I love to find a few actors and try to see everything they've made. In recent months, I've tried seeing as many Al Pacino films as I can and "Chinese Coffee" is one that's eluded me. However, my friend Angelo discovered this movie on YouTube and sent me the link...so, thanks Angelo!
Before I began watching, I noticed something which USUALLY is a kiss of death for any movie. Although completed in 1997, the movie sat on the shelf for three years...a sure sign that the studio had zero confidence in the picture. The only exception I can think of to this rule was "Arsenic and Old Lace"....which sat on the shelf for a few years but is today regarded as a classic (and rightfully so).
The story is from a play in which Pacino starred in 1992. Early in the story, Harry (Pacino) arrives at his friend's house asking for money that Jake (Jerry Orbach) owes him. However, they soon begin arguing about a manuscript that Harry gave Jake to read...and pretty much the entire film takes place in this apartment as the two friends talk and talk....and talk...and talk.
As I watched the movie, I could see why the studio wasn't thrilled with releasing the story. After all, it's based on a stage play and looks like a play...which is rather claustrophobic and unlike a typical movie. Sure, there are a few flashback scenes but nearly all of it consists of the two great actors talking all night...much like "My Dinner With Andre"...which was a critical success but went bust at the box office (earning just a bit over $5000!).
So is it any good? Well, the acting certainly is...and I'd watch just about anything either actor made...even "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight" (Orbach) or "Revolution" (Pacino)! In this sense, I could see someone really enjoying the movie. On the other hand, the two talk a LOT about the sort of stuff that pretentious love to talk about...such as who won the latest Pulitzer Prize, death, the craft of writing, Theodore Dreiser and more. In other words, it probably won't appeal to the average person. It's incredibly talky, that's for sure.
For the average viewer, I'd give this one a 3. For Pacino fanatics and people who like "My Dinner With Andre", I'd give this one a 7. Overall, a score of 5 seems VERY generous for "Chinese Coffee".
Before I began watching, I noticed something which USUALLY is a kiss of death for any movie. Although completed in 1997, the movie sat on the shelf for three years...a sure sign that the studio had zero confidence in the picture. The only exception I can think of to this rule was "Arsenic and Old Lace"....which sat on the shelf for a few years but is today regarded as a classic (and rightfully so).
The story is from a play in which Pacino starred in 1992. Early in the story, Harry (Pacino) arrives at his friend's house asking for money that Jake (Jerry Orbach) owes him. However, they soon begin arguing about a manuscript that Harry gave Jake to read...and pretty much the entire film takes place in this apartment as the two friends talk and talk....and talk...and talk.
As I watched the movie, I could see why the studio wasn't thrilled with releasing the story. After all, it's based on a stage play and looks like a play...which is rather claustrophobic and unlike a typical movie. Sure, there are a few flashback scenes but nearly all of it consists of the two great actors talking all night...much like "My Dinner With Andre"...which was a critical success but went bust at the box office (earning just a bit over $5000!).
So is it any good? Well, the acting certainly is...and I'd watch just about anything either actor made...even "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight" (Orbach) or "Revolution" (Pacino)! In this sense, I could see someone really enjoying the movie. On the other hand, the two talk a LOT about the sort of stuff that pretentious love to talk about...such as who won the latest Pulitzer Prize, death, the craft of writing, Theodore Dreiser and more. In other words, it probably won't appeal to the average person. It's incredibly talky, that's for sure.
For the average viewer, I'd give this one a 3. For Pacino fanatics and people who like "My Dinner With Andre", I'd give this one a 7. Overall, a score of 5 seems VERY generous for "Chinese Coffee".