The reason for why I initially purchased this 1991 comedy at the local secondhand DVD store was because of Rik Mayall, the late, great British comedy genius.
I haven't seen "Drop Dead Fred" before now in 2016, 25 years after it was initially released. Shame on me, I know. And it was an error on my behalf, because this is a very funny movie and an enjoyable movie as well. And Rik Mayall really do put on a very good performance as the imaginary friend Drop Dead Fred. I was laughing a good amount throughout the course of the movie, especially because of the hilarious situations that Elizabeth (played by Phoebe Cates) ended up in because of her imaginary friend.
Rik Mayall is quite well-cast for the menacing make-believe friend, and he seemed to be given free hands to do what he wanted with the character. I was more than genuinely entertained by his comedy in this 1991 movie, his brush with Hollywood, although he was always more at home in the British comedy.
Aside from an all-over-the-screen Rik Mayall, then Phoebe Cates also did perform nicely in "Drop Dead Fred" and borough her usual charms. It was a nice treat to have the Princess herself in the movie for a supportive role, that being Carrie Fisher, of course.
"Drop Dead Fred" is a fast paced comedy with lots of laughs.
Drop Dead Fred
1991
Action / Comedy / Drama / Fantasy
Drop Dead Fred
1991
Action / Comedy / Drama / Fantasy
Keywords: imaginary friend
Plot summary
A young woman who is attempting to find her place in the world battles with her controlling mother and a womanizing husband, and finds comfort and confusion with the appearance of her childhood friend. It is a zappy movie that emphasizes self-actualization.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
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Hilarious...
Brilliant, Snotface!
This is one of THE best movies I have ever seen! Up until now I thought imaginary friends were just that, but since this movie I'm not so sure! Made me realise a grown up, does not have to be serious and do boring things :) I should introduce Fred to my "Imaginary" Friend, Cathy the Dump Girl ;)
Fred's great! Rik Mayall really excelled himself! He's always great though, so much fire! Must be the hair! :)
I loved the freedom Lizzie gained through the movie, fought against those who would use and oppress her how she and regained her lost childhood, discovering that her inner child had always been within.
Who's for plate smashing? Mud pie, anyone? ;)
I had never heard of Rik Mayall until he died
Rik Mayall died recently. I had never heard of him before then, so I decided to watch a movie in which he starred. I determined that "Drop Dead Fred"'s point is that we all need some fun in our lives. True, a lot of the humor is pretty childish, but it's hard not to laugh at Fred's antics. Indeed, Elizabeth goes through a stark change in the course of the action.
If Phoebe Cates seems familiar, you may have seen her in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (remember the bikini scene?) and "Gremlins". She married Kevin Kline and retired from acting a few years later, although the entire family starred in "The Anniversary Party".
Overall, the movie sets out to entertain, and it succeeds. There needs to be a film festival for movies reminding us of the need to have fun. Aside from this one there would be "Zorba the Greek", "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" and "Chocolat".