Video Capsule: Kids (1995) (NC-17) 8.5/10

[Bud_Fox]

Kids

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6304726953.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

I'll probably never forget this movie as long as I live, and for more than reason. For one never had I went to see a movie where two in-full uniform police officers stood on either side of the entrance into the theatre checking id's. Wow NC-17 really meant NC-17. And the other reason my mind was forever etched was due to the impact this film had on me.

I didn't put the cast up because except for character Jennie (Chloe Sevigny- Last Days of Disco), who gives a small but solid appearance in the very beginning and end of the film, all the other actors are unknowns. For me this added to the authenticity and believability of the story. A story of a bunch of teen skaters growing up in Manhattan who skate(duh!),smoke lots of weed, dabble in various other drugs, drink forties, go partying, shop lift from convenience stores, and spread Aides by fucking different chicks...what!?

Amidst our fellow kids being, well kids, we have our main character Telly (who by the way has one annoying froggy/nasily voice) on a quest to fuck as many virgins as possible. The dilemma, Telly is hiv positive and is in denial about it. And better yet he refuses to use condoms. The problem, obviously his quest to bed as many virgins as possible. And not to ruin anything, kids, buuuut the overall outcome is not good. What is good, exceptionally good, is all the plot filler in between. Cause what we have are kids partying, cursing up a storm, a fucking down-right sick fight scene in central park that is comparable to the American History X sidewalk scene (E-Gad!), basically all the shit I and I am sure most of you schmoes are doing, are have done, while growing up. Only dramaticized (is that a word) for the big screen.

Bottomline, Kids is a very graphic, revealing, true to life reality check. It is thoroughly, thoroughly entertaining and because of the content allowed by an NC-17 rating has an edge like no other film I have seen. I highly recommend this movie to all schmoes and recommend it with the disclaimer, "that I can guarantee this is a flick that will have you talking to all your friends about, and will not be forgotten for a long, long while."

Kids 8.5/10

[This message has been edited by Bud_Fox (edited 11-19-2001).]

[Cyclonus]

Ugh. "Kids" is one of the most hateful films I've ever seen. It displays the most negative possible point of view towards teenage life. I felt sick watching it and never want to sit through it again.

3/10. (for effort)

[JoBlo]

I remember seeing this movie in the theatres when it first came out, and NEVER wanting to have sex ever again (it's a great anit-AIDS message). Sadly enough for me...I never did... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

Seriously though, very powerful, this film left me winded and hating the world. Then I thought about it some more and realized that even though the director was obviously going for the jugular, the point at the heart of the film still hit me and that was good enough for me. Not a "fun" movie to watch by any means, but one that should be REQUIRED VIEWING in all high schools.

Incidentally, if you dug this movie, you will likely enjoy Larry Clark's latest flick called BULLY (http://www.joblo.com/bully.htm). One of my favorite films of the year so far...although he overplays his pedophilia card some more in there as well...get over it already, buddy...they're teens, you sick fuck!!

[Cyclonus]

Any movie that ruins your sexual appetites had better have a good reason for doing so, and "Kids" doesn't. I guess this is just my personal opinion, but I feel pretty strongly about it.

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
Any movie that ruins your sexual appetites had better have a good reason for doing so, and "Kids" doesn't</font>

Oh, that's where we completely disagree. I thought that was the whole point of the movie, giving you a reason to be more careful when having sex. I was kidding when I said that I didn't want to have sex anymore, but I most certainly "thought twice" about having unprotected sex or one-night stand sex after seeing this movie (not that I participated in either of those things before, but you get my drift).

I definitely don't think it's for everyone, but I think it does offer a very important message to all kids and that is: SEX ain't a joke, ya'll...there's some serious shit that can come out of it, and I think that's pretty important.

[The Arrow]

The kiddie porn feel that the director injects throughout the film ruined any message I could've gotten out of it. I don't know about you guys but when I hang with my homies I'm not shirtless or in my fucking underwear. I hated this movie, Larry Clark can kiss my ass.

[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 11-20-2001).]

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:
I don't know about you guys but when I hang with my homies I'm not shirtless or in my fucking underwear. I hated this movie, Larry Clark can kiss my ass.
</font>

Yeah, that's cause you're usually NAKED, you masturbating bear, you!! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/eek.gif

Hehehehe, it's all good folks...the Arrow and I have disagreed about this movie for years and I don't think it's ever going to resolve itself until the man finally stops drinking during the days and hoping that other men (i.e. Larry Clark) can kiss his behind... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

For shame, Arrow!

[Lindsey]

LOL Jo!!!

