A Little Thing Called Murder

It might be hard to believe this story if it wasn't true. For the record, I'd never heard of any of this until I watched this, nor have I read the book. I cannot comment on how close this stays to the actual events. I understand that this is a comedy, and I suppose I can see how some, maybe even most, would find it funny. Not a single thing made me crack a hint of a smile in this, but then again, I do not have a great tolerance for unbelievably irritating and obnoxious women, and apart from this featuring that one from According to Jim who's being so is her sole "joke"(not that that show has a lot of hilarity going on anyway... I digress), the lead is also portraying one such individual. I don't blame the actress. In fact, let's clear that up right away: The performances are spot-on, everyone is credible, and Davis does marvelous. I would guess that the behavior is close to that of the real Sante, and *she* is the one I have the real beef with. The plot is interesting enough, and well-told. Pacing is good. The editing and cinematography are nice. This holds mild violence, disturbing content and a little sexuality. I recommend this to those who like films about con artists. 7/10

Based on a true story, director Richard Benjamin and star Judy Davis (as Sante) nevertheless give this "Lifetime" TV movie a comedy treatment. It's even possible to view "A Little Thing Called Murder" it as a satire of psycho sexy criminal mother movies. Chewing the scenery like it's made of ham, Ms Davis devours her role. Angel-faced (the grown-up) son Jonathan Jackson (as Kenneth "Kenny" Kimes) is her main accomplice. He and the supporting cast stay out of the way and allow Davis and Mr. Benjamin to do their thing. We get why Mr. Jackson went south, but wonder about Davis' character. The subject isn't all that funny, but Davis certainly seems to be having fun. If you relish Davis, chances are you will too.

****** A Little Thing Called Murder (1/23/06) Richard Benjamin ~ Judy Davis, Jonathan Jackson, Chelcie Ross, Cynthia Stevenson

We're told that the Sante and Kenny Kimes is a true story. Not even Tennessee Williams would have dare to dream up a mother/son relationship like this one. Horribly funny. Monstruosly entertaining. Judy Davis is, quite simply, spectacular. Although Richard Benjamin (the director) seems to go for the campy aspects of this outrageous tale, Judy Davis keeps it rooted to some kind of illogical logic. Sante's madness is a first for the screen. Part Bette Davis, part Judy Garland but one hundred per cent Judy Davis. If that seems like an absurdity, look at the movie. Sante/Judy is in constant movement even when she's standing still. A fearless magnificent performance. If this little murder had been a big screen movie. Judy would, certainly, be nominated for an Oscar.

This movie was really good. It's the best movie ever made about this case. I'm gonna read the book that it's based on. Great acting, costumes, production, set decoration, directing, photography, script, and portrayal of this real story and events.

Spoilers Coming Up!

Sante' Kimes was a spoiled brat who did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, hurt other people without a care in the world for their well being and best interest. She enslaved women and beat them with hot irons and other things. That's what sent her to prison with a five year sentence, (she only served three). But she didn't learn anything from it, because she began her felonious behavior again the minute she was released. She also lured her son Kenny in with her.

The Kimes most certainly are guilty of killing Irene Silvermen and the two men. They can deny it all they want, but everyone else knows the truth. The book that the maid gave Kenny with the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" would have been good for Kenny, and I think things would have been different for him if he had been able to keep that book. She could also have used that story herself.

I hope Sante and Kenny Kimes both have lives filled with misery. They should have been given the death penalty. Rot in prison both of you, ha-ha.

I give this movie an 8/10 star rating.

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

For what this movie was, it was perfect. It was Mommy Dearest meets Weekend at Bernies.

Judy Davis was incredible as a Grifter of extraordinary caliber, manipulating everyone yet seemingly believing in her own innocence. The actress should get an award for her superb performance. As an added bonus, she often (perhaps this was intentional?) looked like another flamboyant life of the party - Serina, Samatha's witch cousin from the original Bewitched television series.

Chelcie Ross and Jonathan Jackson were also a great supporting cast, completely believable in their roles as basically manipulated, yet loved, family members.