Kin

Since the major demographic of films are the 18-24 single males, it is no surprise that Hollywood has gone out of their way to produce films to woo that audience in those seats. In the past ten years, there have been plenty: "The Maze Runner", "Divergent", "The Host", "The Twilight Saga", "I Am Number Four" plus many more. So it should be no surprise as well that "Kin" has come our way to the multiplex.

 

This pulse-pounding crime thriller with a sci-fi twist is the story an unexpected hero destined for greatness. Chased by a vengeful, maniacal criminal, Taylor Balik (James Franco), the feds and a gang of otherworldly soldiers, a recently released ex-con, Jimmy Solinski (Jack Reynor) and his adopted teenage brother, Eli Solinski (Myles Truitt) are forced tp go on the lam with a weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection. So with the help of friend, Milly (Zoe Kravitz), who they meet on their road trip, the three of them attempt to correct their lives with the help of this gun at the same time trying to survive in the process.

 

Others to round out the cast are Dennis Quaid as Hal Solinski, Jimmy and Eli's father, Carrie Coon as Morgan Hunter, Ian Matthew as Snick, Gavin Fox as Dutch Balik, Taylor's brother, Romano Orzari as Lee Jacobs, Stephane Garneau-Monten as Remy, Carleigh Beverly as Audrey, Lukas Renar as Big Man, Lily Gao as Female Cleaner and Michael B. Jordan as Male Cleaner.

 

This was surprisingly well directed by Jonathan Baker and Josh Baker (shorts). Surprisingly since they only have a number of shorts to their credit. These characters came to life and they showed remarkable realism and this is the mark of talented directing. It will be interesting to see what they direct next if this is their first theatrical film. It was adequately written by Daniel Casey ("The Passage" '03, "Secrets of Feuville"- segment "Happily Married Vigilantes" '03, "The Death of Michael Smith" '06) plus TV, based on the short film "Big Man" by Jonathan Baker and Josh Baker. Sequentially, this film was a bit choppy in places, however considering this writer has a limited resume, it was not badly executed. Sure, there is a list of films in his resume, but not a plethora, so with even more projects under his belt, it's no telling what he could produce. In fact, his "Fast & Furious 9" has been announced for a 2020 release. That project will definitely test his ability.

 

If you like young man/teen angst films, you will be in film heaven, but if one is looking for a tight, cohesive script, you might want to Netflix this. Don't get me wrong, this film has strong moments such as some decent performances by Franco and Reynor. Even the newly introduced Myles Truitt as Eli showed true acting ability. In any case, this is a film that one can escape into and just vege out.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                    Rated: PG-13                                    103mins.