GRAND CANYON!

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There is a lot to digest here in this Lawrence Kasdan film. But if you stay with it, there are many kernels of goodness. This is quite a departure for Friday Movie Suggestion Night. I will tell you ahead of time that this film does not unwind from the spool in a conventional manner. It requires concentration, but then Kasdan's directing is always interesting. In this film, he appears to be "multi-tasking" with the film's focus through each of the character's lives. Many people at the time this movie was released made a big deal of the fact that Kasdan brought us "The Bill Chill" as a characterization of the 80's and may have over-stepped in assuming the same effect for the 90's. I tend to be more cautious with such statements. You be the judge. This is an entirely different film. We are drawn into the struggles of urban life as it revolves around six residents of Los Angeles, California who come from varying backgrounds and find more meaning and definition to their lives through a series of dramatic events--each one allowing us to follow the paths of the characters. (The first event between two men of different races is gripping). Each member of this group finds their lives changed by the larger events of the world, and as a result they discover more commonality with one another than divisiveness. I--for one--was surprised to see Steve Martin in this type of role. Whatever you conclude, ultimately this is a powerful and well-acted movie with a tremendous Cast: Danny Glover as Simon; Kevin Kline as Mack, Steve Martin as Davis, Mary McDonnell as Claire, Mary Louise-Parker as Dee, Alfre Woodard as Jane, Jeremy Sisto as Roberto. The film is Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and Executve Produced by Keith Shartle. This film was Nominated at the Oscars for Best Original Screenplay in 1991(Lawrence and Meg Kasdan). It is quite an experience. See what you think and ENJOY!