Kids Movie Review

Cast & Crew

Director : Larry Clark

Producer : Cary Woods

Screenwriter : Harmony Korine

Starring : Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, Chloe Sevigny,

So much hype has surrounded Kids, the gritty, "not rated" feature about New York teens, that it was almost impossible to go into the film objectively. I was expecting an ultra-graphic film about sex, drugs, and life on the mean city streets. That's about what I got.

The film follows a few characters through one day in New York City. Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) and his buddy Casper (Justin Pierce) skateboard, do a little petty thievery, drink malt liquor, hustle drugs, beat up a black man, throw some dice, and if a virgin or two happen to cross their path, Telly is only too happy to perform a little "virgin surgery." On their trail is Jennie (Chloe Sevigny), a prior virginal conquest of Telly's, who discovers she is HIV-positive that morning and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

When the boys aren't wandering, they're talking. And when they're talking, it is always about sex. Written by 19-year old Harmony Korine, the dialogue is completely on the mark yet is totally disgusting. Too bad there's no one around to wash some mouths out with soap.

The film is shocking, not because the subject matter is foreign to us, but rather, because for all intents and purposes, these really are Kids, barely into puberty. The movie is shot almost like a documentary, and the sheer "realness" of the picture is what has parents, teens, Bob Dole, and the MPAA staring with their mouths agape.

Although watching these disgusting kids do disgusting things over and over gets old after awhile, the movie is unforgettable. The cast assembled here is rough and unpolished--perfect for the subject matter. Director Larry Clark brings his skill at photography to brilliant use, showing the underbelly of New York in all its seamy squalor.

"There's nothing in the world to worry about." This is one of the many lines in Telly's arsenal when soothing his virgins during their initiation. It's also the most frightening statement in the film, showing just how sad the state of youth in America really is these days. Deeply shocking and disturbing, this film's hype exists for a reason.

More From Contactmusic.com

More From The Web

Write for us

Comments

Kids Rating

" Excellent "

Rating: NR, 1995

Editors Recommendations

RIP Ray Manzarek

When The Musics Over, Turn Out The Lights. The Whisky A Go Go, The Roxy, The Viper Room & The House Of Blues will all...

RIP Ray Manzarek: Doors Man's Influence Cannot Be Quantified

Fruitvale Station Stuns Cannes, Next Stop The Oscars? [Trailer]

The future looks bright for Ryan Coogler's debut feature Fruitvale Station, snapped up by Harvey Weinstein at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Fruitvale Station Stuns Sundance and Cannes, Next Stop The Oscars?  [Trailer]

Taylor's Swift's Disgusted Reaction To Gomez-Bieber Reunion Is Hilarious [Video]

Taylor Swift's reaction was the highlight of the Billboard Music Awards 2013.

Taylor Swift's Disgusted Reaction To Gomez-Bieber Reunion Is Hilarious [Video]

30 Seconds To Mars Performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live

30 Seconds To Mars appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote their new album Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams.

Picture - Jared Leto

T.I. Ft. Lil Wayne - Wit Me Video

T.I. & Lil Wayne collaborate on 'Wit Me'; a new song which will appear on T.I.'s new album 'Trouble Man II: He Who Wears the...

T.i - Wit Me Ft. Lil Wayne Video

Riddick - Trailer

Ex-convict Richard B. Riddick is back and more formidable than ever before. He is alone after being left for dead on a burning planet...

Riddick Trailer

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Lining Up Potential Star Wars Role?

The Tudors actor is strongly being linked with a role on the new Star Wars film.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Lining Up Potential Star Wars Role?

Palma Violets - Best of Friends

After the success of their debut album '180' released in February 2013, Palma Violets unveil a video for their first single 'Best of Friends' while...

Palma Violets - Best Of Friends Video


More recommendations

Leo Fitzpatrick Newsletter

Subscribe to this news alert service to receive news and reviews on Leo Fitzpatrick

Unsubscribe | Unsubscribe All

Films by Artist: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