Kabluey

Scott Prendergast emerges as a talented writer, director and actor. The basic premise of 'Kabluey' may sound familiar but this non-glamorous, non-polished and subtle film stays true to life. Prendergast includes themes like the war in Iraq (and its effect on their spouse and children) and corporates ripping off the common population in the story but it is all understated and part of the main story rather than a subplot.

Even the performances are understated. Prendergast is impressive as the penniless goofy black or blue sheep of the family who tries to be of some use to his sister-in-law. Lisa Kudrow is sublime proving once again that she can take any role and breathe life into it. Skillfully downplayed, in the beginning her character is not very likable but one does sense Leslie's pain and despair and gradually sympathize with her as Kudrow peels the layers exposing the depth of this working mother. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is pretty good as 'one of the corporates'. While the rest of the very talented cast: Chris Parnell, Teri Garr, Conchata Farrell and Christine Taylor, do a terrific job.

The camera is used very efficiently. There is a particular long shot which takes place when Kudrow walks out of the motel that is of note. The locations are also wonderfully captured and it is interesting to see how Leslie's quiet neighborhood contrasts with the grasslands next to the highway. You don't see many people in either place. Both feel cold and 'unlived' in. Then you see Leslie's house which is at times cluttered and at times tidy but never does it feel like 'a home' because it doesn't look like it's being taken care of.

It is the treatment Prendergast gives to 'Kabluey' that makes it such an original, refreshing, funny but also uplifting film. Some of the funniest scenes are the ones with Salman and the kids and with kabluey. Perhaps the funniest one being the one where the blue kabluey and cheesegirl team up. In addition, I really liked the unconventional soundtrack and the little animated feature that appears during the end credit.

Prendergast has created a little gem and 'Kabluey' has been a delight to watch. I intend to revisit this one again.

My favorite kind of films have often been small, independent gems like this one, films that are the unique visions of under financed directors and not the bloated studios.

First, Lisa Kudrow. I liked Friends, but I wasn't crazy about it. That's why she was such a surprise to me here. Her character is initially unlikeable, but once you see why she does the what she does, she becomes sympathetic. Her scene when she walks away from the motel room fight is fantastic. She's hurt, her life is crumbling, and you feel for her. She's hateful and funny, a really good performance.

And newcomer Scott Prendergast, co-star, writer and director does a unique turn here as the black-sheep weirdo who becomes a kind of superhero that saves the family. I can't wait to see what he does next.

If you're expecting some stupid comedy, skip this and rent Mall Cop. If you want something unexpected, unusual and funny, give Kabluey a shot.

Saw Kabluey at the Austin Film Festival last eve, and walked out loving the film. Logically, I know it shouldn't be surprising to see a low-budget film capture characters that are so real, and yet do parody and comedy so well. Kids sitting behind me laughed at all the same spots I did. It manages to stay in the realm of indy-odd, but deliver a well-crafted plot line, and characters that you love. A sprinkling of well recognized actors who give great performances...loved Conchata Ferrell. Scott Pendergrass holds it together through the entire film.

Scott Pendergrass afterward said there might be an announcement coming next week at the Hamptons festival, so hopefully it will sign a distribution deal. This film deserves to be widely seen.

I had really thought great slapstick comedy was a lost art, one that I'd have to go to DVD's of Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd to experience. Then I saw "Kabluey." For the first half of the film I was laughing my head off, not only at the sheer outrageousness of it all but also at Scott Prendergast's brilliance at building gag on top of gag, making you laugh harder at each one until by the end of his "stack" you're literally screaming with joy. The second half slowed down a little but also proved that Prendergast could do pathos, and the ending is as heartbreaking as anything by Chaplin. There've been a few comedians in the modern era who showed they COULD have ranked with the stars of the past (Robin Williams, Jim Carrey), but Williams got stuck into too many overstuffed vehicles and Carrey seems to have been penalized by his audience every time he tried to reach beyond fart humor. Let's hope Scott Prendergast keeps making simple, unpretentious and utterly hilarious movies like this.

Had no idea what I was about to watch. Came recommended from Kennsington Video. Very entertaining and thought provoking film about doing the right thing spontaneously. Has a very surreal almost Lynchian quality through the first half ( Be patient through first 20min). Anyone who's had or babysat 4-6 yr old boys, or rode the bus will get a good laugh. A really nice mix of humor and meaning. It takes place present day with references to the war in Iraq the recession and a very believable premise. I also found the acting of the main characters superb. I guess Id describe this as an unexpected hero story or unexpected guardian story. Without spoiling anything Ill just say Kabluey is the best brother and uncle you could ask for. Cute without being corny.See it.