Crimewave

  • 1985
  • PG-13
  • 83m
movieMx RATING
5.5
163
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Crimewave Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 14, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 14, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Crimewave

MovieCrimewave
Release Year1985
DirectorSam Raimi
GenreComedy / Crime / Horror
Runtime83 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Crimewave (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Crimewave are led by Reed Birney . The supporting cast, including Louise Lasser and Sheree J. Wilson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Crimewave (1985) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.5/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Crimewave does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Crimewave has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Crimewave

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Crimewave is a Comedy, Crime, Horror film directed by Sam Raimi. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Reed Birney.

Ending Explained: Crimewave

Crimewave Ending Explained: Directed by Sam Raimi, Crimewave attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.

The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving Reed Birney. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Crimewave reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Crimewave Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Crimewave Based on a True Story?

Crimewave draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a comedy, crime, horror film directed by Sam Raimi, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.

Real Story vs Movie Version

The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.

While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.

Accuracy Assessment: Crimewave uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.

Who Should Watch Crimewave?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Comedy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Crimewave

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $3.0M
Worldwide Gross $5.1K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Crimewave Budget

The estimated production budget for Crimewave is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Crimewave

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Where to Watch Crimewave Online?

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Crimewave Parents Guide & Age Rating

1985 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Crimewave age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Crimewave is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Crimewave is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Crimewave is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Crimewave. Rating: 5.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crimewave worth watching?

Crimewave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Crimewave parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Crimewave identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Crimewave?

The total duration of Crimewave is 83 minutes, which is approximately 1h 23m long.

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How Crimewave Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Crimewave

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
Crimewave
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