When a film is as predictable and looks as familiar as "K-PAX," it's got to work twice as hard just to stand out from the rest of the cinematic pack.
To its credit, this intriguing hybrid film — which might best be described as a drama with some science-fiction elements — does feature a first-rate cast (led by Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges) and skillful direction (by Brit Iain Softley, who made a splash with his 1997 adaptation of "The Wings of the Dove").
Despite that, however, it's an uninvolving disappointment. In fact, this material is so bland and punchless that it may prompt more yawns than grins from audiences.
The film superficially resembles the well-regarded 1987 foreign film "Man Facing Southeast," but its similarities to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "The Fisher King" and "Awakenings" run deeper, though those were all much better movies than this one.
"K-PAX" refers to the alleged home planet of Prot (Spacey), who is the newest and most mysterious patient taken on by overworked New York psychiatrist Mark Powell (Bridges).
Darkly clad and perpetually wearing sunglasses, Prot isn't doing anyone harm, but his claims of interstellar travel and extraterrestrial origins are so wild that he's been institutionalized.
However, as Mark discovers through his interviews, Prot seems to be familiar with astronomy charts and is privy to astrophysical data that he can't possibly know — unless there's at least a grain of truth to his story.
Needless to say, Mark becomes consumed by the case, much to the consternation of his wife (Mary McCormack), who believes Mark doesn't spend enough time with his family. But the good doctor also believes he's close to a breakthrough, even as Prot claims to be on some sort of deadline — at which point he'll be going back home to K-PAX.
Softley and cinematographer John Mathieson effectively create an unusual look for the film — one that relies on use of light-and-dark contrasts — and it suits the material. But it's in service to Charles Leavitt's flawed script, which includes a rather unsatisfying conclusion, though, to be fair, the premise sort of paints him into a corner.
The two leads are good, however, which at least makes the film watchable. The supporting performances are also fine — even if it is getting to be a bit of a drag to see the always solid McCormack wasted in what's become a clichd role for her, that of the long-suffering wife.
"K-PAX" is rated PG-13 for scattered use of profanity (including one use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), violence (outbursts and patient restraint), drugs (tranquilizers and other pharmaceuticals), brief gore (shown in flashbacks) and some crude talk. Running time: 115 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com