Under the Hula Moon

The beginning of the 90s brought many "quirky" and "off-beat" independent films, a particular sub-genre of which is the semi-spiritual desert crime movie. Others of note are "Wild at Heart", "From Dusk Til Dawn", and to a certain extent "Natural Born Killers". Good films like those spawned junk like "Highway 666", "Destiny Turns on the Radio" and this ineptly surreal anti-masterpiece "Under The Hula Moon". It's a comedy that aims for a certain emotional tone, attains it, but keeps going to the point of irritation. While the pursuit across the spirit-world of the desert and the casting of Chris Penn are good ideas, the film is not dirty enough or hard enough to be a good crime movie, and isn't focused enough on laughs to really be a comedy. I won't blow the ending, but let's just say it's bad. The film is basically a bad side effect of genre-cancer. This is the dregs of indie-mania.

"Under the Hula Moon" is a very uneasy mixture of violence and dark comedy. Though not totally successful, this edgy combination will no doubt satisfy those with "cult movie" interests. Chris Penn (as Turk ) provides the unpredictable explosive violence, while Stephen Baldwin (as Buzz) and Emily Lloyd provide lighter moments in their "Hawaiianized desert house trailer". The movie contains some very sharp dialog that is absolutely priceless. Turk "You can't turn a pussy into a wildcat". Buzz " Maybe not but where you're going (prison) they can turn an asshole into a pussy". This is a low budget gem just waiting to be discovered by the right audience. - MERK

I bought this on VHS expecting a goofy comedy along the lines of Bio-Dome, so the tone shift about halfway through just about gave me whiplash. But it's been growing on me.

First off, I love Buzz and Betty. Those two are the definition of relationship goals. The setting and premise is unique but not alien, making it an easy watch. The set design, camerawork, characters and dialog are all very colourful, and the actors all felt well suited to their roles. This movie is, above all else, competent, and I imagine this flavour of kitsch would be up a lot of people's alleys. I feel like in the right sphere, this movie could make a comeback.

The horror elements totally blindsided me. A scene where Buzz receives a prophecy from the ghost of King Kamehameha in typical 90s comedy fashion is quickly followed by a scene where his brother attempts to rape Betty and forces Buzz to watch. So this isn't exactly a fun summer romp to watch with the whole family. I thought a few of the more suspenseful scenes dragged on a bit too long, but if their goal was to foster a sense of unease, I suppose that certainly helped.

If you like oddball indie movies that aren't afraid to mix genres, I would recommend this if you can find it. It's definitely dated, but I feel like its sheer uniqueness is saving it from obscurity.

Like I said, the most convenient way for me to access this movie was to actually buy a VHS. I feel like Hula Moon should have enjoyed a longer shelf life, but at the same time, I can see why it hasn't.

I don't know how many times I've seen this movie,but every time I see it, it still seems to amaze me.I have the luxury of having it on a DVD, so I can watch it anytime I want.Some of the lines in that movie stick around in my head for days on end,and it makes me laugh every time.It was very funny! The songs in the movie, were picked with amazing care.Its so suspenseful that you couldn't leave in the middle of it.Under the Hula Moon was one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen, and I recommend it to everyone! If you are feeling down and blue,just pick up Under the Hula Moon. It may be really weird at first, but it will all make sense in the end, I promise, in fact you will probably want to see it again! :)

Let me just say that this film is not to everyone's taste but others will love it. I've seen it four times. Betty ( Lloyd, who is always fabulous, does a mean American accent here) and Buzz (Stephen Baldwin at his best) play a perfectly suited couple who live in a trailer and dream of big things. When Buzz's brother (Chris Penn) turns up things go haywire. Chris Penn gives a scarily intense performance. He is really great and gives a violent edge to this hilarious and quirky comedy. So if you like your movies unique and original. Under the Hula Moon is for you.