franklamondue
There are allot of negative posts for this film. Luckily I did not read any before seeing it. Having picked up 'Kiss Daddy' on hap-hazard whim at a movie stop, I was pleasantly surprised for several reasons.First; The characters are well thought out, and the actors do a good job making their performances honest. Secondly; Most of the film takes place at night, I liked this, because it showcases some very nice/colorful lighting. Although not all the film is well lit, I found this to give more of a realistic feel. The sore/audio also has a very gritty sense, but it works.Although the picture transfer itself is poor (early-80s TV network) this too seems to fits. Giving one the feeling of actually being in a big, dirty, down-town area.Thirdly, and most importantly are the narrative, directing, and compositional aspects of this film. The story is dark yet intriguing, seemingly simple at first. But as the characters develop and the plot unravels it becomes apparent that someone put allot of thought into developing this story and its layout.Perhaps the strongest point of this film is it's directing. Not only is it surprisingly competent film making for such a low-budget 80s flick, but there are some incredibly strong compositional elements. The editing is so tight and well paced that I found myself literally on the edge of the couch, just waiting to see what technique would be employed next. 'Kiss Daddy Goodnight' is without a doubt a low-budget, independent 80s film. But it is also a hart-felt work of love by those who made and acted in it. Reguardless of the bad packaging, low-budget, and bad transfer, one leaves with a feeling similar to that of hearing Eric Clapton belt out a beautiful tune on a Wall Mart guitar.
christopher-underwood
I had very low expectations of this unusual little film and maybe that contributed to my enjoying it so much. As others have pointed out it is not a well lit film and indeed some sections are dark to the point of the action becoming almost invisible BUT this is compelling enough for one to make the effort. Low key, down beat, depressing I guess for some but the (damaged) character developments are believable and the movie seems to have a life of its own contriving to draw the viewer into a world he maybe would rather keep away from. Several meaningful moments and a real sense of warmth despite the coldness of the action and the aura of doom surrounding everyone, from the aspiring guitarist to the love torn pensioner and his rabbit. Ulma Thurman is excellent throughout and shines even in the film's dimmest sections. There is also a most effective (if again depressing) cameo from Steve Buscemi and if you make it this far you will certainly make it to the end of a very decent 'one off' of a film.
tsf-1962
This truly obscure neo-noir from 1988 is memorable as Uma Thurman's first starring role and also has a bit part from Steve Buscemi. Quentin Tarantino must have seen it since he cast both of them in "Pulp Fiction." The DVD retails at WalMart for $1.00, which is about what it's worth. "Kiss Daddy Goodbye" has an intriguing storyline but is so low-budget as to be literally unwatchable: the lighting is poor, the photography amateurish, and night scenes are literally invisible. On the plus side the eighteen-year old Uma oozes sex appeal and a sleazy sort of glamour which must have attracted Tarantino to her, and there are some gritty, realistic performances, particularly from Buscemi. The movie was produced with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the West German Kunstministerium, another example of taxpayers' money going to waste.
gridoon
....or "dreary thriller", maybe. You see, this flick begins like a low-key drama (some scenes, like Dillon's meeting with Buscemi, have a documentary-like feel that reminded me, believe or not, of Andy Warhol), then turns into a straight slasher thriller. Uma Thurman makes a promising acting debut, however - and am I wrong to believe that Dillon is Matt's identical twin? (He even acts like him). (*1/2)