K-PAX

Grade: B+

Surprisingly refreshing, thoughtful, and intriguing – even though the movie is somewhat long, awkwardly paced, has unbelievable characters and situations that don’t always work, it is also that rare kind of movie that depends on what each audience member brings to it to determine what they will leave with as well. Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges are wonderful here -- Spacey in the showier role of the “non-human” that he nonetheless manages to instill with genuine grace and humanity, Bridges in the more subtle yet equally compelling earthbound character. The ambiguities in the film work beautifully, so much so that the film takes a nose dive during a not insignificant segment that attempts to provide psychological answers to new-age questions. Knowing that Spacey’s character may be suffering from human trauma rather than enjoying a vacation via space travel is enough to intrigue us, and we don’t need a lengthy detective story when the film’s strength is in its ambiguity. Where Spacey is from and where he returns to is ultimately less important than what he leaves behind, and it is here that the film is both profoundly thoughtful and deeply moving.

More Movie Info: http://imdb.com/title/tt0272152/