"Coneheads" review

A funny, silly and yet beautifully heartfelt film

In my opinion, Saturday Night Live's run of theatrical efforts are quite variable in quality.  Most don't have a strong enough story to feasibly stretch a sketch into feature length, and the main characters are often not well-developed enough to be interesting, much less compelling.  However, "Coneheads" has been one of my favorite SNL films from the very first viewing, and the main reason for this is that the story and characters are superb.

The raucous sketches on SNL mostly revolved around contrasting the cultural differences between the coneheads and their often confounded human guests.  The film continues this trend, and on the surface, "Coneheads" appears to be a breezy comedy, but it also deftly interweaves deeply affecting themes about family and identity which are just as enduring and relevant almost thirty years later.

Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin reprise their roles and Beldar and Prymatt, but this time we are introduced to them before they have had their daughter.  Marooned on Earth before they can conquer the planet, Beldar and Prymatt must blend in amongst us lowly bluntskulls if they are to survive.  This fish-out-water scenario has many excellent comedic moments, but it also addresses the current and white-hot issue of immigration, especially when it comes to empathizing with people who will do anything to build a better life for themselves and their children.

In order to pass as human, Beldar needs documentation.  He's so good at electronic repair that his boss, wonderfully underplayed by Sinbad, hooks Beldar up with "a guy" so that Beldar can become Donald R. DiCicco.  However, immigration is aware of this, and Michael McKean as Gorman Seedling becomes Beldar's nemesis.

Aided by David Spade as Eli Turnbull, the perfect office toady and unctuous underling, Gorman Seedling doggedly pursues Beldar and Prymatt but is continually stymied by their narrow escapes.  However, Beldar and Prymatt's need for stability becomes paramount when Prymatt reveals that she is pregnant.

The Coneheads move to the suburbs.  Beldar finds a profitable career as a driving instructor, Prymatt becomes the perfect homemaker and their young daughter grows up.  Connie Conehead, born and raised on Earth, is a typical teenage girl aside from her prominent dome, and she soon finds romance with auto mechanic Ronnie, played by Chris Farley.  Their scenes together are adorable, and it's wonderful to see Chris Farley break free from his usual boorish, clumsy characters and play someone normal.  Even more appealing is that even though Ronnie is fat, he is still presented as an attractive and lovable person.

However, teenage romance has its troubles, and here is where Prymatt gets a chance to shine as she lovingly counsels her daughter, providing reassurance, encouragement and validation.  While many of these scenes are still humorous as they play out through the unique conehead style of dialogue, they still move the heart with their truth and kindness.  What a sublime combination to be moved to tears and laughter at the same time!  I love it when comedies make you smile for multiple reasons!

Beldar and Prymatt have their emotional struggles as well.  Beldar has a driving client who repeatedly tries to seduce him.  Beldar quickly rebuffs her, but Prymatt privately worries whether Beldar still loves her.  When Prymatt finally asks Beldar, his response is of course, VERY conehead in its dialogue, but again, the depth of feeling behind the seemingly stilted and silly words is very moving and Prymatt's fears are utterly banished.  While their communication style is different, it still perfectly expresses the affection, trust and love that is necessary makes any relationship last for many years.

The theme of family runs strong through the entire film, and it reaches its apex when the Coneheads are finally rescued and return to their home planet.  While Beldar is ecstatic at finally seeing Remulak again after many long years of waiting, Connie is now miserable because she misses her boyfriend and the only home she's ever known.  To Connie's dismay, Beldar appears to be ready to lead another conquest of Earth, but he ultimately makes a different choice because Beldar understands and respects his daughter's needs.

Having struck a deal with Gorman Seedling over his immigration status, Beldar decides to remain on Earth because he wants what is best for his daughter.  While this comes at the cost of cutting Beldar and Prymatt off from their culture entirely, they have lived on Earth so long that they have become comfortably adapted to their new home and so can happily wave to Connie and Ronnie heading out for the Senior Prom while they gaze at a fresh picture of the blushing young couple.

"Aaaah, memories!  We will enjoy them!"