Movie spotlight
Smokin' Fish
Cory Mann is a quirky Tlingit businessman hustling to earn a living in Juneau, Alaska. He gets hungry for smoked salmon, nostalgic for his childhood and decides to spend a summer smoking fish at his family's traditional fish camp. The unusual story of his life and the untold history of his people interweave with the process of preparing traditional food as he struggles to pay his bills, keep the IRS off his back, and keep his business afloat. By turns tragic, bizarre, or just plain ridiculous, Smokin' Fish tells the story of one man's attempt to navigate the messy zone of collision between the modern world and an ancient culture.
Insights
Plot Summary
A down-on-his-luck former child star, now a struggling actor, finds himself entangled in a dangerous world of crime when he's hired to kill his uncle. As he navigates this perilous situation, he grapples with his past fame and his uncertain future. The film follows his desperate attempts to survive and make sense of the bizarre circumstances he's landed himself in.
Critical Reception
Smokin' Fish received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its darkly comedic tone and unique premise. Some reviewers found the pacing a bit uneven, but the performances, particularly from Elias Koteas, were generally lauded for their intensity and depth.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its quirky humor and unexpected plot twists.
Elias Koteas delivers a standout performance.
Some found the narrative to be a bit disjointed at times.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate appreciation for the film's original story and dark humor, though some found it to be a bit too strange or slow-paced.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in Los Angeles and was one of the earlier independent features to showcase Bobcat Goldthwait's unique directorial style beyond his stand-up comedy.
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