Caffeinated Clint
By Ashley Hillard
Thomas Haden Church is Don McKay, a hapless janitor who, after 25 years away, returns to his hometown to face unresolved issues and reunite with old friends and acquaintances. It’s only now, after hearing from ex-girlfriend Sonny (Elisabeth Shue; where has she been!?), who has written in with news of her ailing health, that he’s found the pluck to do so.
First time writer / director Jake Goldberger seems to have a handle on directing but should possibly leave the writing to someone else – or at least ask someone for their help with a rewrite?- because though enjoyable enough, the film’s in dire needs of a GPS… it doesn’t seem to know where it’s headed.
That’s a pity too, because “Don McKay” could have been a really interesting Coen Brothers-esque film. The script let’s it down largely by dragging the the secrets at the core of the story out for too long, thus ultimately losing the impatient viewer. In addition, some of the characters are played so over the top that they become caricatures.
Having said that, Church and Shue are great, and the first half of the film is strong – it only falls apart after a ridiculous plot twist mid-way through. Maybe if the audience had been let in on some of the ‘secrets’ earlier on – or at least been provided some clues as to what was coming, it might have worked better.
Should’ve been left in the oven for a little while longer to cook.
