The January Man (1989) (Review)

The January Man (1989) was a comedy crime drama. Neither the character in the statue who has his back turned nor us who see you Kevin Kline, Susan Sarandon, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Alan Rickman, Harvey Keitel and Danny Aiello, all in the same movie – it all sounded so good!

But it’s Kevin & Susan who really come into their own. As usual! Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio isn’t the most memorable actress for me. She’s proof that not all Mary Elizabeth’s are incredible, unlike Winstead.

Alan Rickman is also in a very good role. He’s a real pleasure to watch. Harvey Keitel, on the other hand, has neither a very sympathetic role, nor much screen presence. He’s not the one to shine with his performance. As for Danny Aiello, given that he plays Madonna’s father in the video for Papa Don’t Preach, he has my undying respect. He always makes me laugh, even when he’s very serious.

And laughter is part and parcel of this film, which looks so serious. It’s a kind of thriller that has trouble getting off the ground and doesn’t hold up too well, with a story that’s a bit far-fetched. The ending is a complete comedy, as if everyone had given up on this film. As if it were impossible to save.

A year after the incredible “A Fish Called Wanda”, Kevin Kline finds himself in a far inferior role, even if he’s not the problem. I think it must have been a pleasure to act in this film. On the other hand, it’s mission impossible to classify it as a cinema classic. An entertainment to be seen once. Or not! It’s not a priority.

My rating