Last year, between the two of us, we watched an average of 317 movies.
This year our goal is to top that by watching at least one a day.
And as an extra special torture, we've decided to write about all of them.

24 February 2008

You Kill Me, dir. John Dahl (2007)

NIKKI says:
If this movie finally solidified something for me, it's that I really don't enjoy Ben Kingsley's acting. I remember when Sexy Beast was all the rage. I didn't really care, and I didn't go out of my way to see it, because something, somewhere along the line, has turned me off Ben Kingsley. I can't put my finger on what, exactly.

I can hazard a guess, however. Watching this movie, I felt an overwhelming arrogance from the main character that I don't believe I was supposed to feel. This is what happens when I watch this actor. I'm sure it's just me... I can't shake this feeling -- maybe I saw him in an interview or something and some sort of arrogant comment has stayed with me. I don't know, but this wasn't the best film anyway, so no big loss.

I enjoyed it's quirkiness, but I didn't find it all that memorable. I didn't really care about Frank's plight, I didn't care about the mob loyalties, and I didn't really care that he and the girl ended up perfect for each other. I only really liked Tom, Luke Wilson's character, and only because how can you not like Luke Wilson.

So ... meh.

2/5

STEVE says:
I'm not sure what I think of John Dahl. His films run from "just okay" (Red Rock West, The Last Seduction) to "not that good" (Rounders, Unforgettable), so when he brings out something that rises above the norm, it tends to stand out and make me think he's someone to watch.

You Kill Me is one of those movies. It had its quirks - the good kind, not the Juno kind - and kept my interest to the end. I came away thinking it was quite good... but nothing special. And maybe that's my problem with Dahl: he's a competent filmmaker and nothing more. I just have to remember that next time we pick up one of his movies.

2.5/5