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| Rating: Good Distributor: Universal Pictures MPAA Rating: PG-13 Release Date: October 26th, 2001 (wide) Running Length: 2 hours, 4 minutes Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Mystery Director: Iain Softley Cast: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack, Alfre Woodard, and Brian Howe. |
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| Plot: Prot (Kevin Spacey) claims to be from another planet, called K-Pax. He is sent to a mental insititute, where he forms a close relationship with a Chief of Clinical Psychiatry (Jeff Bridges). The doctor, Mark, is constantly distracted by his work, and strains his relationships with his wife and children. Mark becomes fascinated by Prot's detailed delusions, and soon facts start turning up that provide substance to Prot's claims. For instance, Prot presents knowledge that only the foremost astrophysicists in the world know. Prot changes the world of doctors and fellow patients around him; he even announces the date of his leave back to K-PAX and it creates a lot of excitement. Everyone wants to go with him, but he agrees to take only one with him. Meanwhile, the doctor attempts to uncover Prot's past. |
| Critique: K-PAX is a wonderful little film, and contains consistently enjoyable entertainment. It may be a minor film, but it is amiable and affecting. It is a finely tuned film, and well directed by Iain Softley. The cinematography is also polished and thoughtful. Indeed, the way you dissect the film will depend on your analysis of the visual presentation. The visuals create a pleasant, and meaninful tone. Moreover, K-PAX is flowing and contains a pleasant little story, that maintains graceful motion. It is developed in its themes, and messages. Additionally, it contains many enjoyable surprises, and intriguing twists. The dialogue, especially between Spacey and Bridges, is enjoyable, warm and witty. The screenplay is relatively well written, and peaks in character interplay. The acting is very strong; Kevin Spacey is charming and ambiguous, and Jeff Bridges is pensive and full of spirit. Furthermore, the whole cast performs well. K-PAX succeeds in its relaxed character study, and enjoyable mystery. The film has energy leading to its climax because of its two mysteries, which eventually turn into one. The first question is asking the audience whether or not Prot is an alien, and the second question is asking the audience if Prot is going to leave Earth on the date he claims to be leaving. In the background the character studies of Prot and Mark are flourishing. Whether or not the ending is successful or not is entirely personal; I felt it worked, but also saw flaws in it. In conclusion, K-PAX is a relaxed, enjoyable, witty and intelligent film. It is artistically respectable, and Softley does a fine job. The acting is very good, and the dialogue is warm. I recommend K-PAX, a worthwhile fantasy. review by supernothingman |