| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 16-07-2007 09:29 |
Media Maven: "You Kill Me" Movie Review
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "You Kill Me."
See why she thinks this flick is an intellectual jape that's well worth
your time.
You Kill Me
*Ben Kingsley, Téa Leoni, Luke Wilson, Micheline Marchildon, Bill Pullman
You know it is going to be an intellectual jape and well worth your time when the opening scene is accompanied by a radio station playing polka music; inviting their listeners to come out for the battle of the polka bands.
Match the smart dialogue with the quirky cast of characters and "You Kill Me" will slay you as one of the finest dark comedies playing on the big screen today. Our story opens with a drunken Ben Kingsley playing Frank Falenczyk, a polish hit man for his uncle’s New York “organization”. Mob Boss Roman Krzeminski, (played by the stalwart Philipp Baker Hall) gives Frank an ultimatum after several botched hits. Frank has to go to San Francisco to dry out and clean up his act.
Bill Pullman as Dave is Frank’s San Francisco connection. He hooks him up with a local AA organization, an apartment and a temporary job as an assistant to a funeral director. At an AA meeting, Frank feels safe explaining that his drinking got in the way of his work as a hit man. As an employee who works with dead bodies that someone else killed - Frank discovers a real knack for straightening a broken nose or breaking rigormortus bones to fit in caskets.
The talented Téa Leoni plays Lauryl, Frank’s first innocent, honest relationship with no hidden agendas. Frank lets Lauryl know that he is an alcoholic. He tells of his profession. All in all, Lauryl can appreciate his honesty and accept him as a person; living in San Francisco she’s just relieved he is not gay. They explore their relationship and like other couples, learn to share each other’s interests. Instead of golf or music Lauryl learns the finer art of throwing a knife, aiming it exactly at a watermelon’s throat. She also learns how to decapitate an unsuspecting melon from behind. And how to score bull's-eyes at a shooting range. With each milestone of Frank’s recovery Lauryl is there with a homemade cake to celebrate the occasion.
This film is rich with exceptional actors playing straight a story of love and recovery. It is that element that makes this movie precisely so engaging. Even hit men can have addictions. Yet seeing Ben Kingsley as a down and out tough guy struggling with relationships and duty makes us identify feelings of our own struggles. Kudos to Kingsley for breaking the typecasting of stoic aristocrats and Ghandi-like characters. Bill Pullman does an amazing job of playing a jerk using only a bad haircut and thick black glasses. Luke Wilson plays an AA sponsor who guides his underling without question or fear of Frank’s intimidating manner. Téa Leoni not only knows how to act in a movie with panache; she also knows how to pick ‘em as she also produced You Kill Me.
If you are looking for something different then this movie is for you.
Rating: Four Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
|
