intercuts the pair recalling their stories in police custody with flashbacks of the bizarre events that climax with them holding a man hostage for several days.
A little slow, gullible and obsessive, Allie (Baron) is no beauty, but she works in a ritzy salon run by supportive Karen (Dyan Cannon). Dreaming of owning her own business, Allie has a talent for drawing out the good in people, but she's not exactly on the fast track to success.
Enter vengeful housewife Michelle Benson), who develops a bad attitude when she catches her husband (Harry Hamlin) in bed with her best friend (Julianne Phillips). Taking out their frustrations in a covert campaign of mischief and larceny, Michelle and Allie become fast friends and housebreakers.
The first time is a lark, but soon Michelle wants more money and jewels, while Allie steals cosmetics for her future store. They go on a spree, baffling a duo of none-too-swift investigators (Ed Lauter, Steven Chester Prince). One of the richest, most narcissistic marks (Lainie Kazan) has an obnoxious, rattle-brained son (James Wilder) whom Allie falls in love with when he's bound and gagged.
The well-orchestrated hilarity with a wicked but not nasty motif concludes on a sunny note. A lively debate about the female condition goes on throughout, including sharp observations about relationships. One is continually amused by unexpected gags and the visual humor that accentuates the three-dimensional characterizations.
ALLIE & ME
Dollhouse Pictures
A Grossman/Kristie production
Writer-director:Michael Rymer
Producers:Denise Kristie, Sarah Grossman
Executive producer:Joanne Baron
Director of photography:Rex Nicholson
Editor:Danny Cooper
Music:Mark Chait
Color/stereo
Cast:
Allie:Joanne Baron
Michelle:Lyndie Benson
Rodney:James Wilder
Karen:Dyan Cannon
Dustin:Harry Hamlin
Angela:Julianne Phillips
Camille:Lainie Kazan
Detective Richards:Ed Lauter
Detective Burke:Steven Chester Prince
Running time -- 84 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Worthy of distribution, "Allie & Me" is notable for the improvisational energy driving nearly every scene. In the same bad-girl genre as "Freeway" and "Citizen Ruth", the low-budget independent screened recently at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Leads Joanne Baron and Lyndie Benson dominate the intricately structured film, which intercuts the pair recalling their stories in police custody with flashbacks of the bizarre events that climax with them holding a man hostage for several days.
A little slow, gullible and obsessive, Allie (Baron) is no beauty, but she works in a ritzy salon run by supportive Karen (Dyan Cannon). Dreaming of owning her own business, Allie has a talent for drawing out the good in people, but she's not exactly on the fast track to success.
Enter vengeful housewife Michelle Benson), who develops a bad attitude when she catches her husband (Harry Hamlin) in bed with her best friend (Julianne Phillips). Taking out their frustrations in a covert campaign of mischief and larceny, Michelle and Allie become fast friends and housebreakers.
The first time is a lark, but soon Michelle wants more money and jewels, while Allie steals cosmetics for her future store. They go on a spree, baffling a duo of none-too-swift investigators (Ed Lauter, Steven Chester Prince). One of the richest, most narcissistic marks (Lainie Kazan) has an obnoxious, rattle-brained son (James Wilder) whom Allie falls in love with when he's bound and gagged.
The well-orchestrated hilarity with a wicked but not nasty motif concludes on a sunny note. A lively debate about the female condition goes on throughout, including sharp observations about relationships. One is continually amused by unexpected gags and the visual humor that accentuates the three-dimensional characterizations.
ALLIE & ME
Dollhouse Pictures
A Grossman/Kristie production
Writer-director:Michael Rymer
Producers:Denise Kristie, Sarah Grossman
Executive producer:Joanne Baron
Director of photography:Rex Nicholson
Editor:Danny Cooper
Music:Mark Chait
Color/stereo
Cast:
Allie:Joanne Baron
Michelle:Lyndie Benson
Rodney:James Wilder
Karen:Dyan Cannon
Dustin:Harry Hamlin
Angela:Julianne Phillips
Camille:Lainie Kazan
Detective Richards:Ed Lauter
Detective Burke:Steven Chester Prince
Running time -- 84 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/19/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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