King of the Jungle

Entertaining

So glad that amazon still carries King of the Jungle on DVD. I'd seen it on TV years ago but couldn't find it after that. Wow what a cast! The leads, John Leguizamo, Rosie Perez and Julie Carmen are always sensational but this has cameos of Anabella Sciorra, Marisa Tomei, Michael Rapaport, Cliff Gorman and Rosario Dawson. It's written and directed by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld.

I love this film and wonder why it's not more easily available. Seth Zvi Rosenfeld delicately handles the complex problem of how to parent an adult child with limited IQ who may never be equipped to live alone in The Jungle of the big city. All the characters are written, directed and played against type. The gay relationship between Rosie Perez and Julie Carmen subtlety breaks new ground as does the tenderness between John Leguizamo's Seymour and Julie Carmen's Mona. Leguizamo plays Seymour with deep heart and elegant restraint. Michael Rappaport does what he's known for doing so well, a city rat with heart and cameos by Gorman, Tomei, Sciorra, Dawson and even Spike Lee add delight to this little known gem.

The main storyline of the film is only so-so, but the setting and context is fascinating. The two main women are activists in New York's famous movement against police brutality and have to deal with some very intense and realistic twists. For example, what would you do if you were leading a rally against genuine police brutality and the surviving parent of a victim of a police shooting looses it and shoots a cop "guarding" the rally?I thought Rosie Perez did a good job as the girlfriend who isn't totally into the struggle, but has to rise to the occasion when tragedy strikes.The storyline of the father who doesn't accept his mentally disabled son's limitations is Okay, although not that believable to me.

I saw this film at Vistas film festival in 2000(?), and I was knocked out by it.I expected it to be released and do fairly well commercially , but I never heard another word about it.I 've been looking for it ever since then.John Lequizamo is brilliant- absolutely riveting- as a mentally challenged kid living in a tough neighborhood.There are other strong performances including Rosie Perez in a different kind of role than one might expect and Cliff Gorman who starred in the Broadway production of "Lenny".I'm so glad this movie is finally available. GET IT!Update: The DVD has now been released. It includes audio commentary with John Lequizamo, Rosie Perez and director Seth Zvi Rosenfeld. All of these artists grew up in the same kind of neighborhood where this movie is set. Perhaps that's why this film feels so real.

I don't know, I was expecting a little more from this movie. I like Seth Rosenfeld, and I thought that he would've taken this film to a better place. His movies always has good actors. Although, at times it seems he doesn't know what to do with them. The story is interesting, but the overall product could've been better. To me, it seemed as if it were rushed. You never know that could've been the case. Either way, I will always support Seth Rosenfeld. He's got a gift. I can't wait to see more from him--he's growing.

Arrived very quick product package just as described. Satisfied

great movie plays well.