Film Reviews

K-Pax

• Rating:
• Director: Ian Softely.
• Starring: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Alfre Woodard, Mary McCormack, Peter Gerety, Saul Williams, Patrick Kelly, Celia Weston.
• Details: US / 121 mins / (12PG).

Earnest but unconvincing moral tale in which Kevin Spacey plays Prot, a patient at a mental hospital claiming to be a visitor from an infinitely more advanced planet called K-Pax. Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Powell (Jeff Bridges) takes a special interest in Prot's case, but as he attempts to cure him of his apparent delusional behaviour, the good doctor begins to question the validity of his methods and indeed, the way he has led his life. Emotionally manipulative and clichandeacute;-ridden, K-Pax appears to be one of those films contrived for the sole purpose of Oscar glory. Despite boasting a genuinely intriguing premise, the story is harshly underwritten, sacrificing any real dimension in favour of a feel good message. Considering the material, Bridges and Spacey are decent, but they don't do themselves any great favours. In short, this is eminently forgettable stuff.

Review by Garreth Murphy