Starring Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormick, Alfre Woodard, Conchetta Farrell. Directed by Iain Softly. A man with no identification is found in Grand Central Station, claiming to be a visitor from the distant planet K-PAX who arrived on a beam of light. Prot (Spacey) is taken to the Manhatten Institute of Psychiatry for observation when he does not respond to medication. Dr. Mark Powell (Bridges) talks to him and discovers a highly intelligent man whose fantastic story is almost credible. Dr. Powell takes the train home to a beautiful home on the water late every night to see his wife Rachel (McCormick) and their three children. To try to poke holes in Prot's story, he brings him in front of a select group of astronomers to test his knowledge of his solar system, and he provides details unknown to all but a few people. Prot has a calming and largely positive effect on his fellow patients, convincing many of them to overcome their individual problems by boosting their confidence and helping them with their fears. But Dr. Powell still believes Prot is a man in need of facing whatever trauma from his past that has caused him to create this alien persona, never really considering the irrational possibility Prot is who he says he is. K-PAX is a sometimes magical, often interesting story of a mystery man. Whether Prot is a real alien or just an intelligent man who has adopted this persona to escape a past event too painful to remember, is left ambiguous. The director has said he has placed clues throughout the movie, but unfortunately (or fortunately if you like a mystery), he has left clues for both interpretations. The message of the film is to not take one's family for granted, and there is no time like the present to mend fences with family members or friends. The irony is that Dr. Powell is so busy and pre-occupied with his work that he neglects his family and own spiritual needs in trying to solve Prot's problems - he may be the one most in need of healing. I couldn't help but think this is post-September 11 message, and that we might be seeing a whole lot more of this from Hollywood in likely much more heavy-handed ways. The director firmly holds back the ladel on the syrup jar, and the performances of the leads goes a long way in helping. Originally a Will Smith vehicle, Kevin Spacey reportedly lobbied hard to play Prot instead of Dr. Powell he originally signed on for. When Smith jumped into the film Ali, Spacey won the role. Spacey has a soft grin on his face and a soothing voice throughout the movie, but provides enough edge to hint at the mystery underneath. He also provides enough intense emotion in the hypnosis scenes that the Oscar voters might take notice. Bridges actually has the more interesting role, that of a man trained to heal others in need of healing himself, and slowly coming to realize as Prot has what is most important. McCormick is excellent as the loving wife sick of always playing second fiddle. K-PAX is definitely feel-good entertainment, but it is entertaining and interesting enough that it should satisfy most viewers. If you would like to respond, please click the E-Mail Press Here To Go To The Review List Page