Kenn-15 Reviews

Windows on the World (2019)

Extraordinary Acting, Writing and Direction

[10/10 · 9 October 2019]

Windows on the World, despite the fact that it takes place in the weeks following the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York, is a film that is urgently for our time. It is a hero's journey of a son trying to find his father in that grief-stricken landscape and the characters stand in for the millions of immigrants, legal and illegal, who contribute in their everyday lives, to the American landscape. The film seeks to counter the narrative that's all-too-prevalent in today's political and media landscape by telling a story set in America's biggest and most diverse city, at its darkest time. The script by playwright and novelist Robert Mailer Anderson (who also produced the film) is wise and completely engaging; he creates indelible characters who are ultimately inspiring and uplifting. Edward James Olmos gives what he considers to be the performance of a lifetime, and the rest of the cast is terrific as well-with a special shout-out to Glynn Turman. The direction, by Olmos's son Michael, is sure-handed, getting terrific performances from his cast, including his father, in this father-son story, and it's beautifully lensed. The music, including jazz and a title track written by Anderson, is pitch-perfect, supporting the story without getting in the way. This film should be seen by everybody-and I'm sure it will be in mainstream distribution soon, as this is a time when, although the major studios may have turned their backs on substance, terrific indie films like this one have many other possible venues. If you can't see it at a film festival, like I did, keep a keen eye out for it. Terrific and inspiring!

Pound (1970)

A Missing Masterpiece

[8/10 · 17 February 2012]

I just want to agree with REDBEARD above -- I was at that same Uniondale Mini-Cinema screening! (and let's raise a glass to that incredible theater, that gave me my entire teen education in cinema), and haven't been able to see POUND since.

However, the GOOD (maybe GREAT) news, is that in May 2012, Criterion is releasing a boxed set with several of Robert Downey, Sr.'s films, including PUTNEY SWOPE and CHAFED ELBOWS (unfortunately, NOT including POUND or GREASER'S PALACE). At least SOME Robert Downey films are going to be out there for a whole new generation (and this older generation) to see.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

A Flawless Gem; Exhilaratingly Good

[10/10 · 27 February 2010]

Polanski does some of his best work in a long time in this nearly-flawless and beautiful-looking film. Engaging story, interesting characters, incredible mood and sense of place (amazingly, locations in Germany substituted brilliantly for Martha's Vineyard -- having spent some time on the Vineyard, I was completely convinced that's what I was seeing, forgetting during the film that Polanski wouldn't have set foot on U.S. soil), more implied violence than any real screen violence (for those who like suspense but stay away from thrillers because of worry about violence, don't worry) -- it's all about suspense and intrigue. Every shot is gorgeous. Fun references to CHINATOWN, and especially Billy Wilder's SUNSET BOULEVARD. Lovely performances by Olivia Williams, who is sexy and vulnerable, Pierce Brosnan, the absolutely always brilliant Tom Wilkinson and an extraordinary cameo by Actors Studio legend Eli Wallach (he still has the chops!). The ending caps a perfect film perfectly, and the MacGuffin is great fun. If you like vintage Hitchcock, and especially if you like the best work of Polanski, don't miss it. I'm ready to see it again and watch how it's put together.

Somebody to Love (1994)

Sam Fuller is the best part

[16 March 2009]

Yes, it's an okay film, somewhat formulaic (as some reviewers have pointed out) and well-acted (as other reviewers have pointed out). The real gem here, for people in the know, is the cameo by the late, great director Sam Fuller, as a man injured in a car accident (which has virtually nothing to do with the main plot). Fuller is totally himself, as he rants his way through all of his complaints about Hollywood, in his own inimitable style. It's great having him on screen and those who may know the man's films (including THE BIG RED ONE, SHOCK CORRIDOR, THE NAKED KISS, STEEL HELMET, 40 GUNS, and many others) will enjoy seeing the man behind the camera -- one of the great Hollywood personalities.

Between the Folds (2008)

A Creative Wonder

[10/10 · 2 September 2008]

There are two creative wonders working here -- the incredible range of artists, scientists and people with vision from all over who have made origami a passion, an art, and a way into understanding their place in the world. The other creative wonder is the film itself, which takes us on a journey from a square of paper to the inside of the minds of creative artists. The film is, in some ways, a work of origami too, for it's folded into different sections, and the whole is even greater than the sum of its parts. If you can catch it at a film festival, don't miss it. And I'm sure this film, by a talented first-time filmmaker, will end up in other venues, win awards, and hopefully someday be available on DVD.

