Book + Movie List

Kicking & Screaming
Mike Gadd Local $2 joint Saturday, June 18, 2005

Took my son to see this as a reward for a hard day's work. I can't say I'm the biggest Will Ferrell fan. He's good for a chuckle or two and at least he tries hard. They actually found some kids who knew how to handle a soccer ball.

Kill Bill Vol 2
Kristin Schrock Rave Theatre Friday, April 16, 2004

I had some expectations for a fun time with this second installment. Unfortunately, the fun fight movie tranformed into a drama. So I'm not sure what to make of it. It would be interesting to see how it plays out as one film. However, as it stands, its similar to when an artist will release a two disc set--one disc is really good, but the second disc, you know they were reaching, and they needed a good producer (in this case editor) to cut away all the excess. Darryl Hannah, however, is quite good and, perhaps, is the brightest part of this. I don't want to give too much away, but I was bothered by the, what do you call it, simplication or elevation of motherhood. It seems that any time a cool character has a kid, all the fun stuff seems to disappear. David Carradine does some speechifying.

Kill Bill Vol. 2
Jaqi Ross Hollywood video rental Monday, August 23, 2004

There were five on her list. Now it's three. O-Ren Ishii and Vernita Green were the first to fall, now The Bride (Uma Thurman) is out to finish the job by killing Elle Driver, Budd, and last of all, Bill (David Carradine). If the final three aren't afraid now, they better start, because she's coming for them. However, something has thrown off her plans a bit. Her daughter (whom she was pregnant with as she was getting married) is still alive. What affect this will have on her quest for vengeance is unclear, but the question is, will The Bride have actually succeeded in completing her ultimate goal, to kill Bill?

Kill Bill Vol: 2
Steven Krise In my basement on Tivo Sunday, February 20, 2005

A bit of a strange ending to the killfest that was Vol 1. Highlights include Michael Madsen as an out of work, rotund, redneck bouncer-assassin.

Kill Bill Volume 2
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center Friday, April 16, 2004

Uma didn't quite get around to dispatching with Bill in the first volume, but he gets his due in part two, along with a number of minions.

Kill Bill: Vol 1
Kristin Schrock AMC Theatre--Free Preview Tuesday, October 07, 2003

It was FREE! And the tag line is a quote from The Wrath of Khan. So, Quentin, you pretty much had me at hello. The wonderful thing, I think, about a Quentin Tarantino film is that it is obvious that he takes great joy from every scene. So, if nothing else, it is interesting, and takes you on a fun ride. Not meant for the faint of heart as there is A LOT of blood. But Uma acquits herself nicely and there are some groovy fight scenes. Lucy Liu, as always, ROCKS the free world. And, Uma, has some funky, funky feet. I look forward to Volume 2 where Michael Madsen will get a little screen time.

Kill Bill: Vol 1
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center Friday, October 31, 2003

Elaborate, choreographed fight sequences as seen in The Matrix, beautiful settings like those of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, with delightful, quirky scenes as seen in Tarantino's other work, and great gushing gouts of blood never before seen by man. Actually, imdb reveals that most of the movie is composed of homages to films that only a kung-fu-loving video store clerk would recognize.

Kill Bill: Volume One
Julie Gephart DVD rental Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Once we got to Japan, this had to be the most beautiful violence I’ve ever seen. However, it was not one of my better ideas to watch during dinner.

King Kong
Steve Gadd Uptown Cinema Tuesday, December 20, 2005

This movie cost about as much to make as the Empire State Building.

King Kong (1976)
Julie Gephart Basic cable Sunday, July 20, 2003

It’s all about the Jessica Lange, even when she’s playing a bimbo. Ok, maybe especially when she’s playing a bimbo.

King Kong (2005)
A Bennett Gigantiplex Milford Cinema popcorn, MUG Root Beer Monday, January 02, 2006

Probably the largest budget approved by a motion picture studio used to explore the Stockholm Syndrome.

Kingdom of Heaven
Mike Gadd Matinsburg Regal Cinema Friday, May 13, 2005

Ridley Scott knows how to do a good catapult scene, without a doubt. This movie took a little while to get a plot developed. Once it got going it was a nice ride. Despite the Crusades being the focus of the story there was a distinct absence of preaching. The main characters on both sides were quite sympathetic to the beliefs of the other. Like Gladiator the blood flowed and splashed in buckets. Thanks to Steve for the heads up on the ticket price change. Until we get a better theater in Winchester we’ll have to suck it up.

Kinsey
Tony Pisarenkov DVD at home Friday, November 25, 2005

A very good bio-pic of Alfred Kinsey, with both Liam Neeson and Laura Linney doing great jobs in the lead roles. Any complaints, though real, become infinitsemal in the face of the overall quality of the film. Highly recommended.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Steven Krise TiVo in my basement Friday, February 16, 2007

Self-aware little film noire-ish piece set in modern Los Angeles. Val Kilmer was wonderful as Gay Perry.

Kiss of the Dragon
Julie Gephart Mysteriously free HBO Saturday, January 25, 2003

Jet Li is a cop from Beijing working to bust a dirty cop in Paris. I'm here to tell you that if you want to be a dirty cop, Paris is apparently your city - you can just open-fire into crowds, blow things up, beat up suspects in public, and the polite French public will simply ignore you.

Kiss Them For Me (1957)
A Bennett TiVo'd from AMC Morning Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Cary Grant proves the only saving grace of this film, as three aircraft carrier Navy flyboys--mired in combat for over 3 solid years without a break--scam, con and sweet-talk their way into a four day leave in San Francisco. Surprisingly moving when he's forced to drop his playboy facade and talk candidly about his war experience, Grant manages to exude a trio of devil-may-care, PTSD torment, and grim patriotism. These moments are brief, but unexpected in this lighthearted, post-War produced bit of flapdoodle. Also starring My Favorite Martian and Colonel Klink (playing neither alien nor German, respectively).

Kontroll
Steven Krise My Basement (TiVo) Thursday, June 05, 2008

I was expecting a low-budget horror flick, but it turned out to be more of a psychological allegory. Other reviewers have panned its shallowness, but I liked the characters and found the visuals to be arresting.

Koyaanisqatsi
Steve Gadd DVD at home Saturday, November 23, 2002

An arresting and unique combination of time-lapse, slow motion, and stock film with a Philip Glass soundtrack. In part a documentary on technology, in part a medatative experience. Thanks to Gareth for the gift.

Kung Fu Hustle
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD Wednesday, September 14, 2005

I was going to give it a 7 until I went back and re-listened to what Donut said just before he died. That bit of crazy-random homage was thrown in with the flair and glee of a virtuoso, and elevates the film beyond anything I expected from it. Kung Fu Hustle is a fond, occasionally farcical tribute to the Hong Kong kung fu film industry, and a sweet little story in its own right.