Review By J1 Reporter Layla Weedin

“Death Becomes Her” can be described in just three words: suspense, comedy and revenge. This cult classic sensation has left its mark on many people’s lives throughout the decades and has delighted audiences all over the world. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Death Becomes Her” is a mixed emotional, hilarious roller coaster with excellent acting and special effects. 

The PG-13 comedy was made in 1992 by Universal Pictures with a run time of 104 minutes— or an hour and forty-four minutes— with plenty of twists and turns. Starring Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn, this film is a bundle of dark comedy. 

 As it hit the big screen on July 31, 1992, it accumulated a number of mixed reviews, both ecstatic and unimpressed. Built on a $55 million budget, the film presented a number of impressive special effects, earning it more than $149 million in the box office and an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

The film is still accumulating mixed reviews as the years go on. A wide array of reviews can be viewed on IMdb with an average rating of 6.7/10 ranging from reviews of pure hatred for the movie to ones of full praise of it.

Beginning the film, Madeline Ashton is introduced, a beautiful yet vain woman, and her friend Helen Sharp, who has recently become engaged to Ernest Menville, a talented brain surgeon.

Ashton and Menville eventually marry, leaving a heartbroken Helen who fades into the background. Years later, she’s back with revenge and more gorgeous than ever harboring a dark secret.

This film is a wild ride with tons of laughs, with Helen and Madeline’s childish spats increasing the comedic value of the movie. The special effects are quite ahead of their time and often dramatically impressive. The lovable and reckless characters make the film ten times better and keep you entertained, wanting more with each second.

It’s truly a hilarious movie that should be considered an acclaimed classic. It’s a great watch for anyone interested in it and shows a creative side to film Streep and Hawn did an especially excellent job portraying Ashton and Sharp and seemed perfectly casted. 

Though some of the scenes felt unnecessary, it came together into an equally fantastic and comedic ending that tied up all the loose ends and made it a well worth watch.

The film’s humor and fantastical effects can be enjoyed by adults and older children alike and can be streamed for free with ads on YouTube and rented on Prime Video. 

Overall, the film is an extremely great watch watching and a classic that will be remembered and loved throughout the ages for its advancements in cinematic effects and for its amazing plot and cast.