PodBill
Just what I expected
Beanbioca
As Good As It Gets
Zlatica
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
Janis
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
triple8
SPOILERS THROUGH:I just recently saw this film and found it to be absolutely outstanding. In fact it's so outstanding that I am recommending it all over the place to everyone I know. I loved this movie and hope anyone stumbling on this review, who has not seen it, will check it out.The plot's been gone over many many times but just briefly... the story centers on a middle aged man named Leo played by Peter Riegert. He is at a crossroads in his life and everything seems to be going wrong.He's having problems in his marriage, at work, with his father and with his rebellious daughter.Kking Of The Corner, essentially is about life. Or maybe it's not just about life, it's about those little obstacles life throws at us. Leo is just an ordinary guy but he is instantly recognizable and much loved. We root for him from the beginning and the situations he finds himself in are true to life.This is a movie rich on character development and is definitely one of those movies that has you both laughing and crying. There are some scenes in this movie that are Oscar Worthy, I am not exaggerating! I cannot believe this movie is not more widely known and my hope is that it becomes so, as more and more people see it and fall in love with it.Peter Riegert is to be Commended. I read, on this site, about his journey across the country to get this film seen and that in itself is as amazing and touching as this gem of a film.In addition to Riegert, the rest of the cast is great, as well, and there are three scenes I must mention. One is of coarse the funeral scene (where the reason for the title of this movie becomes clear). Second is the incredible scene between Leo and His boss. So Leo finally gets his promotion!! I absolutely loved this scene and what it says about getting ahead. Of coarse it isn't that way in every situation but I gotta say I have known people like Leo's Boss.The third scene is the last scene and suffice to say the ending is as quality as the rest of the film. For people who like a slice of life To their movies, who like character studies, who like their humor sharp and witty and touching, for people who just like GOOD movies, you've found a dream of one here. Hats off to you Mr. Peter Riegert.
Daisyschain
This movie is so subtly well crafted that many of the themes aren't apparent until hours or even days after viewing it. The meaning of the title "King of the Corner" isn't apparent until well into the movie when Leo, at his father's funeral, tells the story of playing with him in the neighborhood pool as a young boy and his Dad tirelessly defending his corner of the pool against all comers. What becomes clear is that as a metaphor for the issues being faced by each generation of the Spivak family. Elaina is a teenager struggling for some freedom with her parents, skillfully playing them off of each other. Leo is struggling for some meaning in his life. In spite of having Middle-America's "dream life" - a lovely suburban home, a beautiful daughter (Ashly Johnson) and a gorgeous wife (Isabella Rossellini), he's unfulfilled and acts out in self-destructive ways. It's not until he finds a way to be "king" of his own corner of the world that he manages to take charge of his life, albeit accidentally.Even though the family portrayed is Jewish, it's not an ethnic film. The trials of this family are universal and the appeal of the film is that the characters are warm and real.If go to movies expecting action and sex, this film's probably not for you (though there is a bit of both alluded to here). If you enjoy skillfully crafted character studies, you'll probably like this movie. Four days after seeing it, I'm still savoring the characters.
katecunning
This was an affecting film with a tremendous cast about the "sandwich" generation stuck between ailing parents and rebellious children, still struggling to make a living (darkly comical shades of "Death of a Salesman") in the cut-throat world of business in modern America. No Golden Parachutes protect the average worker in this social Darwinian world. I've been a fan of Peter Riegert for a very long time & I'm delighted to see him expanding his significant talents into directing. The film's dialog is wonderful and the challenges and failures of middle age will resonate with the adult audience so long ignored by Hollywood films. There were many wonderful performances, but Eric Bogosian's performance as a maverick rabbi was an especial delight.
ginidodds
Looking into the life of a man in his 50's is always fascinating and seldom done in movies (think About Schmidt) because it isn't considered marketable. This movie avoids clichés, stereotypes, etc., with respect to resolving conflicts. It's based on a compilation of two great short stories and the screenplay is equally intelligent. I want to go buy the book of short stories now. A great cast of actors who will do a film for low dough because the material is so good. Peter Riegert, especially, is always someone who can give depth and humanity to any performance, and it really comes through here. (Why this guy can't get a reading/screen test these days when they are casting f%*&g Paris Hilton in feature films is beyond me. I guess Hollywood moguls really operate like the slime balls in 'Player.' Most of all, this film is hilarious! I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time. I can't go into details on the humor because it will spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it. Check it out!!!!