B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - DEAD END (2003)

Made for less than a million dollars, the slightly obscure Dead End is a chilling little indie you don't want to miss. It might just be the best Christmas horror movie no one ever heard of and every dollar is up there on the screen. It's quirky, weird, funny, bizarre, and scary all at once. Black comedy for sure but much more, this would make a nice double feature with The Perfect Host, another movie we're big on around here. So, grab some eggnog and a snack or two and check out the inimitable Ray Wise with legendary Lin Shaye as they take their family down a wrong turn, what's up with this road? Why doesn't it end? After all, they're just trying to make it to Christmas Eve dessert at Frank's mother's house. Tubi, Plex, Freevee, enjoy! 2.75 stars/2.75

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

KEVIN SPACEY IS FROM THE PLANET "K-PAX" (2001) - IS HE A MENTAL PATIENT OR IS HE REALLY AN ALIEN? JEFF BRIDGES HAS TO FIGURE OUT WHICH IN THIS FORGOTTEN SCI FI DRAMA

 


Twenty years ago, way way back in the Blockbuster Video days there existed a movie called K-Pax which in due time was quickly forgotten about. I certainly remember those VHS covers adorning the video tape shelves.  Had it not been for a great thing called Tubi, K-Pax probably would have remained mostly forgotten. Which is a bit of a shame as it's a pretty decent sci-fi mystery with an awesome story and a more than noteworthy performance from Spacey.

I actually think Bridges is a little miscast here as the doctor trying to treat our mysterious visitor but as we know, Bridges rarely, if ever, lets down. Funny enough, Spacey originally tried out for the doctor but landed the patient instead, Will Smith having been the original choice. A box office disappointment just missing recouping it's budget, a wide variety of mixed reviews exists on the film. I fall into the camp of thumbs up more than down. 

I would have loved to seen this done by a Kubrick or a Scorcese as the story's statistical density is where it's strength lies and requires some broad strokes instead of short. All in all, a worthy addition to anyone's sci-fi library. Currently streaming on Tubi.  3.0 stars/5

That Blockbuster sticker bring back any memories? 

2 comments:

  1. "Man Facing Southeast" was the original. It came before K-Pax the book and K-Pax the film.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Copy that! From Argentina, looks interesting, thanks!!

    ReplyDelete