Mr. K

Mr. K had an intriguing concept and some cool, moody vibes. The setup made me think it was going to go somewhere really interesting, but the ending was underwhelming and left me a bit confused. The intro dragged on longer than it needed to, which made it harder to stay engaged early on. I could tell the film was trying to say something deeper, but it didn't really land for me because I just didn't get it. That said, the acting was solid and it looked great visually. Cinematically, no complaints. It had style and potential, but it just didn't fully connect for me in the end. I guess it's one of those "weird" movies.

I was a bit scared after reading some negative reviews, but it wasn't founded. After seeing some really bad movies like 'Reflet dans un diamant noir' and 'the other way around' this was a breath of fresh air. I decided to give it a chance after reading that it won a prize at a fantasy film festival. That's a genre that always produces good movies, and those fans have a much better taste than your average media specialists! A good movie recently was 'Black Dog', from China! Wake up, USA, do they only make series to stream these days? At first the hotel guest is focused on finding the exit, but just like in reality, real life intervenes... The movie is about people who say and do anything that fits their beliefs or their own behavior... And not in a woke way.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the acting, even the dog does well, and there are several intriguing characters. The ending may not be much, but the rest of the movie more than makes up for it. Very atmospheric, nice moments with music, also the choice to make the main character a magician gives the whole thing extra cachet. Recommended!

The opening transition and narration are clever, touching, and deftly done. Bravo. I'd like to say it sets the audience up for the rest of the viewing experience. But sadly the film does never again do anything like it.

The movie looks great and all the elements are there for a remarkable film experience, or at least a memorable one. But instead we get weak uninteresting quirky characters and an endless sequence of nonsensical scenes. At first I was hopeful and intrigued because, surely, there was going to be a pay off. The characters -- all except Crispin Glover's -- appeared to be in on the 'joke' and such elaborate costumes, sets, and staging must be going somewhere. Right? Nope.

More than once I was struck by the impression that I was watching a Tech Demo. I wasn't there for the story or the characters but rather to see this neat thing that the maker did. But not actually a film.

To be honest I stopped watching at some point before the end. I beyond caring about what was going on on the screen at that point that I don't think even the greatest movie ending ever filmed could have re-ignited my interest. But to be clear I have no idea how it ends. Or if it even does.

If it was an exercise in surreal wackiness that could at least be entertaining. But as another reviewer points out it never crosses over into that territory.

Mr. Glover is woefully underused. No doubt the makers were hoping to bring some of his 'character' to the role, but the writing never gives him a chance. They could probably have cast anyone that can muster a lost, bemused expression and the film would not have suffered.

The sets are great. The hotel feels like a place that's a few steps from reality right from the start. But not once was I convinced that any of the characters were an organic part of it. They were just props with the sole purpose of contributing to the atmosphere. This does not a film make.

Mr. K offers a compelling setup with well-crafted visuals and an eerie atmosphere. You spend much of the film trying to decode what the hotel represents - is it a metaphor for life, death, mental imprisonment? Unfortunately, the film offers little clarity, and its abstract nature feels more hollow than profound.

The guests seem resigned to their fate, contrasting with Mr. K's restlessness. One character asks, "Why isn't my truth the right one?" - a question never truly explored. Despite its short runtime, the film drags due to a lack of rising urgency and thematic consistency. The hotel supposedly shrinks, but its dimensions seem to shift arbitrarily.

In the end, Mr. K frees a mysterious being - and perhaps himself. But is he truly free, or has he accepted his fate? The final scene, swimming toward a light, raises more questions than it answers. I wanted to like this film more, but it left me unmoved.

This movie is what happens when everyone behind the camera get full freedom to make the best movie they can make.

Everything is wonderfully made, from small details in the background, light and sound and special effect department.

In the end, you have a mix of Terry Gilliam/Lovecraft and Kafka. The people asking for financial support to this movie deserve a payraise - they seem to have called and knocked on every door and institution in Europe, and i am glad they did.

I am happy they included the first 30 seconds of the movie, and the last 30 seconds as it confirmed my theory on what it allaccomplish were about. I might be wrong, but don´t think i am. There are other movies on the same theme - but i think this is the best one i have seen so far.

This movie makes me think of the value of work, partner and friendship i have in life, something few movies can brag about.

Naturally, Crispin Glover is perfect in this role. Someone that can play a really weak character, like he did in Back to the future, and also the bad guy like he did in American Gods - fits my description of a really good actor.

If someone ever doubt movies as an expression of meaningful art - show them this movie.