Khali the Killer

The creators clearly intended to defy the viewer's expectations. When we first see the hit-man title character, he is coldly executing a set of enemies, but minutes later we see him carjacked by a suburbanite teenager, still later getting mistaken for a child molester while looking for his vehicle, and not long afterwards even losing his nerve stalking a pathetically easy target. We know him to have acted ruthlessly, but he's emotionally undone by seeing his grandmother slip into dementia. He self-identifies as a Hispanic East Angelino (i.e., East L.A.), but the only complete sentences he can speak in Spanish are the corny pick-up lines he addresses to his estranged wife. Richard Cabral proves himself a viable leading man, consistently watchable and believable as a desperate but selectively compassionate man, and many of the smaller roles are resourcefully cast. There is blessedly little visual distraction, the director having chosen ready-made locations and somehow having shot a 90-minute movie in less than three weeks. Plot-wise, you could argue that that wrap-up is implausibly tidy (and that technique-wise a few film edits aren't so tidy) but, again, the performances and the uncanny balance of realism and observational comedy is what holds our interest. And after watching, you'll likely avoid tangling with anyone driving a light blue Hyundai.

Cool movie. Some lines were interesting...wonder where the writers got their material from...

He's a hit-man. He's suppose to be a culinary master, but his kitchen is empty. He's suppose to be Latino, but he doesn't speak Spanish. Terribly written and with a fake 70's style that is grating and laughable.

Obviously written and directed by someone who doesn't know anything about Latinos. Pathetic.

Jon Matthews' Khali the Killer is one of the intresting dramas of the century. It bolsters viewers through a captivating dilemma of whether to choose feelings over intentions. Ideally, this the same situation experienced by everybody in the real world though not the murderous nature. Indeed, I am tempted to believe, Mathews directed the movie as an encouragement to many disappointments experienced by people. Khali the Killer is one such movie suited for all audience with parental guidance recommended at different scenes. In the movie, the role of Khali is taken by Emmy-nominated actor Richard Cabral. Evidently, he is the acclaimed LA hitman who turns into a good guy. From the onset, the resounding background gives him the right profile for the job; however, as the scenes unfold one is tempted to have him as the favorite character. For example, I found myself rooting for him throughout the movie. Khali seemed to have his heart in the right place, but he could not get ahead in life. He wanted to do the right thing, but life kept throwing him curveballs. As a result, he decided to face what life had provided. Critically, this is a motivation for people to always turn their challenges into opportunities. Khali lives with his ailing grandmother, Sarah played by Deena Freeman. She had developed dementia and needed appropriate care. It is the motivation and love for her that drives his desire for another hit job. Khali's life changes when his last hit job forces him to focus on what he does for a living. Khali's estranged wife, Cori, played by the beautiful actress, Corina Calderon. After realizing her predicament, Cori moved on with her life by marrying a straight lace geeky type guy, a total opposite of Khali. She was searching for stability and a better life for her daughter despite being in love with him. She constructs a list of questions to see which man knows her best. Khali again shows his soft side by answering her questions correctly proving he is the one who "gets her." Overall, a great cast and the talented directing demonstrated by Jon Matthews in Khali the Killer makes it a must-see movie.

The opening scene of the film sets expectations for savage brutality at any moment. And with that tension Jon Matthews is able to insert cathartic, playful humor to great effect. The score, which channels American Westerns, is a surprisingly perfect fit for this unconventional crime drama set in LA.

Richard Cabral fills his role so completely and convincingly that it came as no surprise to learn that Cabral has roots in gang culture. The only thing not believable is that his character doesn't speak much Spanish, because he has the pronunciation of a native speaker. But his powers of sensibility and fearlessness create so much emotional authenticity that it's often easy to forget you're watching a work of fiction. A strong supporting cast and unexpectedly subtle cinematography results in some stunning storytelling for a highly relevant story.