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IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KIM GENTES MOVIE REVIEWS

The appearance of a movie in this review journal does not mean that the movie is endorsed by Kim.  He writes reviews of movies that he saw that he recommends people avoid as well as movies that he considers worth seeing.  Aside from just critical approval regarding the film, some movies may not be suitable for you or your family.  You must make that kind of determination on your own, and stay true to your own convictions on what is appropriate to see.  Some movies are well made, but have offensive or difficult subject matter that is questionable to many viewers. Again, the reviews listed here should not be your only filter for whether or not a film is appropriate for you and and your family.

Additionally, Kim has his own view on what movies are and why he thinks they are a worthwhile aspect of current culture to be investigated.  You certainly don't have to agree with Kim on his viewpoints of movies, and he would be surprised if you did.

Kim's thoughts on movies -

Movies are the modern art "experience" of our culture. They are transmitted in many forms, on screens in theatres, DVDs, television and even computers. They are the merge of classical theatrical acting and modern day technical set and experience creation (effects). The reason I enjoy and watch lots of movies is that they not only entertain, they communicate the nuances of our society. Of course, some have nothing to do with culture, its just greedy corporations trying to produce profits. I am a guy, and as such am not the ideal audience for romantic comedies or 'chick fliks'. However I am also a husband, and domestic bliss (as well as common sense) compels me to at least review them...occasionally.  For the most part, you will find I like (and therefor review a lot of ) action, drama, science fiction, suspense and similarly themed movies.

Entries in Tony Danza (1)

Crash (2005)

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Absolutely Worth Seeing (not for kids though!)

Overall Grade:A-
Story:A-
Acting:A
Direction:B+
Visuals:B+

Excellent acting, thoughtful script; Content warnings- lots of language, occasional violence, and some nudity and sexual scenes.

A backtrace of storylines brings you to the start of the movie. This is a flashback film that starts with the ending (sort of) and takes you through the lives of people that will converge to meet in the strange storyline. The streets of LA are the backdrop for this movie about class, culture, prejudice and crime. Like real life, the characters are shades of hero and lier, truth and criminal. The story is much easier to follow that the typical sliced up reverse chronological thrillers that we have seen of late, but it has substantially more to teach us than those death by rubic-cube-solving psycho-killer movies. The acting is excellent (led by Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Art Chudabala, with strong support from Tony Danza and Matt Dillon), though the characters don't have time for much individual development, since it runs 4 or more concurrent plotlines. A dark tragedy with heroic episodes? Maybe. You will find yourself feeling a little conflicted and sad leaving this film, but it seems that what the director, Paul Jaggis intended. Don't go to this film thinking "big screen", or you will be slapped silly with the unconventional approach. This feels like an offbeat independent film meant to scourge the powers-that-be for the racial hatred that pervades urban America.