KCGrook Reviews

Cinema Verite (2011 TV Movie)

If you like Class Z Indie flicks.........

[1/10 · 23 May 2011]

I struggled painfully through the first one-half or so of this film but finally felt it necessary to abandon it. It seemed to have the usual characteristics of an Indie flick conceived, written, produced, directed, edited, etc. etc. by a couple of something wannabes.

It was interesting, but more-so disturbing, to see that four high caliber actors had for some reason agreed to perform in this catastrophe. I highly doubt that any of them were in need of the money. So I can only conclude that they simply needed something-to-do, each of them recognizing that their respective stellar screen records would not be tarnished in the least by this endeavor.

My apologies to anyone who is offended by this evaluation, but I feel obligated to call 'em the way I see 'em.

Brüno (2009)

Incredibly Poor

[1/10 · 15 June 2010]

I'm ashamed to admit that I watched "Bruno" from start to finish - - instead of aborting when it became painfully apparent that I was subjecting myself to one of the worst films I've seen in recent memory.

It began very slowly in a cumbersome manner, but I continued to watch in the hope that it would develop into something amusing at the very least.

Unfortunately it did not. Rather, it continued its downward trajectory in an accelerated manner - - punctuated by at most a couple of laughable moments. What a travesty.

IMO, Cohen should have quit doing films while he was still ahead - - (somewhat).

The Hairdresser's Husband (1990)

This film will not disappoint you.

[10/10 · 12 June 2000]

"The Hairdresser's Husband" is a delightful movie, graced by the artistic versatility of Jean Rochefort and the charm and beauty of Anna Galiena. It is filmed virtually in its entirety within the confines of the hairdresser's (Anna/Mathilda) shop. However, the cast is so captivating in its performance that this miniscule filming location tends to go unnoticed until near the film's end.

Fulfilling a childhood dream, Jean falls in love with and marries a hairdresser, after which the two immerse themselves in each other, rarely leaving Anna's shop with its second floor home. The pair is totally at peace with the world, and their principal interaction with others is through those who visit the shop to have their hair cut. Each such visit is a markedly different and charming episode.

The relationship between Jean and Anna, as well as their environment, is admittedly of a strange and unusual nature, but it certainly does not detract from the film's message of a love fulfilled. On the contrary, those factors are what give "The Hairdresser's Husband" its life and meaning.

I certainly recommend renting this 1990 movie. It may be difficult to locate, but it will be worth that effort and you won't be disappointed.

Slave of Dreams (1995 TV Movie)

AN "ORPHANED" MOVIE!

[8/10 · 28 July 1999]

I saw "Slave of Dreams" when it was aired on Showtime a few years ago and was quite impressed with not only Sherilyn Fenn's performance, but with the rest of the primary cast also.

I thought the movie was extremely well done, given that it seemed to fall in the "Ancient Egypt" type of historical category. I feel that for that reason, this movie was not viewed by many when it aired. That is quite unfortunate in that the production offered a great deal more than the title and period setting might have indicated.

For this reason, I consider it an "orphaned" movie that most likely will not be shown again, and a movie that is so dismissed that one cannot even purchase it through any of the various movie vendors.

Such a shame, but this sometimes occurs with excellent productions that seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Should it by some strange circumstance be shown again, I certainly recommend it!

The Rachel Papers (1989)

A TRULY FUN AND ENTERTAINING MOVIE!

[10/10 · 4 July 1999]

I have found "The Rachel Papers" to be a delightful mix of young convoluted romance, bittersweet in nature, and a bit of cute comedy. I've seen the movie several times, having taped it in 1991, and find it refreshing each time I view it.

I particularly enjoy the music soundtrack which I feel gives each scene its own distinctive flavor. Dexter Fletcher plays an excellent role as an egotistical yet bumbling opportunist, and Ione Skye is outstanding as the target of Dexter's amorous intentions, and is somewhat equally nebulous of mind as is Dexter.

It impresses me as a free-spirited production that does not require a great deal of laborious attention on the part of the viewer, and as such is truly entertaining.