KEA Productions: DVD Movie Reviews

from the archives of NuReel.com, The Berkeley Daily Planet, and Alameda Sun- written by Kamala Appel
ratings: Plus (highest)-Neutral (okay)-Negatives (pass & omitted from archive)
J: John Q, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back


KANDAHAR (NEUTRAL/PLUS)

The breathtaking cinematography stands in stark contrast to the bleak existence of the characters portrayed in this drama. Many of the people whom the filmmakers encountered while filming KANDAHAR were dying of starvation, leading the cast and crew on a humanitarian effort to distribute food and medicine on a daily basis. (Press Notes- Avatar Films 2001).

Although KANDAHAR is a fictional story, the events and characters are very true to life for Afghanis living under the Taliban. Nelofer Pazira gives a very honest performance as a woman who journeys from Canada back to her native country of Afghanistan in hopes of preventing her sister's suicide. KANDAHAR argues that hope strengthens and sometimes gives someone an existence.

In common with the neorealists in Italy during the aftermath of World War II, director Mohsen Makhmalbaf (GABBEH, THE SILENCE, A MOMENT OF INNOCENCE, and THE DAY I BECAME A WOMAN), used amateur actors.
No professional actors were used and scenes were constantly improvised. In fact, the director had to educate the locally hired cast on the fundamental aspects of the film arts. The locals had never even seen a movie so Makhmalbaf set up a screening room. The numerous would-be extras were made up of separate tribes, and in Afghanistan, opposing tribes do not speak, so they often refused to act in scenes with one another. (Press Notes- Avatar Films 2001)

The oppressive situation in Afghanistan would probably be incomprehensible to a modern-day Westerner. I find it ironic that Osama Bin Ladden would be such a media hound by hosting his own television show, when the Taliban forbids images and modern communication techniques in efforts to suppress one's imagination and to keep the Afghani people down economically, socially, technically, and emotionally.
Afghanistan, a country without images. At the beginning of the 21st century, Talibans have a problem with images! There is no cinema, they have even taken away television. Their newspapers do not print pictures. Taking photographs or painting is considered 'impure'. Music is forbidden. Girls' schools have been closed down. Girls do not have the right to anything, not even public baths. In 1996 the Taliban ordered a big library in Katoul, containing 55,000 books, to be burnt to the ground. (Mohsen Makhmalbaf in an interview with Professor Dabashi of Columbia University- Avatar Films 2001)

KANDAHAR is a worthwhile film with a very timely release. This film provides a rare insight into Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Although the film gets a bit pedantic at times and ends abruptly, the education it provides and the voice it gives to the Afghani people, make the film important to see. Cinematically the film does not break new ground, however, in terms of content, the film breaks through oppressive and international boundaries.

KANDAHAR will start a platform release on January 4th, 2002. This film would be equally enjoyable on video.

Kingdom Come (Neutral)

When I saw the trailer for "Kingdom Come", I thought it looked like a film a film with a lot of potential to be both moving and funny. The story revolves around the death of a man whose "mean and surly" ways produced a dysfunctional and disgruntled family. Throughout the film, we (the audience) find out how Bud Slocumb, the deceased, has contributed to the weaknesses and strengths of his family. The film hosts a long list of comedians and actors, including: LL Cool J, as a recovering alcoholic; Vivica A. Fox, as his do-good wife; Whoopie Goldberg, as a bitter and frank wife of the deceased; Loretta Devine, as a holier-than-everyone religious fanatic; Anthony Anderson, as an unsuccessful dreamer; Jada Pinkett Smith, as a back-breaking, nagging wife with shattered dreams; Darius McCrary, as a lazy dead beat; and Cedric the Entertainer as a reverend named Hooker. Surprisingly, Jada Prinkett Smith gets first billing, even though her character is the least interesting and she seems to be the most unsuited for her part (her performance was too over-the-top). The two performances that make the movie are by supporting actors: Loretta Devine who manages to play a melodramatic character without over-acting herself, and Cedric The Entertainer who is always funny, especially with the ridiculous lisp he gives his character. LL Cool J also gives a moving and credible performance in spite of the simplicity of his character. I had truly hoped that this film would be better than it is because it addresses a topic not often addressed in films with an all black cast, the issue of dysfunctionality and the nuclear family. To my disappointment, the characters are somewhat two-dimensional, their development is awkward, and the story is extremely contrived. I never thought it was possible for a film to have too much closure, but this film does. This film opens wide on Wednesday, April 11th. It would be equally enjoyable on video. If you do see it, stay for the end credits because there are some funny photos at the end.


