Kansas (1988)

Wade Corey (Andrew McCarthy) rides the rails hobo-style to get to NYC to be the best man in his friend's wedding. He befriends fellow rider Doyle Kennedy (Matt Dillon). They stop at Doyle's Kansas home town. Wade is pulled into Doyle's break'n enter and then a bank robbery. While hiding under a bridge, Wade comes to the rescue of the governor's daughter trapped in a sinking car. He runs away after the rescue only captured by the governor's photographer's camera. He is caught trying to steal by Lori Bayles (Leslie Hope) and her father gives him work on their farm. Wade's heroism becomes a media sensation inflamed by the governor's men while the cops continue their search for the one suspected bank robber.The movie starts like an old-timey movie and it never really shakes that feeling. I don't know if people are still riding the rails like hobos but Andrew McCarthy never strikes me as somebody who would do that. He's more apt to hitchhike with his pretty face if push comes to shove. Matt Dillon has good criminal undertones and delivers on his part. Honestly, this movie would improve if Wade and Doyle first meet on a Greyhound bus. At least, that wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Forget the critics. Each one of Matt Dillon's movies is in and of itself a gem, both with the unique characterizations, the photography, the direction and the writing. this one is a good example.Just once before i die, however, I hope that ONE movie will take a sociopath such as Matt Dillon plays so well and give us an explanation. There were enough scenes in which he gets this introspective look in his eyes. That would be the great place for a flashback to the poor-looking home he came from, with the decent sounding, resigned and heart-broken father and the mother walking into the house, as the cops walk up to them to report yet another crime done by their son. What happened to him there? The police report to us that he came from a good home, church-going family. As he drives the stolen car down the highway in his stolen clothes, he is listening to gospel music on the car radio. What went wrong? Plenty of twists and turns in this movie, as you wonder if McCarthy will suddenly turn on Dillon when he gets the chance or continue to play the 'straight arrow'. Unfortunately, the movie goes for the Hollywood ending, instead of the one it should. Vagrants coming in off the freight train don't marry the rancher's daughter, no matter how nice it sounds....even when he saves a kid's life.The beauty of the sunflowers in the Kansas field will remind you of Van Gogh and HIS madness. The sight of Dillon practicing his gun draw will take you right back to DeNiro in "TaxiDriver". The sight of Dillon backing his car up to crash into the police car will remind you of the same 'unique' sight in 'Albino Alligator'. Obviously the guy doing the commentary on the 'Alligator' DVD never saw 'Kansas'.I am hoping that all of Dillon's movies will eventually wind up on a DVD with commentary by Dillon. It would add immeasurably to our understanding of the characters. Also, I'd love to hear what his relationship with McCarthy was and is. Of course, there Dillon is with one of his "Singles" co-stars, Kyra Sedgwick.....Kevin Bacon's wife. Yep, Kevin Bacon who he starred with in "Wild Things". Oh, how incestuous these Hollywood stars are. Obviously, Dillon gets along well with these folks.So, we've seen Dillon play the hood, the maniac, the hot rod racer, the shyster detective. When will he play an Irish guy and be true to his roots? Even though he drinks in this movie and others, you never see him drunk. Oh, yes: "Factotum". Stay tuned.

Outstanding performances by Dillon & McCarthy. Great scenery throughout the movie. A young Kyra Sedgewick has a small role as Matt Dillon's girlfriend. Also look for Alan Toy (Professor Finley from 90210) as a news paper reporter. Very underrated. Recommended very highly. I rank this up there with Less Than Zero, Fresh Horses & St Elmos's Fire for McCarthy. One of the top actors of the 80's. The DVD only has an Original Theatrical Trailer. No other special features are on there. At around $10.00, this is a nice deal. Most stores don't carry this obscure gem but it is very available through Amazon or any other vendors on the Net. Hope you enjoy this outstanding movie that doesn't get the credit it deserves.

The settings and wide open photography that must have been ahead of it's time make "Kansas" a pleasure to watch, a picturesque drama through the mid-west. On his way to his best friend's wedding, Andrew McCarthy hops a freight car and meets drifter and recently-released ex-con Matt Dillon - who is on his way to rob the bank in his former hometown. McCarthy is part of the crime before he knows it, unfortunately linked to Dillon's violent & vindictive character. Looking to lay low until it all blows over, McCarthy finds refuge in anonymity on a family farm. This part of the story, evidenced by the unfolding of Generation X in years immediately following the films release, could act to the discerning viewer as a subtle outline of Gen X's reluctance to take a spotlight for fear of it's wrath. Still, for those of other generations, "Kansas" is fun to watch, a pleasure to look at, and another good vehicle for Matt Dillon's ability to create interesting characters.