TKG: The Kids of Grove (2020)

TKG: The Kids of Grove: Directed by Damien Giglietta. With Alexandra Adornetto, Ernest Arfan, Mark Casamento, Anthony Ciccotosto. Wrapping up a long week of work employees are in a fight for survival against a local gang who are out for blood – but who is justified? A thrilling look into the consequences experienced by trying to do the “right thing” by society.

“Greetings again from the darkness. Ordinarily, a film with Rosamund Pike and Bruce Greenwood in key roles would be sufficient for me to stay home and watch The Nature Channel. However, Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman, as son and father, in a story based on Mordecai Richleru0026#39;s novel was motivation enough for me to buck up and give this one a shot. And what a pleasant surprise this film is.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eGiamatti has mastered the role of cynical, self-absorbed, frumpy schlub and his Barney is every bit that. The story is told through extended flashbacks after we learn a detective has written a book accusing Barney of killing his best friend (Scott Speedman). No charges were brought and itu0026#39;s not until the end in an extremely creative reveal that we understand what really happened that day at the lake. Unfortunately, we arenu0026#39;t sure if Barney ever understands, but thatu0026#39;s a whole different topic.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBarneyu0026#39;s first marriage comes about because his girlfriend gets pregnant. This one ends in tragedy and betrayal and allows Barney to spend much of his life on the path of cynicism, alcoholism and cigar-chain-smoking. He is no pretty sight – from inside or out. He stumbles into his second marriage, this one to Minnie Driver. Ms. Driver is wonderful as the Jewish princess with a Masteru0026#39;s Degree. How do we know? She continually reminds us of both facts. Ever known anyone that just constantly reminds you of how smart they are? How this marriage ends leads to the whole suspicion of murder and loss of best friend for Barney.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe real key to the story occurs at the wedding. Instead of worshiping his new bride, Barney watches hockey, does shots with his Dad (Dustin Hoffman) and experiences love at first sight … not with his bride, but with a guest played by Rosamund Pike. This encounter puts Barney on a singular mission of winning over Ms. Pike, despite his marriage to Driver. Canu0026#39;t really give anything away here other than the story is very clever in how it handles the pursuit, failed marriage and subsequent true love story.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOnly thing is, Barney never really u0026quot;getsu0026quot; what true love is. Pike has a wonderful scene where she explains that life and love are in u0026quot;the seconds, the minutes, the routinesu0026quot;. Barney nods but is clearly in over his head in so many ways.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat I really appreciate about this story is how there are so many relationships that seem to spring from reality … people we know in situations weu0026#39;ve been in. The title, of course, refers to Barneyu0026#39;s version of reality. How he sees things. We could each replace his name with ours for a movie on our life. Do we see reality, or is reality how we interpret these seconds, minutes, routines? The answer seems pretty clear.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is directed by Richard J. Lewis (not the comedian) but is really a product of the amazing story and talented cast led by the extraordinary performance of Giamatti. Dustin Hoffmanu0026#39;s scenes are all excellent, and his real life son Jake, plays his grandson in the film. Donu0026#39;t miss the quick scenes featuring standout directors Atom Egoyan, David Cronenberg and Ted Kotcheff. Itu0026#39;s also character actor extraordinare Maury Chaykinu0026#39;s final film. And I certainly canu0026#39;t omit mention of the fabulous soundtrack featuring T-Rex, JJ Cale, Donovan and others. Leonard Cohenu0026#39;s u0026quot;Iu0026#39;m Your Manu0026quot; plays over the closing credits so donu0026#39;t leave early!”