KFOG REVIEW: “THE FOREIGNER” & “THE FLORIDA PROJECT”
Jackie Chan makes a dramatic western debut with “The Foreigner” and director Sean Baker explores the unexpected fringes of society living near the happiest place on earth, Disney World, in “The Florida Project” I was impressed by Chan’s acting chops, even if the film itself is a little uneven. Pairing him against former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, and with former Bond director Martin Campbell (“GoldenEye, “Casino Royale”) was a smart choice. Don’t go in expecting Rush Hour or Shanghai Noon.
Meanwhile I’m flagging “The Florida Project” as a dark horse Oscar contender for this year. From the same studio that brought us “Moonlight”, “The Florida Project” is a simultaneously cheerful look at childhood, and a heartbreaking look at circumstance. It’s from director Sean Baker who made “Tangerine” (the feature shot on an iPhone) and stars Willem Dafoe, and two powerful newcomers, Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite.