'Je Ne Sais Quoi' review

Updated: June 20, 2008 - 1:16 PM

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Like Quentin Tarentino before him, John Koch came to filmmaking
via the video store.

Koch, owner of Cinema Revolution, the Twin
Cities' premier source for foreign, indie, cult and classic films,
debuts his first feature as a director, "Je Ne Sais Quoi" (3 out of
four stars; unrated) Monday at the Ritz theater in Northeast
Minneapolis.

Every member of the cast was a customer of the store,
and most of the crew as well, yet the results are impressively
professional.

The film is a witty, low-key exploration of the
mysterious seductive quality that fuels attraction, desire, success
and vitality.

Some have that "je ne sais quoi." Paul (Dave Andrae),
a frustrated filmmaker, doesn't.

When he meets Anna (Victoria
Nohl), a seemingly compatible neighbor, it appears they have the
makings of a romance. But sometimes there's a fine line between
accepting others and settling for less.

The film is driven by tart,
smart dialogue and fine, naturalistic performances that make each
player seem as familiar as a face you see every day at the coffee
shop.

Koch sold his car and dodged his landlord's "Where's the
rent?" calls to finance the $8,000 film, but the result is a
testament to his tenacity and talent.

Would-be stars should know
that Koch's next project, "The Seducer," which begins filming in
August, was also cast from customers who wandered into his store.
There's a perk you don't get at Blockbuster.

(7 p.m. Mon., Ritz
Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $10. A wrap party will follow at
the 331 Club, 331 13th Av. NE. Screenings will continue at 7
nightly at the Ritz through July 3, with additional screenings at 9
p.m. Friday and Saturday.)

COLIN COVERT