The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag

I get a big kick out of this film, partly because I know a librarian named Betty Lou! Needless to say she is nothing like the semi-stereotypical librarian of the movie...

In the film, Betty Lou is a mousy librarian and frustrated wife. Although innocent, she allows herself to be implicated in a crime of passion in order to challenge her husband's (all too accurate) preconceptions. With the aid of a prostitute with a heart of gold and an ambitious freshman lawyer, Betty Lou transforms herself into an assertive and confidant woman. Unfortunately there are some unforeseen consequences that could cost her her life!

Other reviewers have pointed out that this film is very uneven in tone. It isn't really a romantic comedy, more of a light thriller like "Get Shorty." The real problem is that the plot isn't clever enough for a thriller, the humor isn't sufficient for a comedy, and it certainly isn't dark enough for noir. However it has a naive symbolism I find appealing, and the actors appear to be having a good time with their roles. I'd call it stereotypical rather than sexist - I can easily imagine some women I've known going to such extremes for attention!

I wouldn't go out of my way to look this one up. But if it's on the tube and there's nothing else to see give it a try!

A bit too violent to be a comedy, but come on folks, it wasn't that bad. The story is that behind every person is someone to know, and that every person needs to risk and live.

OK, granted Beaudeen didn't have to use the knife in such graphic manners, but overall, good dialogue and decent acting.

A strange film, indeed. It doesn't lack its charms, but the film, as directed by Allan Moyle, goes nowhere because it seems to go in different directions. The film has a few laughs and the best way is to approach it without any preconceptions because it will reward the viewer.

What the director is to be congratulated is because of the good performances from this cast. Penelope Ann Miller, playing the title role is an actress that is not seen often in the movies. She deserves better as she projects a nice sunny quality about everything she does. Alfre Woodard is a gifted performance whose appearances are always welcome.

The curiosity here was Julianne Moore playing Elinor. Ms. Moore is shown at a disadvantage in the movie. Evidently she must have had a cosmetic transformation that worked for her in getting better roles than this silly role she is seen playing here.

Mr. Moyle has a knack for directing. This film has good moments and it's worth a look.

If you're a fan of 80s movies & TV, you'll have a blast watching "The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag". Released in 1992, I consider this one of the last "80s movies" with an allstar cast (though sadly underrated today).

For starters we've got the amazing Faye Grant (remember "V" & "The Greatest American Hero"?) in a role like you've never seen: a frustrated southern belle housewife who's just 1 Gucci away from being trailer park trash. She steals the show in every scene.

Then there's William Forsythe (Al Capone in "The Untouchables" TV series, the bad guy in "Out for Justice", etc) who plays such a creepy villain you almost forget you're watching a comedy.

It gets better... how about Meatloaf, yes, MEATLOAF in a cameo as "Larry".

There's my personal fave, Cathy Moriarty ...or as I like to think of her, the closest thing to Lauren Bacall since Lauren Bacall... as the tough street walker who changes Betty Lou's life. Cathy has played almost every mobster wife in every mobster movie ever made. Absolutely perfect.

There's the incomparable Julianne Moore (who's been in everything, but my fave would have to be her recent appearances on 30 Rock) as Betty Lou's nutty slutty sister.

How about Alfre Woodard (Betty Applewhite on "Desperate Housewives") as the rookie lawyer who's "defending" Betty Lou against murder charges even though she got her attorney's license through the mail.

And that brings us to Betty Lou herself, played by Penelope Ann Miller whom I'll always remember as Winnie, Pee-wee Herman's girlfriend in "Big Top Pee-Wee". She does such a great job as the repressed, oppressed & distressed housewife who decides to go on an adventure for the first time in her mousey life.

The director, Allan Moyle, may not be as famous as Spielberg, but he's done some great comedies such as "Pump Up the Volume" and "New Waterford Girl" (two films I highly recommend).

There are more actors I didn't recognize until I saw the credits: Catherine Keener (the hot chick in "Being John Malkovich"), Stanley Tucci ("Miami Vice" TV series), and did I mention MEATLOAF? The result of this great lineup is a film which was obviously a lot of fun to make, and it's certainly a lot of fun to watch. Even if you're not familiar with all these people I've mentioned, their colorful characterizations will be very memorable.

The story itself is an interesting blend. It's a badass chick flick like "Thelma & Louise" crossed with a small town crime caper like "My Cousin Vinny" and a light thriller like "Get Shorty" wrapped up into one. The presentation, though at times intense, remains breezy throughout, and although there are several murders on screen, it doesn't get too disturbing. They don't make em like this anymore. Like I said earlier, don't miss the chance to see one of the last of the "80s" crime-comedy classics.

I enjoyed The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag. Though it's a far from great romantic comedy, it does have its funny (and quirky) moments, and a charming performance by Golden Globe Nominee Penelope Ann Miller. It's also a chance to see handsome sexy Eric Thal in a leading role (a shame he didn't become a bigger name!). But what sets Betty Lou apart from other "pretty good" romantic comedies is the fact that it features not one, not two, not three, but four Oscar nominated actresses: Alfre Woodard, Julianne Moore, and Cathy Moriarty, and Catherine Keener, each of whom is delightful in her role. I'll bet the producers had no idea what a goldmine supporting cast they'd assembled. The 89 minute running time suggests a film with many scenes left on the cutting room floor. Too bad there won't be a Special Edition of this one, as I'd love to see those deleted scenes!