punishmentpark
First off, 'Crime Wave' is low budget, with lots of poor acting (except for the okay main parts played by Paizs and Kovacs, with an extra mention for the crazy 'cowboy' played hilariously by Neil Lawrie) and a cheap look, let's get that out of the way for those who might expect otherwise. But Paizs makes up for it with lots of creativity and humor, i.e. the motif of film segments of beginnings and endings, the focus on the relationship between Steven and Kim and the bit with the optical illusion. Thoroughly fun stuff, and I may have even missed out on some clever jokes, as I watched this for the first time without subtitles. Still, I wouldn't give it more than a small 7 out of 10 thus far.Then, the last half hour really takes off (just about when the characters from Penny's stories come alive in the attic), and the comparison to Lynch becomes even more clear; after the hyper-reproduction of American (well, er, Canadian...) life in the first part which made think of 'Blue Velvet', that crazy cowboy forcing his 'twist' on writer Steven Penny seems to have directly influenced Lynch's 'Mulholland Dr.' - but I have never heard or read about that before, so who knows? In any case that last part is a true cinematic roller coaster ride, where even Jesus is found. Low budget? Who cares.And for that wonderful last part, I'm giving it one point extra; 8 out of 10. By the way: in some ways 'Crime Wave' seems like a children's film, but actually there are plenty of details and adult references to make it not quite so. Nevertheless, or, all the more reason to: give this one a try if you get the chance!
Peter Gilstrap
I found this film in a video store in the late '80's. I had no idea what it was, didn't recognize anyone involved with it. I rented it. I watched it. My mind was blown. I have never seen a film quite like it before or since, never discovered a film that is as innocent, dark, hysterical, twisted and beautifully odd as Crime Wave.And the brunt of the credit goes to writer/director/star John Paizs, whose vision for this low budget masterpiece (with great production values nonetheless) is compelling and spot-on. I could gush on and on, you bet I could, but there's no adequate way to describe the sense of wonder that is attendant with every viewing I've had of this film. Just get your hands on a copy. Trust me.
Dixie_Dellamorto
I'm a fan of cult movies so it's easy for me to say that Crime Wave is one of my favorite films of all time, and it inspired me to create and continues to do so.It is a travesty that there is no DVD release of this film. I had to get a personal copy of it from a VHS bootleg at a convention. Limited accessibility is frustrating to me because, I feel that the film is not only entertaining, it's also educational.In my opinion, there has never been a more accurate or hilarious portrayal of the struggles of the creative process than the one in Crime Wave.The films is both riotously funny and, at times, heartwarming. It's a must watch if you're an artist who has attacks of self-doubt or just someone who enjoys wacky off-beat comedies.
Joe Blevins
I don't want to spoil anything in this fantastic movie, so I'll just say: SEEK IT OUT. The CBC runs it every now and again, which is where I saw it. If you are a fan of David Lynch, John Waters, or just bizarre filmmaking in general, you will *love* this flick. It is often uproarious and occasionally poignant. One of my all-time favorites. Viva Steven Penny!
AD
