So I Married An Axe Murderer

Starring: Mike Myers, Nancy Travis, Anthony LaPaglia
Written by: Robbie Fox

Director: Thomas Schlamme
Year: 1993

Rating: * * *  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * *

For Charlie, fear of commitment has ruined his relationships. Now, he's going to follow through. Just one slight problem, his Bride-to-be just might be a serial killer.

Mike Myers plays Charlie Mackenzie, a regular on the San Francisco poetry scene who falls for a woman, Harriet Michaels (Nancy Travis) who runs a butcher shop. After a few dates, they hit it off  enough for him to take her to meet his parents, Stuart (also Mike Myers) and May (Brenda Fricker). Both parents are obvious Scottish immigrants judging from their accent, decor, and framed photo of Sean Connery. Charlies Mother introduces him to an article in the Weekly World News about a mysterious woman who has killed three men and is still on the lose. Charlie scoffs at the publication, but his fear of commitment kicks in, and things in Harriet's past begin to surface that makes Charlie believe she's a killer. Anthony LaPaglia plays Charlie's best friend and police officer, Tony Giardino. Tony is a character unfulfilled in his job, as police work is very boring, and nothing like it is on television. His Captain humors him from time to time by chewing him out in front of everyone. 

This is an interesting chapter in the career of Mike Myers. Having graduated SNL, and both Wayne's World films a hit, this was his first solo outing. While not as well received, So I Married An Axe Murderer delivers the laughs, although a bit more softly than we're used to. We also see the seeds of his hits to come, most notably with Mike playing dual roles of Charlie Mackenzie and his father, Stuart Mackenzie. This is a formula he perfected later with his Austin Power's films. Mike pokes fun at his Scottish heritage, with Stuart ranting and raving as only a Scotsman can with a voice that would later belong to the character and film, Shrek. Rounding out the cast are cameo's by Michael Richards, Steve Wright, Phil Hartman and Charles Grodin. 

This is certainly a date night comedy, which is out of the ordinary for Myers, who's sensibilities leans toward adolescent humor. Still, it has a quality, and an overall satisfying experience.

SEE THE TRAILER: So I Married An Axe Murderer