Movie Review: You Kill Me by ME

Title: You Kill Me
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Téa Leoni, Luke Wilson, Dennis Farina, Philip Baker Hall
Directed By: John Dahl
Produced By: Téa Leoni, Jonathan Dana, Al Corley
Genre: Comedy and Thriller
Release Date: June 22nd, 2007
MPAA Rating: R for language and some violence.
Distributors: IFC Films

Ben Kingsley proves once again why he's an Oscar winner in the slightly off kilter darkish comedy You Kill Me. Kingsley plays Frank, a hitman for the Polish mob in Buffalo. Problem is, he's an alcoholic. His problem causes him to botch one too many jobs so boss Roman Krzeminski (Phillip Baker Hall) sends him to San Francisco to clean up. While there, he meets Laurel (Téa Leoni) and falls for her. In the meantime, things aren't Kosher back in Buffalo as an Irish gang, led by Edward O'Leary (Dennis Farina), is trying to take over the family business. Frank has to get back and do some “cleaning up” of his own.

I love films that catch you off guard. And a movie about a hitman that makes you feel for him certainly qualifies. What really made it work for me were the quick witted quips that Leoni and Kingsley keep firing at each other throughout. Even though there is an age difference between the two, somehow it is believable. They just work well together. So, it is safe to say that those two hit it out of the park with this one. Bill Pullman takes a turn as a slightly weaselly real estate agent who is supposed to keep tabs on Frank. The small part suits him and I believe that he is a little bit better than most people give him credit for. Luke Wilson pops in as Franks AA Sponsor and basically plays himself. No big stretch there. And I just have to mention Dennis Farina. Anytime you need a mob guy or a cop, this is the guy to call. Which is kind of weird if you think about it, that he can play both equally well.

Some may liken this to Grosse Pointe Blank, but I think that Grosse Pointe Blank tried a little too hard to be a comedy. It worked, but in You Kill Me the humor is balanced by the emotion that is portrayed by Kingsley. He was the best at what he does and after the realization that he is screwing up quite badly he strives to recapture the finesse he once had. John Cusack was pretty much just hamming it up in GPB. I haven't mentioned director John Dahl as this is the first film I have seen from him. It is rumored that he might be helming a sequel to The Punisher, so it will be interesting to see what he does with that (if the rumors are true).

Have you ever noticed that the best movies speak for themselves? I really can't think of anything more to say about this flick except that if you have the opportunity to see it, don't pass it by!

Until I get my six month chip,
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Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com