Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Good idea lost in the noise

Am I Missing Something?

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

"Serial Mom" has the qualities that many mainstream comedies lack. It can be seen as satire, or you can just turn your brain off and have lots of fun. The dialogue is hysterical and the cast does a wonderful job, especially Kathleen Turner in the title role. In this film, she makes one of the greatest comedic roles in film history. I also love Mink Stole as the neighbor and unknown Patsy Grady Abrams as Emmy Lou, a customer in the local video store who only rents family films - and doesn't rewind! The film oozes with satire of the modern vs. 50's family, the celebrity status we bestow on criminals, plus other topics. I liked the background details such as the monster models I remember having as a kid as well as the Spiro Agnew painting in the courthouse. There were numerous memorable scenes and lines as in most Waters' films. This was probably John Waters's salute to the courtroom groupie phenomena. We can turn mass murderers into celebrities, although I wish he had captured more of the party aspect of it rather than the sale of T shirts and merchandise. With complete control of comedic timing, Turner is flawless here. She chews the scenery to perfection and creates this modified terror with such hilarious grace. Her facial expressions, changing at the drop of a hat, all work together in unity to give off a brilliant aura. The final courtroom scenes are hilarious and the highlights of the film.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

This deliberately cheap and outrageous mix of camp laughs and gross shocks from cult filmmaker John Waters needs (cries out, really) for an outrageous star in the title role. As a suburban wife and mother--and closet psychopath--who coolly eliminates those in her community who stand in her family's way, Kathleen Turner is too grounded in reality for a cartoony black comedy. The actress definitely has a cool, casual demeanor (as written), but there are no fanciful notes in her throaty voice, and no natural sparkle of dementia in her manner. Waters enjoys tickling his audiences by putting otherwise-serious actors in incredibly gaudy situations and encouraging them to go for broke, and Turner was apparently enticed enough to tear into the project with relish. Unfortunately, though her approach to the part was probably what Waters wanted, she's too clear-eyed and focused for the pulpy material. One can sense Turner trying to find a comfortable niche here, trying to be wicked and silly, but it's mismatch of whacked-out visual humor (stunt humor that probably doesn't go far enough) and a star who weighs heavy on the punchlines like an anchor. ** from ****

Beverly is seen as being "perfect" in her quest to be just like the television mothers of the late 1950s. In that perfection, Beverly does and will not tolerate anything against her sensibilities, especially if it affects her or her family, and will take whatever measure to ensure people adhere to that sensibility. Evidence mounts that Beverly is the caller of obscene telephone calls to neighbour Dottie Hinkle, and the murders of several people in their neighbourhood who have crossed their family in some form or another. Beverly laughs off such suggestions, but even her family members end up believing she is guilty of all the murders, with possibly more to come. Those accusations end up being not an issue to most in the Sutphin family, who use their fifteen minutes of fame to their advantage. Even Beverly believes that she can clear herself of all charges despite the overwhelming evidence against her..........When John Waters wants to shock, he gives us Pink Flamingos. Now while this movie tries to go down the route of shock and bad taste, a lot of the performances feel forced, forced to be self-deprecating, forced to be tasteless, forced to be shocking, and forced to be be a parody of the fifties stereo-typical house wife.Yes, I'm talking about the titular character, and the way Turner portrays her, or doesn't as it appears in this movie.It sounds like a double negative, but it looks like she's forcing herself to be restrained in her role, whereas the film would have benefited her from being plain bonkers, rather than squint her eyes every time she gets miffed, and then then do the old breathe out and smile trick.The first ten minutes shows her more maniacal side, especially when she is making the crank phone calls, but the rest of the film sadly falls flat, and no amount of Waters trademark humour can resurgence the boredom.Not a bad film, Turner aside the performances are fantastic, but when the titular character is the boring one in the film, you couldn't care less about the rest.

Serial Mom is a dark and funny satirical comedy from director John Waters. Kathleen Turner is Serial Mom, a seemingly normal suburbanite mother and housewife. However, she does possess a dark side. If you don't recycle, chew bubble gum,or refuse to rewind your video tapes you could be on Serial Mom's chopping list. Also if you have anything negative to say about her family, your days are numbered. Compared to Pink Flamingos this is much more mainstream. However, Serial Mom is still campy and outrageous and John Waters fans of his earlier work can still dig this as his style is distinct and has'nt changed much. There are HG Lewis and Bloodfeast references thrown about all over the place. Beverly Sutphin's son Chip is a horror movie freak that has a job at the local video store. Her daughter, Misty is played by Rikki Lake and she loves to flirt with the boys. Kathleen Turner's performance as the wholesome, some times deadly, but always shaggable Serial Mom is perfect. Also check out a performance from all female punk/grunge band L7 that will take you down memory lane in the 90's time machine. Serial Mom is a good satire of suburban Americana and a great film that is very funny and holds up well.