IDIOT REVIEWS

-- movie reviews from an idiot teenager --

DIRECTOR: Dominic Sena

WRITER: Ted Metcalfe

CAST: Brad Pitt, David Duchovny, Michelle Forbes, Julliette Lewis

IMDB RATING: 6.5/10 - underrated, really.  Those who don't accept the premise of the film don't particularly like it.  But if you just go with it, it's a heck of a thrill ride.

BUDGET: $9 million

BOX OFFICE: released in only 350 theaters, it made about $2.4 million.  Had it been released two years later, after Interview With A Vampire and Legends of the Fall made Brad Pitt a superstar, and X-Files made Duchovny at least a lower-level star, it probably would have made 20 times that - or more.

Kalifornia

1993

* * * 1/2

            A writer in the midst of a coffee table book on serial killers (David Duchovny) and his photographer girlfriend (Michelle Forbes) are going on a road trip to California to visit some of the most famous serial killer locations, but are low on cash, and so put out an ad for two people to share gas and stuff on the way.  Two people join: hick Early Grace (Brad Pitt) and his mentally challenged girlfriend (Julliette Lewis).  By the way, Early is a serial killer, which the other couple slowly begins to find out.

            And if you believe that would happen in real life, I have a bridge to sell you.

            However, if you do accept the premise, you are in for the ride of your life.

            Of course, you would expect the film to just be Friday the 13^th: The Road Trip.  However, the script is actually intelligent.  The characters are strongly written and believable and things they say and do completely believable under the circumstances.  All four stars are absolutely superb.  Pitt is terrifying, Duchovny and Forbes are completely believable in very difficult roles, and Lewis is simply brilliant. 

On top of this, director Dominic Sena gives the film so much style and atmosphere it sucks you in and blows you away at the same time.  The powerfully stated irony of the story completely makes up for the fact that it's all just a coincidence. This is seriously one of the most riviting and emotionally effective thrillers ever made and, unlike most of them, it's also utterly unforgettable.

Of course, the violence and situations do make it hard to watch at times.  And if you don't accept the idea, it won't be anywhere near as freaky or exhilarating as it is to those who are drawn in.  However, it it grabs you, it grabs you.