Grand Canyon
A story of friendship and other natural wonders.
When a lawyer's (Kevin Kline) car breaks down in a dangerous Los Angeles neighborhood, a tow-truck driver (Danny Glover) arrives just in time to save his life. The two men begin a deep friendship that sets off a chain of unsettling and surprising events involving their families and friends for years to come.
Lawrence Kasdan's powerful, uplifting film about the harsh realities of contemporary urban life co-stars Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Mary-Louise Parker and Alfre Woodard.
Member Reviews
Good point, but boring... - BrightAngel
I expected this movie to have more artistic flair than it did. It reminded me of a reality show...boring! There really wasn't any twists, comedy or pizzazz at all. It made a good display of social class differences but I could see that by just observing people as I move about any city. It was a real waste of a lot of really good comedic talent.Crash Light - Stitch
In contemporary cinema using interlaced short stories, what comparison immediately comes to mind? So compared to Crash, how well did the writer and director capture our interest here? Well, the first necessity is to connect the audience emotionally to one or more of the characters so we can vicariously live their experiences.
Unfortunately in this case Danny Glover as Simon has to carry most of the load. He has commendable support from Tina Lifford as his sister, Alfrie Woodard as Jane and, oddly enough, Mary McDonnell as Mack’s wife. The brief scene with Kevin Kline where she acknowledges her intentions towards the baby is understandable and convincing. Kevin has a sweet smile but so do I and unfortunately we have comparable dramatic skills. Steve Martin does his usual adequate schtick but nothing remarkable. However, my major gripe would be with Mary-Louise Parker who allegedly is a fine actress but sadly bombs as the lovelorn aggrieved secretary.
If the opening episode was intended to set the mood, then it had a pretty soft and predictable landing. Granted it tries to invoke the racism issue but that’s not its core. The balance of the film carries on with the same soft edge. So it develops that the most compelling episodes involve Simon and his errant nephew, very well handled by Patrick Malone. Two of these are memorable but doubt I’ll remember others. Granted there’s some angst here and there but nothing to get us all riled up or teary eyed.
The Grand Canyon metaphor (for the issues that divide us?) is far too broad (couldn’t resist) and consequently ineffective, even condescending. But then again no one would accuse this film of subtlety.
In summary, the director and the writer set a pretty light table of tales and you’ll not get indigestion. If it was their intent to not offend and mildly amuse, they succeeded. Personally, I would have preferred a little more meat.Societal Classes - kav2001c
Well done (but dated) film about classes (racial overtones) in modern society
Most current viewers will complain about its lack of edge (as seen in other films such as Crash) but I like it for its genuine simplicity (and Glover in particular is brilliant)
Well worth the rental, though mainly for older viewers
Member Reviews
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Good point, but boring... - BrightAngel
I expected this movie to have more artistic flair than it did. It reminded me of a reality show...boring! There really wasn't any twists, comedy or pizzazz at all. It made a good display of social class differences but I could see that by just observing people ...Crash Light - Stitch
In contemporary cinema using interlaced short stories, what comparison immediately comes to mind? So compared to Crash, how well did the writer and director capture our interest here? Well, the first necessity is to connect the audience emotionally to one ...Societal Classes - kav2001c
Well done (but dated) film about classes (racial overtones) in modern society
Most current viewers will complain about its lack of edge (as seen in other films such as Crash) but I like it for its genuine simplicity (and Glover in particular is brilliant)
Well ...