SYNOPSICS
Viva Las Nowhere (2001) is a English movie. Jason Bloom has directed this movie. Daniel Stern,James Caan,Patricia Richardson,Lacey Kohl are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2001. Viva Las Nowhere (2001) is considered one of the best Comedy,Crime,Drama,Music movie in India and around the world.
Somewhere in Kansas, Frank operates the Middle O'America Motel and dreams of opening a club where he'll sing his country songs. His wife Helen is disparaging, so when a scheming chanteuse is dumped by her loutish husband on Frank's front door, Frank is bewitched. In short order, though, the visitor (Julie) has dispatched Helen, set in motion a con for Frank's money, called her husband to come get her, and taken Frank's army buddy (just arrived for a visit) into the bathtub for some fun. Soon Frank is in over his head, just as Helen's twin sister comes for a visit and Julie's husband arrives looking for his wife. Is there any way out of this situation (and out of Kansas) for Frank?
Viva Las Nowhere (2001) Trailers
Same Actors
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Viva Las Nowhere (2001) Reviews
What a cool little film.
This is one of those films I can easily watch over and over again. I say this because I have watched it over and over again. A great cast of interesting characters. A delightfully funny film. I have recommended it to everyone I know.
Almost ... a great movie
The variables for a Coen-like classic were all in place: A remote location. Eccentric, aloof, clueless people. Deft performances by Patricia Richardson and Jimmy Caan. In fact, there was so much good stuff going on in the first hour that you didn't really mind that a New York Jew would end up in Kansas singing folk songs (can you say: Bob Dylan?). Unfortunately, the stories start to meander hopelessly in the second act. The most interesting characters are killed off - although in a superbly comical way - and we are left with random schlock throughout. Gone from the film are Lacey Kohl as a wayward, talented bohemian singer, Tim Abell as "Merle" a former marine and Patricia Richardson's better half, "Helen" ... We have to endure a morose slapstick-theatre where all promises made in the first act are left unfulfilled. Even the "where-are-they-now" comic-vignettes during the end credits cannot salvage the mess left in its wake. Somehow there is a fine line between "Dark Comedy" and "Darn Stupid" and methinks the director's personal arrogance has blinded him to this demarcation. Hopefully, there is another "Bio Dome" in the future for Mr. Bloom.
Feels more like a European film made in America
Viva may disappoint those viewers expecting the usual movie formula that builds steadily to a finish of climax/crisis/closure/resolution etc. If you enjoy a more European style of story + ambiance, with less reliance on a last-minute closure piece, then you'll likely find great enjoyment in Viva. I rate it way above the 5.8 that it's currently averaging, and I've noticed that a good many movies of a similar genre lose out by voters confused and trying to "get to the point" of the movie (there isn't one). It's not sharp, incisive, nor ground-breaking, and the real gems are the great character roles, the meandering story, with moments of great visual splendor or visual poetry, if that makes sense. Very enjoyable film for this viewer.
Fantastic, unpredictable, original
I saw this film at the Calgary International Film Festival. I have to admit, it was not high on my list when I looked at the other films that were being shown. I was pleasantly surprised. The story is not complex, but it is unpredictable. The cinematography is wonderful and the acting is good - except for a couple of scenes. It was a very funny film, definitely worth seeing.
pretty good black comedy
I was attracted to this movie on the theory that certain good actors have a knack for avoiding dreck and choosing good material. This has been true, in my book, for James Caan, an excellent and underrated performer. The movie - in my video store under the title 'Dead Simple' - proved to be an above average black comedy that draws the viewer into a web of more and more complicated deceit, murder, manslaughter and treachery. Also practically worth the price of the rental alone is the delicious Lacey Kohl in the bimbo role, a most alluring piece of eye candy. And Caan's Willy-Nelson-style tonsorial garb is a sight to behold. This overlooked movie is well worth renting.