King of the Corner (R, 2005)

KING OF THE CORNER centers on Leo Spivak (Peter Riegert), who is surrounded by loved ones, and seems to have all aspects of his life under control. He is a pro and a veteran at his place of work, and has an adoring apprentice. His daughter Elana (Ashley Johnson) is at a rebellious age, but Leo manages to keep the lines of communication open. His wife, Rachel (Isabella Rosellini), prefers Leo to take the lead in talking with their daughter, aware that mother-daughter bickering can get in the way of resolution. Leo also cares for his aging father, Sol (Eli Wallach). But things change when Leo learns his apprentice has (mistakenly) stolen one of his ideas. In an abrupt change in character, Leo has an affair with his high school crush. The turmoil continues when Leo finds himself fired from his job, and his father dies.

Although there is little repercussion for his actions (his wife suspects the affair and says nothing, Leo ends up getting hired back and with a promotion after his boss thinks Leo is blackmailing him), it's the character study of King of the Corner that makes the quirky characters and their human flaws relatable.

Riegert wrote and directed this film, and it shows. The film plays like a one-man show -- almost better fit for the stage than the screen. Bottom line: Enjoyable characters and the lessons are plentiful, but adult in nature.

Studio: Ardustry
Director: Peter Riegert
Cast: Dominic Chianese, Isabella Rossellini, Peter Riegert
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release: July 29, 2005
DVD release: October 25, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: some language and sexual references