American Playhouse: The Grapes of Wrath (1991) Season 10, Episode 2

Beautifully rendered stage adaptation

[9/10 · 26 April 2005]

This is a beautifully rendered stage adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, created by Frank Galati and Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company and originally presented by PBS's Great Performances, directed for television by Kirk Browning. Gary Sinise and Lois Smith are terrific as Tom and Ma Joad and the entire cast makes incredible use of an almost-bare stage to create the world of the 1930s dust bowl. Notably, this production also restores the original (stunningly moving) ending of Steinbeck's novel, changed in the 1940 John Ford film for censorship reasons. Truly an ensemble piece, one only wishes it was available on home video -- ask Broadway Theatre Archive and/or Kultur DVD to make this one available, as they have so many other PBS Great Performances shows.

The Woodsman (2004)

Understated film boasts exquisite acting and script

[10/10 · 17 October 2004]

It does my heart good when I see a small, lovely, important American film about a subject that matters. It's a welcome antidote to mainstream Hollywood eye-candy designed to do nothing more than take our attention away from the people, issues and emotions in our lives that we don't want to, but must confront. Once upon a time, these films -- which concentrate on character, mood, issue -- were simply part of mainstream American film. Now they are relegated to the "indie ghetto" or occasionally break through. If the subject matter is disturbing enough, they might never break through -- unless they are sensationalistic -- often a mistake artistically.

THE WOODSMAN tackles a difficult subject, pedophilia, with sensitivity, and a "less is more" approach. The concentration is on a lovely script (from the play by Steven Fechter) full of detail and metaphor, and stunning performances by Kevin Bacon, his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, Mos Def, and in a small but unforgettable film debut, young actor Hannah Pilkes. Director and screenwriter Nicole Kassell uses a sure hand in this, her first feature, and everything -- camera-work, music, cutting -- is toned just right to allow the audience to provide their own emotional explosions, rather to have them handed to them. We see an interesting and unusual variety of characters, each of whom is hurt or broken in their own way, and each of whom moves through their lives in the ways they need to, in order to compensate. The film provides no easy answers, but it provides a window onto a landscape, a possibility, of life after trauma, whatever that trauma might be. See it.

Wilderness Survival for Girls (2004)

Inventive Indie Thriller/Comedy/Coming of Age Story

[9/10 · 11 October 2004]

This first feature from the talented producer, director, writer and editor team of Eli Despres and Kim Roberts, shot on video in 18 days, marks an impressive debut and one not to be missed, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to catch it in a film festival or in its limited theatrical run. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for the DVD and video release, if you like indie films that have that unpredictable and slightly off-center (but completely authentic) feel about them.

I, for one, appreciate films that can't easily be categorized, or that use established genres in interesting new ways, and this film qualifies. Three girls go to an isolated cabin retreat in the mountains of Colorado to celebrate their graduation from high school. Almost immediately lots of possibilities present themselves: Is this going to be a coming of age story? Is it going to be a "stranger in the dark woods terrorizing teenagers" slasher movie? Is it going to be a comedy about how bratty teenage girls treat each other? Well, what if some talented filmmakers put all those ingredients into a blender -- along with a few more -- and whip up a whole new, satisfying recipe? Sometimes these "genre-bending" exercises can fall flat on their faces, but in this case, the filmmakers -- because of a great script, great acting, and some beautiful camera-work and sure-footed editing -- take you along for the ride.

Fast Food Fast Women (2000)

Magical Reality in New York

[9/10 · 1 September 2002]

This film ran through the art house circuit so quickly most people missed it, and that's too bad. Now it's finally beginning to show up on cable, and I hope it gets a larger audience. Amos Kollek's other films are also hard to come by in the U.S. -- I know I'D like to see more of them, after having seen this one, but this seems to have the lightest touch, from what I can tell.

Among the many things it has going for it, is the incomparable Anna Thomson (Levine), a character actor I've followed since her days in the rep company of the original Tracy Ullmann Show on Fox television, through her unforgettable role in Clint Eastwood's UNFORGIVEN, to this interesting role of Bela.

