8 Heads in a Duffel Bag

Year: 1997
Genre: Comedy
Directed: Tom Schulman
Stars: Joe Pesci, Andy Comeau, Kristy Swanson, George Hamilton, Dyan Cannon, David Spade, Todd Louiso, Anthony Mangano, Joe Basile, Ernestine Mercer, Frank Roman, Howard George
Production: Orion Pictures

If anyone ever wanted to see what Quentin Tarantino likely would have written if the Hays Code was still around it's probably be something resembling 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag. The film has a certain style, and narrative flow that seems appealing on the surface but plays it's macabre premise from such a safe distance that nearly spoils the fun. And there is a lot of fun to be had, if only they got the film out of second gear and maybe got a better director.

I may have some idea of who...

The film begins auspiciously enough; Tommy (Pesci) a middleman for two assassins is hired to transport eight severed heads to their mob boss to prove their owners are dead. This would be his last job before his retirement so to play it safe, he packs them in a duffel bag and takes a plane instead of driving because, you know, airport security was less stringent in 1997. While on board the plane, Tommy meets Charlie (Comeau) a college student set to meet his girlfriend (Swanson) and her parents (Hamilton & Cannon) in Mexico. Naturally Charlie's duffel bag get switched and madness ensues.

If you're interest was peaked by that small synopsis you're in for a mixed bag. The story unfolds somewhat predictably though definitely not without energy. Joe Pesci who has been able to hone-in on his inner Guido since Goodfellas (1990), barks, snaps and growls to the point where every scene he's in is utter magic. Even with a situation as cliché as being on the phone while an impatient extra circles behind you is done with panache. His costars however play their parts with less success. Andy Comeau has the appearance of your typical rube but he doesn't have the attention to detail more experienced actors have. Playing it safe he seems frazzled when he should be panicked. David Spade and Todd Louiso who play Charlie's college friends and are shoehorned into the series of unfortunate events fare better but get a little annoying towards the end. Aside from Pesci, the only person who really hits a home run is Ernestine Mercer who plays Swanson's no-nonsense grandmother.

8 Heads however, is a fun time waster and manages to keep things light despite its dark subject matter. Writer/Director Tom Schulman who also wrote What About Bob? (1991) and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) manages to keep the pace of your average farce without reinventing the wheel. And yes, there are head puns in this film but the groaner aren't the only thing this film has going for it.

Final Grade: C+