The Vagrant

Funny, I've seen this movie again, and again. The listing here, doesnt even bother to mention it being a comedy. (I dont mean that in a bad or sarcastic sence!)

It's not a horror spoof. It's just funny horror! But, then in my opinion Bill Paxton has shown clear comic sign's sence, 'Weird Science', anyway! (See him also in 'True Lies'!) This movie gave him that same chance! It was different, unerving at time's. And just plain fun!

P.S. Oh, and when the credit's are rolling, it will be obvious that this is a movie that Mel Brooks produced!

I love me some Bill Paxton. Everyone should love Bill Paxton. He has since passed away but even before that I viewed him as a national treasure. If you can watch Weird Science, Aliens, The Vagrant, Tombstone, Near Dark, Twister, True Lies, A Simple Plan, or Frailty and not be enamored by him in at least one of those films, you need to re-evaluate your life.

Paxton plays Graham Krakowski a hardworking lower middle class citizen who purchases a fixer-upper. His new purchase is being intruded upon by a vagrant who proceeds to drive him insane. Graham believes the vagrant is a killer but others refuse to believe him. Is Graham going crazy or is this intrusive old man really a murderer?

I had a lot fun watching this slightly unknown gem. It's quirky and fits right in with Paxton's known nuttiness. He turns almost everyone against him as he slowly lets a weird vagrant encroach upon his personal life. Even though he can't afford it, he spends a substantial amount on building a fence around his whole residence, installing alarms and cameras. He becomes extremely paranoid and even dreams about this dirty old vagrant breaking into his house. Maybe he has the right to be paranoid? Give this one a try. Some great low-key humor with some thrills.

At times, I was wishing that Bruce Campbell played Bill Paxton's part. But I do like a good dose of the Paxton when I can get it, and I definitely got a different kind of role from him in this movie. Not the greatest thing in the world, but it definitely reminded me of something that would make a great short story or novella. Especially with the degrees of paranoia exhibited by Paxton's character. Also, it felt as if the writer didn't know where to take such a simple premise so it kind of goes all over the place for the second half. The movie starts in one area and ends in another. No real direction. But the back story was nice. For a film of this caliber, I wasn't expecting any reasoning.

It's also good to see Ironside and Bell in something together beyond Total Recall.

This Bill Paxton vehicle has reached a very bizarre stage in it's pre-DVD days. And would you believe that? Almost 20 years later and the film still doesn't have a DVD release. Paxton, Ironside, a terrorizing vagrant...what the hell, man?

If you're like me (which you most certainly are not since you can't do 29 3/4 pull-ups) then you stumbled upon this film. Well, not exactly a stumble either...more like a carefully executed stunt that ended up with you face-planting in comical fashion all rag-doll like. What I mean is, search for this movie's poster. You're looking at it, right? Well, the question is, were you blown away? If you were, keep reading as me and you, we're pals. If you're confused at why I asked you to look at The Vagrant poster, then you...simply don't have what it takes. Take a look in the mirror and shake your head. Now, kick rocks!

The Vagrant is a Paxton-led film that has him acting like a total ninny nut through basically the entire duration of the film. But it's totally understandable; he has a disgusting monster of a hobo lurking around in and around his home. Paxton sees the vagrant in his dreams, in his house, and even banging his girl-friend. Paxton is slowly unraveling, people are dying, and even with the assistance of Ironside (who plays his character very well; his first scene he enters the room, picks his nose and flicks the booger) as a tough detective, the misfortune keeps adding up for poor old Paxton. Mystery, intrigue, extreme paranoia, a boob or two....it's all here.

What we have here with this flick is a genuine, unique piece of creative early 90's film-making. The story, the characters, the music (which added a great touch to the film), the whole entire film packs a totally worthwhile movie for fans that enjoy a mix of black comedy with OTT performances and ideas. Honestly, all you really need to do is look at the poster for this movie and you'll know if you want to see the movie. For me, after taking a glimpse of it, it was like eating, it was totally necessary. And having the film revolve around a maniacal hobo....just see this movie.

You need a dark sense of humor and a certain misanthropic attitude to truly enjoy this movie. It's right up my alley, but I can see why it flopped at the box office. Not high brow/pretentious enough to be appreciated by the art-house crowd, and possibly too twisted and mature to appeal to young adults/teens.

I see similarities with Mike Judges work, who is also good at exposing the BS of the human race in a very entertaining way, and whose movies are also not for everyone. This was the last movie Chris Wales directed, presumably due to the lack of financial success, which I think is a huge shame.