Kodachrome (2017) Reviews

• Nothing new, yet compelling.

  LiveYoLifeLikeYouMeanIt2018-04-28

  How much does a movie's originality in terms of storyline play into it's ultimate, overall quality? Should a film be seen only in terms of the movies that have come before it? From it's title and poster to the actual film itself, Kodachrome sets itself up to be THAT kind of a road trip movie. The kind that features Hollywood jaw lines gazing into the setting sun as your quintessential bright red convertible speeds through a quiet countryside. This is accompanied with that melodious Indie track that rounds out the scene. Kodachrome is most definitely about something; it has meaning, it has purpose. The performances are affecting. The direction is largely unobtrusive and contents itself with letting the script do all the talking, exuding a tenderness that pervades and persists throughout the entire film. Yet, all of these accomplishments are left denied by the aforementioned screenplay which not only resorts to a fundamental premise that is unoriginal but dialogue that routinely divulges into the perceived cliches of the 'road trip' movie. Characters repeatedly break into melancholy monologues about love, life and art, making biting observations on the human condition. From afar, the plot unfurls predictably and there is nary a moment where the viewer is surprised. Also, as a movie where the narrative is driven by the praise for tradition film format and analog technology, and despite having been aptly shot in 35mm film, photography as an art form itself does not play a more central role in dictating the nature of the storytelling. Given it's narrative simplicity, the experience could have been unique if the origins and vitality of preserving the old art form were entwined into the story, serving as an effective case for the preservation of the film format. While these are my qualms with the movie, there is no denying that it is constructed with care and an eye for detail that could easily have been left out. The characters are fairly well realized through whom the movie commendably balances the humour with the drama. The performances manage to convey the gravity of the story and the simple confidence with which the movie progresses is sure to engage most viewers. Ultimately, Kodachrome stands as an undemanding, welcoming road trip movie; you won't feel new feelings, but you will revisit old ones, much the same way you might look at some personal Kodak photograph of old.

• Absolutely loved it.

  ancwyatt2018-04-23

  Great movie, of course a movie with any terminal illness will be somewhat predictable. What's not to get, we don't need plot twists or surprise endings, that's not the premise. But it still doesn't mean the scenario has any less sentiment. Jason and Ed in a film, I'm watching it, both are incredibly talented actors. Anyone who has experienced anything remotely close to situations in this story will be wrenched with emotion. Two big thumbs up for me.

• Not your typical road movie...

  bills-steven2018-04-21

  This isn't your typical road movie. When a nurse (Elizabeth Olsen) shows up at Matt's work to tell him that his father is dying, he couldn't care less. They haven't spoken in over a decade. But wait, there's more! Zoey wants Matt to accompany Ben (Ed Harris) to the only lab in the country that is still processing Kodachrome film before it shuts down in a week. He basically gawks at her and tells her to get lost, but she's persistent, to the benefit of all involved. In 'Kodachrome', we're taken on a beautiful journey of years lost and bitter roads not traveled. The character arcs are believable, for the most part. Being a father, I got a bit teary-eyed at the "climax" of the movie (spoiler alert: You will never see it coming!). The cinematography is excellent. They weren't afraid to let the action play out in darkness. Not everything is perfectly lit, and that lends to the authenticity of the film. The restitution at the end of the film feels well deserved: Just leave it to a road trip to have an estranged father and his down-and-out son come to terms with their past, as well as confront questions about their future.

• it got me tears

  dannenberg-173412018-05-18

  Short review. this movie got my eyes wet, for the first time in 10 years i got a tear in my eye. i really needed it, and i know my people can reflect on this movie. it gets a 400% from me

• enjoyable and touching

  dutchtea-322-7895302018-04-23

  A man out of luck in his job at a recordlabel is surprised at work by his father's nurse. She tells him his father is dying and wants to take one last trip to Kansas to get his remaining kodachrome photo's developed. Needless to say the son is less than excited to go on a trip with his bad-tempered dad but he does it anyway. Though fairly predictable this is an enjoyable movie. The leads, Jason Sudeikis, Ed Harris and Elisabeth Olsen give fine performances. Especially Sudeikis excells in a role you don't really expect from him. The movie has a nice soundtrack and is nicely shot. Recommended