Hello my fellow movie goers from around the globe. It’s finally Halloween Month. To get into the Halloween spirit, I’ve decided to pick which movie to watch. I like to share my thoughts on an underrated crime horror thriller called, “Kalifornia.” The Premise is about a writer and a photographer travel across the country researching about serial killers. Suddenly, they pick up two strangers. Unaware one of them is a serial killer on the run.
Kalifornia was released in 1993. (the exact same year I was born) It received mixed reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Plus, it failed to break even at the box office. Overtime, Kalifornia became a cult classic as one of the best (if not the best) 90s films. Roger Ebert actually liked the film giving it four stars.
Brad Pitt’s next films are “Bullet Train” & “Babylon.” To prep up for his next films, I thought about sharing this underrated gem other than reviewing selective horror movies. The aforementioned films are directed by David Leitch (the John Wick series, Atomic Blonde, Nobody) Damien Chazelle. (Whiplash, La La Land, First Man) Reminder. I’ll be selecting horror movies during the month of October.
This review contains no SPOILERS. If you haven’t seen Kalifornia, feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Is Kalifornia a cult classic or a stinker? Let’s find out shall we?
Clean & Messy Qualities
Clean: Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis & David Duchovny all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: During their early careers, both Brad & Juliette appeared in “Too Young To Die.” the former’s character has a southern accent.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to excessive Shaky Cam nor Dutch Angles.
Chemistry between Early & Adele is funny as heck. Both Brad & Juliette must’ve had a good time playing a hillbilly couple. They remind me of that one sketch from “The Amanda Show” known as “Hillbilly Moment.” If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look a clip on YouTube.
Brian & Carrie’s chemistry is normal. Their relationship is a polar opposite towards Early & Adele.
Death Scenes are brutal. If you have a weak stomach, bring a barf bag.
This won’t be the last time Brad & Juliette partake in separate Quentin Tarantino films about serial killers. Brad played Cliff Booth who met members of The Manson Family in “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.” Juliette played Mallory Knox in “Natural Born Killers” who’s in cahoots with a southern murderer. A cult classic way ahead of its time. Despite Oliver Stone directing, Quentin is credited as a writer.
Thank goodness there’s no forced Jump Scares. Horror element retains a Scare Factor involving Brian & Carrie, unware they’re accompanied with a serial killer on the run.
Humor has some oddball moments with Early & Adele. My favorite joke is when Early repeatedly said, “No no no.” I have to give Brad Bonus Points for making me laugh so hard.
The moral of the movie is in fact, never pick up strangers who may or may not have a deep dark secret. So remember kids, never pick up anybody you don’t personally know.
The Ending is so intense. I can’t tell you all about it. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.
Messy: I’m gonna be brutally honest with you fellas. I couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Kalifornia is a criminally (no pun intended) underrated cult classic. The aforementioned movie is one of Brad Pitt’s best works along with “Fight Club,” “12 Monkeys,” “Seven,” “Troy,” “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button,” “Moneyball” & “Inglorious Basterds.” If you’re curious to see this movie, I highly recommend it. What horror movies should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll respond back.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 