Meet the Applegates

Meet the Applegates is an outrageous and intriguing science-fiction comedy from 1990 directed by Michael Lehmann, notable for his seminal 1989 film, "Heathers." The movie stars famed actors Ed Begley Jr., Stockard Channing, and Dabney Coleman, who bring an infectious comedic energy to this unique story.

Offering a peculiar spin on the typical American family, Meet the Applegates chuckles at the social and cultural norms common to suburban living. Through its unique lens, the film incorporates the idiosyncratic absurdities associated with the complexities of life in the suburbs, questioning societal norms and the concept of the 'American Dream.'

The film's plot takes a zany turn by introducing the Applegates – Richard, Jane, and their teenage kids, Johnny and Sally. At first glance, they appear to be the perfect nuclear family, shrugging off any suspicions of their strangeness. However, as the moniker of a science-fiction movie suggests, everything is not as it seems. The family members are, in fact, giant South American bugs disguised as humans on a secret mission to save the planet. Their believable human forms are testament to the exceptional prop design and believable special effects of the early 1990s, which serve to bring this offbeat narrative to life.

Ed Begley Jr. plays the role of Richard Applegate, the family patriarch with a secret double-life, perfectly by combining elements of humanity with eeriness. He performs at his job in a nuclear power plant drawing shenanigans that lead to a series of unexpected events. In contrast, Stockard Channing is fantastic as Jane Applegate, the prototypical housewife, whose captivating performance brings an unusual energy to the film.

Although it is rooted in absurdity, the film manages to convey a subtle environmental message underlying the fun. The Applegates' main motive is to halt the human destruction of their rainforest home. Meet the Applegates shines a light on the prevailing issue of environmental protection and conservation, managing to make serious commentary wrapped in laugh-out-loud humor.

Jane's journey to integrating with humankind provides ample opportunity for social satire. Through the family's adaptation process, the film presents a comedic critique of consumer culture, political corruption, sexual infidelity, and the concept of the 'American Dream.' The poignant critique of suburban America, though subtle, adds a destinct layer of depth to the film.

Their teenage kids, Johnny and Sally, are portrayed by Robert Jayne and Camille Cooper respectively. These characters bring to the movie all the usual teenage angst and resulting hilarity; a further component of the classic ‘fish out of water’ trope that is fondly utilized in the movie.

The film also features a fantastic performance by Dabney Coleman, who stars as Jane's lecherous boss. His somewhat seedy character gets entangled in a series of humorous situations that the Applegates must navigate, creating a subplot that is entertaining and amusing in equal measure.

As the movie progresses, the mask of normality slowly begins to slip from the Applegates. They find themselves increasingly involved in compromising situations, creating endless humorous scenarios as the family grapples with concealing their true identities. The comedy is well-crafted and subtly highlights the bizarre nature of suburban life and the so-called normality by juxtaposing it against the Applegates' extraterrestrial origin.

The satirical and funny script, alongside memorable performances from the cast, make Meet the Applegates a delightful foray into science-fiction comedy. It's a must-watch for fanatics of genre-blurring films and aficionados of playful, satirical critique.

Michael Lehmann's imaginative storytelling combined with the impressive special effects and stellar cast, make Meet the Applegates a standout film of the time. Despite the inherent absurdity of the premise, the movie is never grating and maintains a light and humorous tone throughout.

In conclusion, Meet the Applegates does a magnificent job of turning a seemingly plain suburban family into a comedic ensemble of characters trying to grapple with the paradox of human nature. The movie does well to strike a balance between comedy, social satire, and drama, resulting in an entertaining and thought-provoking film. And despite its fantastical premise, it conveys a potent environmental message, making it a relevant watch even decades after its release. The film is eccentrically original, full of wit and farcical humor, and a certain must-watch for lovers of strange and bizarre cinema.