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.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:46AM 
A truly special movie.
| Overall Grade: | A- |
| Story: | A+ |
| Acting: | A |
| Direction: | B |
| Visuals: | B |
Summary: Ingenious story, focused acting, indie grit visuals and daring direction that doesn't falter; content warnings- some offensive language, some violence and drug use. In my opinion, this movie is not for anyone under 15. Serious emotional and adult concepts that will be too much for any child. Again, this movie is rated R, and is not for children.
Full Review: We all strive to be something important in life. To make a mark, to be involved in something significant. We want to love and ultimately be loved for who we truly are. We want to be special. To someone. Les Franken (played by Michael Rapaport) is just just like you and I. He is looking for that time, place and relationship in which life fits, your contribution counts and things matter.
But like so many of us, the outward signs for Les are not harrowing his uniqueness in the universe. Quite the opposite. From his job, to his friends, to desolate outlook on his daily existence, Les's life is a deluge of despair all quietly festering in polite secrecy to the rest of world.
Until today. Les gets a chance to join a study for a final trial on an anti-depressant drug. In fact, the drug becomes all Les dreams- or more aptly- Les becomes all he dreams.
The story and preview market the movie as though it were some smart-neck comedy, but it is far from that. With blisteringly wry pathos "Special" delivers an unnerving look at the human soul. Simplistic at times and broken, as we all are, it reverts to the disparity between emotional hopes and the blunt force trauma of reality. There are plenty of coy hyperboles here, but all hit you like a sledgehammer instead of a joke. In the end, the movie watcher feels like the only joke has been in the shallow portrayal that Hollywood film so often (otherwise) makes of real people's problems.
This movie was brilliant, but it is not for everyone. If want a chuckle, don't go here. If you want an answer, you're not looking in the right spot either. But sometimes to find a crumb of truth, you need to search for something found only in pain and failure. And into this world you go, with Les as your guide. And if you can handle the journey, you will indeed find something Special.
Amazon Link : http://amzn.to/UKJlKW
Review by Kim Gentes.
drugs, film, indie, josh peck, kim gentes, michael rapaport, movie, review, rx, special, special rx in A-Movie, Movie Review Friday, February 1, 2008 at 12:19PM 
Best gunslinger movie, maybe ever.
| Overall Grade: | A- |
| Story: | A- |
| Acting: | A+ |
| Direction: | A- |
| Visuals: | A- |
No Country For Old Men is a modern gunslinger movie (set in the 1970's) that is more fantastic than Tombstone, more gripping than 3:10 to Yuma (which I liked) and has the nastiest villian in any genre of the silver screen since Darth Vader. What I like about this movie is, well, everything! To begin with the movie is directed with uncanny precision and brutal honesty by the now legenday Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan). Inside the move, the story's hero is a west Texas local name Llewelyn Moss. Played by James Brolin, he is a perfect combination of a likeable, but earthy local man, with plenty of street smarts and a gritty scathe to his voice and actions that make him seem just tough enough to "kick butt" when the situation requires. The local sheriff (played perfectly by Tommy Lee Jones) is a weathered old guy who plods along methodically trying to find answers. Both the hero and the sheriff play exceptional roles. This movie belongs to the characters, so much so that you hardly care where the stories goes. You remain entralled with the great performances of the actors. But the show hangs squarely on the shoulders of the assassin with a self-inforced code of honor. His name is Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem). You really haven't seen a villian like this for a very long time. He transcends the typical nasty villian or brutal tough guy. Yet it is his honor that keeps him even more feared. Whatever he promises will happen- and most of those promises are not nice.
The storyline is simple enough- a case full of money ends up in Llewelyn's hands. Coming upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone bad, our hero takes a turn to selishly grab the spoils after the conflict leaves everyone else dead. In turn, assassin Anton Chigurh is hired to hunt down Llewelyn and get back the cash. Once the storyline spins up there are no less than 5 parties in a hunt for each other. It is a very well written story and the script is simple, pared back for the action to have impact and characters to grip you. It works and works well.
No child under 15 should see this movie, in my opinion. There is some language not appropriate, but its the violence and suspense that will prove too much for younger viewers.
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/T6GtM0
Review by Kim Gentes