Auggie Rose

One of the markers of a fully realized film is quality casting that extends to the minor characters. Auggie Rose (really, a better title than Beyond Suspicion, and one that stands out as unique from other TV Movie titles- as does the film) is cast well all the way down to the Under 5s. Tabak has written a compelling exploration of the motivating power of guilt and the capacity for reinvention in times of despair. The conclusion is both eerie and unexpected (am I a heel for thinking that- see it and you tell me). But above and beyond the great work on the part of our writer/director and principles (Jeff and Anne do great work)it was delightful to see Richard T. Jones and Max Perlich again, Amy Hill stands out as particularly enjoyable and what can I say, I'll watch Timothy Olyphant any time. If you can't make it the Cinema Village in NYC where it just opened try to catch it wherever you can. Congrats Matthew.

Let me start by saying that this story line is completely insane! It is not unbelievable, nor is it immature. It is temporarily insane.

Suffering OCD from a trauma, John (Goldblum) begins demonstrating classic "searching" behavior. He investigates and finally insinuates himself into a situation which is absurd, in a vainglorious attempt to atone for a wrong which he did not commit.

Honestly, while the story itself was oddly compelling, the key element this work features is the versatility of Goldblum as an actor. He shows a depth and range here which his characters are not usually afforded.

I felt that this was one of the best performances of his career!

I cannot wait to see what he does next!

It rates a 9.4/10 on the "B Scale" from...

the Fiend :.

"Augie Rose" tells of a life insurance salesman (Goldblum) who assists a dying deli clerk (Augie Rose) after a stickup gone bad. Caught in the shootout, the near death experience for the Goldblum character awakens something in him which sets in motion some very peculiar events. This drama-lite production is obviously staged and too theatrical to taken for realism. However, the story is sufficiently intriguing and quirky to hold interest as it wends it way to a conclusion well worth waiting for. A fun little movie with good chemistry between Goldblum and Heche. Kudos to Kabak for this gem.

I just viewed this film last night on Cinemax and I kept telling myself "This is not supposed to be this good". I loved this film. ...And whoever recommended that if you like this film, you'd like "American Beauty" were right on the mark. The two films are totally different, but they both deal with what happens when certain events serve as a pivotal point for major changes in the lives of two men who need to be jump started. I'm not a big Jeff Goldblum fan, but I really believe this is one of the best things he's ever done and I admire him for taking a role in a film that probably won't get very much attention. Great story and I really loved Anne Heche also. Wonderful experience. Like "American Beauty" as you watch this and the plots gets more and more complex you actually marvel in where you're being taken.

For whatever reason, the original title of this film, "Auggie Rose," was changed to "Beyond Suspicion" for the video. The video title is very misleading, hinting at a dark, film-noir, thriller sort of movie.

It isn't. While there is one dangerous character who provides obstacles and intriguing possibilities for John, Jeff Goldblum's character, the film is populated by likable, interesting people. Auggie's still-incarcerated former prison cellmate is especially interesting. He's a criminal through and through, yet he has a world-weary wisdom about enjoying the simple things in life that makes him a tragic figure.

Jeff Goldblum is, as usual, totally wonderful, and Anne Heche struck just the right note in her portrayal of a sweet, kind, but not naive woman who is open and accepting with her love. This is a very well-made exploration of one man's journey into an entirely new way of life.

See it!