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

Sunday, July 24, 2022

KEVIN KLINE, DANNY GLOVER, MARY MCDONNELL & A HOST OF OTHERS ARE ALL HEADED TO THE "GRAND CANYON" (1991)

 

Some say hit, some say miss, Lawrence Kasdan's Grand Canyon movie certainly doesn't get as much love as his other multi-character flicks The Big Chill and The Accidental Tourist. Set in LA during the turbulent Rodney King era, the script's undertones of black vs white are exemplified in the two main characters, Danny Glover's "Simon" and Kevin Kline's "Mack." Many other characters and subplots all revolve around those two who meet by chance after Mack gets lost driving home from a Lakers game at the Forum. Steve Martin also excels here in a highly dramatic role demonstrating once again his amazing diversity of genuine talent. 

I happen to be of the opinion this is not only better than Big Chill or Accidental Tourist but in many ways Kasdan's masterpiece. Kline once again is incredible and Glover's performance is one of my favorites of his of all time. Their scenes together are to watch two masters at the top of their game and making it look easy. McDonnell's performance is literally Oscar-worthy, she shines in every scene. And look for a young Jeremy Sisto in his feature debut as Mack's teenage son who is coming of age. Grand Canyon also features a most unique and surreal dream sequence where both Mack and then his wife fly, yes fly, around Los Angeles. 

So, obviously, this movie lover sees it as a hit. One of the best films of 1991? Absolutely. 

Currently streaming only on Max Go or take the DVD route. 4.0 stars/5



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