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9

wayne_poshNov 29, 2020

Miranda July’s Kalillionaire offers a glimpse into the lives of a cartoonishly frugal family scraping to survive in LA county. They keep their clothes modest and live adjacent to a soap factory which keeps their living quarters routinelyMiranda July’s Kalillionaire offers a glimpse into the lives of a cartoonishly frugal family scraping to survive in LA county. They keep their clothes modest and live adjacent to a soap factory which keeps their living quarters routinely seeping sudds. These choices aren’t bohemian or gypsy in nature. This family is cheap. While a common struggle often creates a strong bond, there is no suggestion that this family is any closer because of their seemingly endless struggle. The audience sees just one afternoon of this family’s routine, but we get to see this family commit non payment of rent, fraud, and a federal offense to top it all off. But this life of crime isn’t for any larger scheme; it’s to survive. When this family’s luck runs out and is on the brink of eviction is when the plot kicks in and we see how deeply this family’s problems are rooted.

The narrative takes no pauses to allow the audience to keep up. An hour into the movie, and the viewer may still be unsure of the protagonist’s name (which does get revealed in a hilarious anecdote). Nor does the audience necessarily need such handholding. The humor and wit of the writing distracts from the possibly confusing meandering. This is ultimately the heart of the story: the audience develops a strong, loving bond to the characters (some more than others) without really knowing why or how. But the viewer definitely bonds with Evan Rachel Wood’s protagonist. Both cajoled by her parents to live a life of crime (both petty and federal) to pay bills and survive in Los Angeles and completely emotionally neglected, the protagonist garners sympathy from the viewer and maintains an intrigue throughout the narrative. Gina Rodriguez’s Melanie acts as foil to Evan Rachel Wood’s character exuding confidence instead of doubt, obvious beauty instead of oversized track suits. As their relationship develops, both the characters and the audience gain a glimpse into the humanity of being wanted and appreciated. In a particularly poignant moment, the protagonist is rebirthed in a moment of terror accepting everything she was denied and realizing everything she will seek to gain a sense of self going forward. The culmination of both characters’ arcs leaves a satisfying, sweet taste that lingers and urges a second viewing.

Knowing nothing of Miranda July’s catalogue, I knew not what to expect from this film. Based on this viewing, it could be assumed that July’s MO is to break convention, and every moment of the film that broke away from filmmaking standard are what endeared me to this film so immediately and profoundly. The acting is great, the humor unexpected, and the narrative completely novel; any one of these elements would make a film worth viewing, but together, create a film you cannot miss.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

moviemitch96Sep 26, 2020

In this offbeat little indie, Evan Rachel Wood stars as a young woman, who, along with her parents (Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) get by and live day by day as petty thieves and con artists. They soon recruit another young woman (GinaIn this offbeat little indie, Evan Rachel Wood stars as a young woman, who, along with her parents (Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) get by and live day by day as petty thieves and con artists. They soon recruit another young woman (Gina Rodriguez), and things soon become strained and complicated between the four. This is a film that takes a surprising amount of unexpected detours and turns throughout. From the at times unusual dialogue to the simply bizarre scenarios that unfold, nothing is ever quite what it seems in this film. There are times where this works really well, and there are other times where it just seems random and pointless, so it was pretty hit and miss for me personally. However, the four lead actors all give odd yet strangely intriguing performances, with Wood and Rodriguez especially standing out to me by the film's end. I did start to feel as though the story had lost much of its sense of direction by the film's final half hour or so, but everything beforehand, along with the performances kept it interesting enough for me. Overall, random and pointless at times, but quirky and endearing in others, along with four great lead performances made this one just enjoyable enough for me.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

theredskyOct 3, 2020

I was really surprised that I came out of this film really loving it. The trailers didn’t do a whole lot to impress me but I checked it out anyway and it was worth it. This has some of the best writing and lead performances of the yearI was really surprised that I came out of this film really loving it. The trailers didn’t do a whole lot to impress me but I checked it out anyway and it was worth it. This has some of the best writing and lead performances of the year although not my favorite. Miranda July definitely knows what she is doing here. Her directing and writing feel so personal and intimate and she is able to craft one of the most unique stories of the year. There were a couple of slow bits but that didn’t bug me too much but overall, the story was fascinating and engaging. Mostly because the characters here are very well developed and performed. Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez were amazing here and I thought their characters were great. The parents played by Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger were also great too. Each has their own motivations and personality that is separate from everyone else and unique. The film was also very well shot and edited and the humor mostly hits. For a comedy, I didn’t get a ton of laughs out of it but there were a lot times where I did chuckle. Even though some of the comedy didn’t hit, it succeeded very well at all of its emotional hits. Go check this out when you get the chance because it’s not getting enough attention.… Expand

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10

DrBlahBlahDec 28, 2020

Another outstanding comedy from Miranda July, one of the most original and insightful directors of her generation.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