KISS OF THE DRAGON (neutral)

International action film production. Luc Besson co-writes. Jet Li and Bridget Fonda star. Dynamic action sequences. Very corny dialogue and story.

Jet Li tries to flex his acting muscles in "Kiss of the Dragon". Although I do not think Li's ability as an actor equals his ability as a martial artist, he does give a more compelling performance than he did in "Romeo Must Die". In "Kiss of the Dragon", Li plays a cop who gets mixed up in an international debacle that jeopardizes his life and his career. In the process of attempting to save his own reputation and career, he proves that chivalry is not dead, as he learns to put the safety of a damsel-in-distress (played by Bridget Fonda) above his own. Bridget Fonda ("Point of No Return", often considered the American "La Femme Nikita", "Singles", "Single White Female", "Bodies, Rest in Motion") co-stars as an ex-junkie crack whore named Jessica, whose naivete also led her to get mixed up with the same wrong crowd as Li's character, Liu Jiuan. In common with Liu Jiuan, Jessica puts the life of another above her own, but in her case, the life belongs to her illegitimate daughter.

Luc Besson, more commonly known for his role as a director ("The Big Blue", "La Femme Nikita", "The Professional", "The Fifth Element", and "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc"), co-wrote this film with Robert Mark Kamen ("Lethal Weapon 3", "The Karate Kid", "The Karate Kid II", "A Walk in the Clouds", "Taps", and "The Fifth Element" with Besson). The two set out to develop the story conceived by Jet Li. The three wanted to create a story that was as high on character development and story as it was on action. They succeeded in creating a story filled with dynamic action sequences; however the story was far-fetched and predictable. In terms of character development, the only character who changed at all was Li's character, the others seemed to exist as character-types only to help Liu Jiuan grow. Ironically, Liu Jiuan's on-screen maturity that reflects the character's education on self-sacrifice, makes Li look somewhat self-absorbed since his character is the only one with any depth and development. I realize that Li is the star, but the film would have made him shine brighter, if he had allowed for multiple characters of equal interest (look at the success of films like "A Fish Called Wanda" or television shows like "Seinfeld", their popularity stems from the chemistry of a strong ensemble cast).

For those who will flock to the theaters in pursuit of action, you will find happiness viewing "Kiss of the Dragon". Action director/choreographer, Cory Yuen ("Leathal Weapon 4", "X-men", "The Black Rose", and many Hong Kong pictures with Jet Li including "The Legend of Fong Sai-Yuk" and "Bodyguard from Beijing") demonstrates his mastery of visual drama and fight sequences. He worked with the rest of the filmmakers to keep the action grounded in reality, relatively speaking, as compared to recent hit films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Matrix". Even though the fight scenes in "Kiss of the Dragon" may not make you gasp for air as those in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Matrix" may have, you will jump in you seat and let out plenty of "oohs" and "awes".

Besson brought on a relative newcomer to feature film directing, Chirs Nathon, who focused most of his early career on directing commercials in France. Nathon's style in "Kiss of the Dragon" resembles that of director John Woo, whose claim to fame is his ability to slow down the visuals at the peak of drama (for example following a shooting bullet). At times, I found the varying film speeds and the center of visual attention a bit campy, but even though my laughter may have been a bit inappropriate at times, the humor offset the tension created by all the violence. It is worth noting that there is A LOT of gratuitous violence that does not add to the story in any way including animal cruelty.

The film has an oddly negative tone for this good triumphs over evil theme. What could have been a interesting and creative international collaboration, instead becomes a narrative filled with cultural stereotypes: the drug addicted American whose life is filled with violence (Fonda), the sexually awkward little kung fu fighter (okay Wushu- Li), the arrogant French man (and extremely violent- Tcheky Karyo). I found the negative stereotypes somewhat bothersome.

The film does feature a very hip soundtrack filled with releases that I think will hit the top 40, especially with hip hop fans. Happy Walters, Producer, has a music supervision company, Sidewinder Music that is behind the soundtracks for films that include "Scream 2", "There's Something About Mary", "The Next Best Thing", "American Pie", and "The Klumps: The Nutty Professor II". Craig Armstrong created much of the original music and is the mastermind behind some other popular musicals that include "Moulin Rouge" and "William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet".

"Kiss of the Dragon" is entertaining in terms of action, but the storyline and character development leave a lot to be desired. I would not classify this film as a family film due to the high level of violence and child endangerment. If you are a big Jet Li fan, you will probably enjoy the film since he is definitely the center of attention. "Kiss of the Dragon" opens wide on July 6th. Due to the emphasis on action, I would recommend seeing the film on the big screen.


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