K-PAX

A smart and very enjoyable film thanks to the absence of clichés and cynicism. Although the story is built mostly on dialogues, it kept me in suspense the whole time I was waiting for the final resolution. The viewer will appreciate the ornate dialogue, and some scenes, such as the one in the planetarium, are sure to give you chills. The impeccable impression of the film is enhanced by the great cinematography, music and, of course, Spacey's one-man-show, about which there is no point in going into more detail. (18/09/2002)

Two incredibly different halves. While the first one is captivating, thoughtful, full of valuable ideas, the second one is scattered, with a poor script deviation and too much pseudo-psychology – it looks like it switched to a completely different film. Pleasant philosophy is alternated with hard-to-believe psychology, which ultimately spoils the whole impression and gives the feeling that they didn't know what they were doing. (03/02/2014)

Acting exhibitions and atmospheric direction in a story that unfortunately can't handle itself. I applaud any film that makes the passive viewer think and plays with their deepening expectations, hence the 4*, but I guess I'd have to be on a completely different mental or intellectual state to get a satisfactory interpretation of the twist and the overall meaning here – and I'm really not sure if it's a more evolved or more primitive state... That said, Kevin Spacey is a phenomenal actor. 80% (20/05/2011)

A magnificent, slow-paced and in the purest way soothing film that, upon further viewings, gains a stamp of genius in my eyes. Spacey demonstrates that even the most challenging acting challenge is not insurmountable for him, and Bridges perfectly accentuates his civilian role. Criticisms towards the screenplay are irrelevant; if Prot only wandered around the mental institution, treated patients, and awed with his knowledge of the universe, it would quickly lose the magic that makes these scenes unforgettable. It is precisely the dramatic storyline, unfolding in the second half, that gives K-PAX an aura of a meticulously crafted film until the very last scene. (26/11/2006)

An interesting conversational drama that manages to entertain despite the absence of any significant plot. Great performances, beautiful cinematography, the script is a bit weaker in the last act, but overall, this is a nice film. The ending feels pretty ambiguous, so you can choose your own interpretation. I’m satisfied with it, four stars. (11/06/2009)