A stylish noir set in the 1930s and a love letter to the director's hometown... We have a blend of crime drama and vibrant musical performances.
Johnny (Dermot Mulroney) is a small-time thief who crosses paths with club owner and all around mobster Seldom Seen (an amazing performance by Harry Belafonte). His wife, Blondie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), hatches a daring scheme to free him from Seen's grip by kidnapping the wife (Miranda Richardson) of an influencial politician. Her plan is a little vague though and they end up on the run throughout the city, encountering a colorful cast of characters with Altman's signature interweaving stories.
The atmosphere of the film is its strength, more than the plot though. Altman masterfully recreates the era's ambiance, with its smoky jazz clubs, vintage cars, and stylish fashions. Music provides the backbone of "Kansas City", featuring a variety of strong, extended jazz performances by well known musicians.
The film feels a bit long, but it's hard to see even a moment that could be left out. It's all solid atmosphere and rich character development, with a bit of humor in the mix.
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