Life in the Fast Lane (1998)

A quirky black (romantic) comedy that does not quite click

This is a strange film and perhaps the simplest way to explain that is to say that Fairuza Balk and Debbie Mazur play sisters, which is easily believable given their complementary facial features, but they happen to be blonds. Making either one of them blond strikes me as strange so do it for both of them and you can square the strangeness. If you want more proof that this is a strange film, take into account that "Life in the Fast Lane" is the DVD title. Originally it was "There's No Fish Food in Heaven," which I can tell you actually makes more sense but almost by default since it really applies only to the film's punch-line.

This hybrid of a romantic comedy and a black comedy begins with Mona (Balk) dumping her boyfriend Jeff (Noah Taylor). He wants to get back with her so he comes up with the bright idea of having himself mailed to her in a giant box. What Mona might think about this act of quiet desperation becomes a moot point when Jeff ends up dead. However, this does not stop Jeff from continuing to talk to Mona, who is the only one who can see his spirit. Meanwhile, Mona is enthralled by The Stranger (Patrick Dempsey), who saves her when a gargoyle falls off of a church and almost hits her. The Stranger is devilishly mysterious (hint, hint, hint) and Mona keeps seeing him in the strangest places as he keeps trying to seduce her (on several levels apparently). Now if Mona could just figure out why the things she is painting keep coming true, because this is all starting to freak her out.

While Mona deals with Jeff and The Stranger, she also has to put up with her pregnant sister, Rosie (Mazar), Minister Pete (Jeffrey Jones), a mother who likes to not only do but also spell "decoupage" (Caroline Aaron), a car thief who is into poetry (James LeGros), and a transvestite dentist (K. Todd Freeman) named Stan (or Susie) who likes to seduce serial killers. So there is mondo quirkiness in this film written and directed by Eleanor Gaver ("Slipping Into Darkness") but it does not quite click. Still, I do like the place where this film ends up even if the path there is rather torturous and it becomes impossible to connect all the dots, at least for me. Then again, maybe this film, whatever its name, will click for you, in which case it would go up at least a star because if you are looking for a different independent film this would certainly be in the running. January 21, 2006

Good, but WIERD!

Any one that would want to watch this film or likes it is for no other apparent reason than the blued eyed beauty Fairuza Balk. Any Fairuza fan such as myself will love this movie. She is the only character in the film that is worth mentioning and the entire film revolves around her. This film is very bizarre. The plot is very strange and difficult to understand. Watching this film the first time can leave the impression that there is no plot, but there is. Despite the bizarre events and wierd characters in the film, there is actually a plot with a meaning. After watching this film for the third time I finally understood the meaning behind the plot. After understanding the bizarre meaning to the film, you can actually come to appreciate the film even more. Fairuza fans that are out there, this is the film for you! November 22, 2002

Fairuza rocks!

This movie is awesome! For any Balk fan this is a must-see; she had me laughing out loud at some parts! Very watchable, amusing and funny movie. It's a little cheesy sometimes, but you won't lose your interest! July 15, 2000

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