ThatFilmGuy20Oct 18, 2020

A beautiful mess of emotions and storytelling that pierces the heart in its way, KAJILLIONAIRE was all of that and some more. in this wacky and frankly out of sync delivery one tend to lose track of time and reality and just enjoy what's onA beautiful mess of emotions and storytelling that pierces the heart in its way, KAJILLIONAIRE was all of that and some more. in this wacky and frankly out of sync delivery one tend to lose track of time and reality and just enjoy what's on display, this film offers something quite rare, the ability to see yourself and project your own feeling into it, and that is just amazing, it reflects so many aspects of life no matter what you do or where you live, it's quite universal. I believe that no medium except film can offer such a specific feeling or a style of life, I think this film encapsulates the never ending movie magic that leaves you unbelievably fulfilled.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

MommoMangoApr 3, 2021

Miranda July is brilliant. This film is a slow burn with a huge emotional payout, about a disfunctional family unable to show their daughter love. When she ends up in a parenting course and watches a film of a newborn bonding with its mother,Miranda July is brilliant. This film is a slow burn with a huge emotional payout, about a disfunctional family unable to show their daughter love. When she ends up in a parenting course and watches a film of a newborn bonding with its mother, her world begins to unravel as she sees her parents cold cruelty toward her. Part absorbing, visually beautiful in its own weird way, this film has an extraordinary emotional payoff as you root for the daughter to break free.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

TVJerrySep 25, 2020

Don’t be fooled by the trailer! This film appears to be a quirky comedy, but is actually a dreary drama from film director/performance artist Miranda July. It stars Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins as down-on-their-luck, low-grade con artistsDon’t be fooled by the trailer! This film appears to be a quirky comedy, but is actually a dreary drama from film director/performance artist Miranda July. It stars Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins as down-on-their-luck, low-grade con artists who wander around LA trying to scrape up a few bucks with their gawky, closed-off daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). One scam involves a stranger they meet on a plane (Gina Rodriguez) whose presence significantly affects the family. Until she arrives, this bleak family is a downer and so is the movie. It’s trying hard to be quietly peculiar and it succeeds, but at the expense of entertainment. With each tedious scene, I kept hoping for some breakout to make it all worthwhile. Despite a VERY FEW amusing observations, there’s little laughing here…just self-indulgent attempts at being eccentrically off-center.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

bertobellamyNov 14, 2020

'Kajillionaire' is not a bad movie, but some decisions make the plot feel very awkward, and not in a good way. As a self-discovery film at its core, it's very hard to get into these characters, especially with Evan Rachel Wood, whose strange'Kajillionaire' is not a bad movie, but some decisions make the plot feel very awkward, and not in a good way. As a self-discovery film at its core, it's very hard to get into these characters, especially with Evan Rachel Wood, whose strange voice and mannerisms kinda look like a joke. I really liked the general idea, but I just couldn't follow along with its vibe.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

RalfbergsNov 29, 2020

It started out very interesting and something different at the beginning but towards the end got a bit too weird. Maybe I expected something more in style of comedy (which it still was there) but towards the end it got a bit more too boring.It started out very interesting and something different at the beginning but towards the end got a bit too weird. Maybe I expected something more in style of comedy (which it still was there) but towards the end it got a bit more too boring. In general it is ok, I don't consider it a bad movie or smth, but maybe not my taste.… Expand

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5

JLuis_001Oct 18, 2020

The irony of this film, is that its identity and presentation are everything. If it loses it, it doesn't exist.

And I say this because that's the way the director decided to present it to make an impression. It's a film based on its quirksThe irony of this film, is that its identity and presentation are everything. If it loses it, it doesn't exist.

And I say this because that's the way the director decided to present it to make an impression.
It's a film based on its quirks to get attention, but without really making an impact.

The film centers on a family who make a living as scammers. These are Robert, Theresa, and their daughter Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood, who controls the entire film).

All three are "weird," but she easily stands out as the true introvert.
It’s clear that the life she has known so far is all she has, because she simply doesn’t know anything else.

Obviously for the story to work, what’s coming is a change of dynamics and this occurs with the presentation of Melanie (Gina Rodríguez).
She represents a seismic change for Old Dolio, both in the way she perceives her parents and the world. However, this is where in my opinion the film makes its clearest flaw.
This is because its comment on the dynamics of family communication is based solely on the way these characters behave.
Therefore, the message cannot be universal. Because the emotional connection with the audience is never guaranteed, because all we see all the time is these strangers behaving in unusual ways.
So, there is a fine line between too much comedy and the true coming-of-age story.

And this is not me saying that Kajillionaire is a bad film, but its functionality depends a lot on how much this family may interest you, this of course given the notable lack of emotional investment.

Because without a doubt, at some time we've all felt completely out of place like Old Dolio, but how many of us live or lived like her, even in the remotest way possible?

Perhaps some of you will find it more rewarding than I did, because ultimately, despite such interesting characters and good performances, Kajillionaire struck me as a remarkably uneven film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

katezoeJul 17, 2021

Another brilliant film by Miranda July about a family of grifters in L.A. Although, that is just the simple premise. The acting by Richard Jenkins is pitch perfect. Debra Winger is unrecognizable. And Evan Rachel Woods and GINA Rodriguez areAnother brilliant film by Miranda July about a family of grifters in L.A. Although, that is just the simple premise. The acting by Richard Jenkins is pitch perfect. Debra Winger is unrecognizable. And Evan Rachel Woods and GINA Rodriguez are wonderful. Film is a great surprise.… Expand