Cast
View AllJim Belushi
as Mike Dooley
Christine Tucci
as Sergeant Welles
James Handy
as Captain Byers
Wade Williams
as Devon Lang
Scotch Ellis Loring
as Phil Cage
J.J. Johnston
as Fat Tommy
Joe Palese
as Officer Perry
Vincent Castellanos
as Harry Stripe
Timo Flloko
as Johnson
Joe Sabatino
as Gym Counterman
Ron Yuan
as Jackie Hammonds
Susanna Puisto
as Girl in Park with Poodle
Denise Dowse
as Dr. Perkins, DVM
Marla Frees
as Nurse
Nadja Pionilla
as Terri (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Charles T. Kanganis
Writer
- Gary Scott Thompson
Producer
- David Bixler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, K-911 distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Charles T. Kanganis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of K-911 took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 472 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While K-911 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rush Hour 3, which focuses more on action than character development, K-911 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rush Hour 2 and As Good as It Gets explore similar territory, K-911 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 7, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 31m