Educational Media Reviews Online

This feature-length documentary, sponsored by the Independent Feature Project, takes a behind-the-scenes look at Kozmo.com, chronicling the dramatic growth of an Internet start-up and its two co-founders, Joseph Park and Yong Kang. This case study of a company, which began in 1997 to deliver videos, games, CDs, and food, essentially online shopping with one-hour delivery, by couriers on bicycles in large cities, is very thorough. Viewers will experience the culture of the company as well as the driven ambition of the twentysomething entrepreneurs developing the concept and the company. Park is a complex individual who raised $250 million for this venture, and the film follows his company from its beginning in his apartment, to his role as CEO of 4,000 employees in eleven cities at its peak, through the demise in April, 2001, when it ceased to exist after the stock market tanked and investors pulled back. Footage from CNNfn and TV commercials adds reality and drama to the story.

The combination of interviews, film footage, and voice-over narration is compelling and well executed. Chin, the director, and Park appear to have good rapport in presenting necessary facts and scenes. The cinematography is well done also, and the sound is excellent. Occasionally, editing could have been a bet more judicious as some of the recreational and party scenes seemed excessively long. Adults of all ages can learn from this film about the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in America. Public and academic libraries will want to purchase to inspire dreams.