Magical Realism is a kind of sub-genre I always enjoy, and when it plays against the gritty, wonderful city of New York (my home town), I sit up and take notice. This is the kind of dark underbelly of one of my favorite (also underappreciated) TV shows, Jay Tarses' "The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd." If you knew and liked that, and can do with something darker and more sexually explicit, you'll probably like this.

Bela triumphs, and so do her strange friends, in this pretty unique film, which is slow paced, as slice-of-life character studies are, so be prepared for that. If you tend to criticize films for being "too slow" or not having enough plot, you might not like this, but if you are happy examining characters and living with great dialogue and situations, hang in there. If you like "Smoke" or "Blue in the Face," you'll probably love this.

Corey (2000)

Superb DV Short - Catch it if you can

[9/10 · 9 May 2002]

I saw this short on IFC and was very impressed. It looks as if it was made with a consumer DV camera but it's an example of vision and talent superceding the limitations of equipment. With no sync sound, it tells the story of a father's legacy, and a daughter's eventual realization of that legacy through nature. Particularly striking is the performance of Karen Klein as the "adult Corey" (although she's hardly an adult). Using only facial expression and body language, she conveys powerful emotion and has a face one doesn't soon forget. Also striking is the use of "distressed footage" for flashbacks -- out of register images that represent Corey's memories of her and her father that stand out against the monochrome landscape that forms the rest of the film. Although the music is a bit over-emotional, the filmmaker knows just how long to make the film -- he tells the story, gets in and gets out and doesn't linger, so it doesn't become too sentimental. A very strong amateur effort by some very talented people. I hope they keep making films, and I hope Karen Klein pursues acting!

Samuel Beckett Is Coming Soon (1993)

A Perfect Film Short - Wish It Was Available!

[10/10 · 20 August 2001]

This little gem of an independent comedy from veteran actor-director Alan Arkin is, as far as I know, completely unavailable. I caught it at a film festival, and loved it. You have to be familiar with Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" to get the joke, but if you are, you'll get a big kick out of it. This film is yet another example of why there should be a video label that specializes in the home video distribution of short films. Why aren't films like this available in the home video market?? Bravo, Alan Arkin!

Nadine (1987)

Excellent "Sleeper" Screwball Comedy

[10/10 · 19 August 2001]

This film isn't very well known, and should be, especially for Kim Basinger fans. It proves once and for all that comedy is her forte, and that she has broad range between performances such as this and her role in "Fool for Love" as a character actress, and not just a pretty face or an adequate leading lady. The chemistry between her and Jeff Bridges is like TNT and drives the film forward, and the added comic bluster of Rip Torn as the villain (and the clever script and direction by veteran Robert Benton) makes this a comic gem in the true tradition of the 1930s screwball comedies, but updated for the 1980s. If you're a fan of such films as "His Girl Friday," and would like to see what that frenetic energy and great chemistry can be like updated into the 1980s, see this movie!

Songcatcher (2000)

Bravura performances & incredible music make this worth seeing

[22 June 2001]

Just came back from seeing this film, and found it a soul-shaking experience. No wonder audiences at Sundance gave it a standing ovation. Particularly outstanding are the music and the performances, with a standout performance by veteran character actress Pat Carroll. The story is engaging, about a musicologist (played masterfully by Janet McTeer, also outstanding in this year's Dogma 95 film, "The King is Alive") who discovers a connection between British folk songs and the music of the "mountain folk" in Appalachia. The plot has some "you can see it coming" moments, and a much-too-tidy last few minutes, but you readily forgive the film its few flaws because of its great strengths and good heart. If you were struck to the soul by the music of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" then here is more of the real thing. Emmy Rossum is outstanding in her first feature film role, and one can hardly take one's eyes off her face, or forget the sound of her singing voice cutting through the thick mountain air. Treat your eyes and ears to this film!

Stefano Quantestorie (1993)

Rare film is original concept, delightful comedy

[20 January 2001]

Maurizio Nichetti is known for his strange playings with reality, usually done for great comic effect. If you have the chance to see this rare film, don't hesitate. While a man may grow up to become many things, rarely do those incarnations come to exist in the same time and space, and rarely do they interact together to form a neat comedy-mystery. Nichetti must have charted this film out very carefully, and it might take a little effort on your part to keep track of exactly what's going on, but once you realize what the filmmaker is up to, you'll laugh in delight! I only wish this film was as popular and available as his other films (Volere Volare, Allegro Non Troppo, The Icicle Thief, etc.) -- and as it deserves to be!