King of the Hill

Soderbergh delivers a heartfelt story that is both entertaining and compelling, without getting too overly sentimental, but moving and inspiring nevertheless. The impeccable cast includes a smashing young Jesse Bradford and a very appealing Adrien Brody in an early role. A definite must.

Simple review. When Olympic judges rate a performance, they look for flaws and deduct accordingly. When beauty contest judges look at a pretty girl, they do not look at what works, they look at what doesn't. Same with film reviews. I watched mesmerized. One of the most perfect films I have ever seen. Perfect casting, action, direction, writing, pacing, music. Possibly one of the most perfect films ever. And, most astonishing of all, not well known even to film buffs.

at first sigh, it is his film. at the second, it is the film of Adrien Brody. or the film of city, period, locations, atmosphere, humor. but Jesse Bradford has the admirable - and provocative - art to create an entire universe around him. a sort of aura. who becomes one of the most inspired descriptions of the "30 decade. who gives to the childhood the right an complete definition. who impress. who becomes source of a form of seduction out of ordinary rules. a beautiful film. remembering Dickens and the great books about Economical Crisis.

This is a beautiful movie about an enterprising young man who survives various hardships during the depression. It has a bitter edge but isn't excessive and brings back tales of my grandmother's of how her family coped during the depression. My grandmother's parents were far more functional than the frail ill mother and the traveling salesman father who basically abandons his child to work out of state. I agree with other comments it hardly seems American because it is so deep without smashing the hammer down on our heads. Even though it is harsh I think it is suitable for older children if nothing more than an abject lesson about how real and difficult life really was. The irony is that America still exists to a lesser degree we just don't see it in the movies or on TV.

"King of the Hill" is a great film. The acting is brilliant. Jesse Bradford is a stand out and it's one of those performances where you're awed by the fact that someone that young can be such a fantastic actor (like with Haley Joel Osment in "The Sixth Sense" and Eamonn Owens in "The Butcher Boy"). It's also interesting to see Adrien Brody in an early role as I just noticed him a few weeks ago when I saw "Summer of Sam". The film itself is also a very interesting and touching drama. Bravo Soderbergh! (7/10)

A young boy struggles on his own in a run-down motel after his parents and younger brother are separated from him in 1930s Depression-era Midwest. Being based on a memoir, I have to wonder how much of this is fact and how much is fiction. There is nothing fantastical, so I am inclined to believe that it is largely true. However, given that the main character is prone to telling stories, it leaves me to wonder if perhaps the narrator may even have fudged a few things in the process. Ultimately, it does not really matter either way. The story is enjoyable and the whole thing is very tightly directed and edited. Although not very much actually happens to this kid, it is still fun to watch him get himself into and out of jams... and we have to wonder how much of a con artist the pet store owner is.

Everything works with this one. Really interesting and heart-rending story, great characters, fine sets, lighting, costumes, music, excellent acting. Someone compared this to The Pianist and I see what he means. It reminds me of a movie like Paper Moon, but whereas I disliked the Tatum O'Neal character (stealing from those who could not afford to lose the money), I really like this boy. I also think the pangs of missing family, what it's like to be a child, are more realistically done in this movie than in Paper Moon. I really can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like this - it's very mainstream, very good - and in contrast to those who say this reminds them of some European movie, I would say it's as American as apple pie. I highly recommend it. (It also helps that Lisa Eichorn is my favorite living actress - and Karen Allen would be in the top ten).

it is not exactly a movie. but a very precise map. for feelings, emotions and essence of a period from American history. example of admirable script and acting, it is a film of strong characters and deep exploration of atmosphere pieces. a touching film who reminds old truths and gives a splendid story. short, a film about courage and hope with a magnificent young Jesse Bradford. one of films who, after years, preserves in its title sound not insignificant memories. a film by Soderbergh who can be useful for many viewers. not only for certainly artistic virtues but for a story not very rare but powerful and convincing in every moment. a real good film. see it !