Anyways,I liked this movie. (Not really in a good way,but it was good!?) When the beginning started,and the guy and the girl were making out,I knew I was in for a ride. I just couldn't believe that Telly uses woman for sex. It was terrible how he tells the girls like: "Oh I love you,and I'd never use you" that was sick. Everytime I heard Telly talk I wanted to shut his fucking mouth up.. Like Jo said,I think that the High School should require them to see this film. I'll tell you,when I start having sex I'm going to be CAREFUL! Near the end of the film got worse. It was sad,Jennie didn't stop "it" in time. It's a good movie,but it's not one bit fun to watch. 8/10

[The Arrow]

Jo you silly gay man... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

Yeah that Telly character was so annoying, I still dont get how he got laid in the film. His looks and his fucking voice were repulsive. God I hate that film...damn you Larry Clarke...damn you!

[Cyclonus]

Yes, I agree that the message is important, but most the characters are nothing more than shallow caricatures. I mean, some teens do bad things, yes, but they hardly ever show another side to these brats.

I despised Telly with a passion. If I was a girl and he came one to me, I'd empty a fucking can of mace in his ugly little face!

[Cyclonus]

On a lighter note, I do hang out with my buds in my undies.

(PS: I'm straight)

[Ender]

Cy, Jo, Arrow, I have to say that as a direct result of your little debate, I will now require an additional two months of therapy. I'll be sending you a bill.

Anyway, I've never seen Kids, but I am rather curious about it. Let me pose a question: Arrow stated that the "porn" obscured the film's message. Exactly what message is that? You see, for everything I've heard about this movie, no one has ever quite explained the real deal. I know that it's gritty, explicit, and controversial, but I've never been able to gather more than that.

[The Arrow]

The message that could've affected me was the statement on AIDS, unfortunately the movie is filled with so much smutty trash that in the end the message didn't mean shite to me. On the flip side the message rang home with JoBlo and it affected him. It's a personal thing. You'll love or hate this movie. In my opinion Larry Clarke is just a hardcore porn director pretending to be legit. His films are ovbious vehicles for him to express his pedophilia. I'm surprised he hasn't been arrested yet.

[Mike]

One day while at the video store I grabbed this movie off the shelf. But instead of checking it out I ended up putting it back. But now I think I might rent it. I might hate it, who knows, but you guys sure got me curious.

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:
It's a personal thing. You'll love or hate this movie. In my opinion Larry Clarke is just a hardcore porn director pretending to be legit. His films are ovbious vehicles for him to express his pedophilia. I'm surprised he hasn't been arrested yet.</font>

I definitely agree in that the movie is either a love or hate thang, and also agree that director Clarke has some serious "teen" sexual issues to work out (but not in his movies, please!), but having seen and really loved his latest film BULLY as well, I have to say that the guy sure knows how to get some great/natural performances from his actors. I mean, you compare the acting in something like BULLY to something like SHE'S ALL THAT and you tell me which one seems more authentic to the real kids on the street.

The bastard may be a major perv but I gotta give him props for creating two very powerful flicks....and yes, why haven't the cops broken into this guy's apartment already?? (I'm sure there's something in there that would put him away for life!)

[Rage]

Kids is a terrific movie
Not that it is that realistic....
But i find the story very good
BUt the main reason i like the movie is because Casper is so cool(maybe because he has the same name as my dad)! Unfortunatly the actor who plays him died last year, i guessed he hang himself in las vegas

BAck to the movie
Although i like it very much, i don´t think it was well edited, it was a bit strange when i first watched it. But then again a good story doesn´t always need excellent cutting.

I wish, though, there was Kids 2. I actually posted this way back in the "Upcoming" forums

I know Bully is similar but i couldn´t watch it yet, bc i live in brazil and there was some problem with the shipping or something, it was supposed to screen in festival but it was cancelled =(

[Cyclonus]

"Kids" and "She's all That" are two extreme ends of the pole, but isn't there a happy medium?

~Arrow~ I'd be curious to read your review of the film. I wouldn't dream of asking you to tarnish your regular review section, but maybe you could give us an "unofficial" one right here if it's not too much trouble? Just a suggestion.

[The Arrow]

Haven't I wasted enough spit on that piece of shite http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

When I feel inspired I'll slap one up...

[DaN]

I have yet to see this movie but I have to stress on one thing: NC-17. I have read many many reviews of this film and ALL of them say things that high school kids should see. Now think about it: [now begins rant against rating system] do you actually think that us teens don't talk about/DO this kind of crap? Do you think that by putting 4 letters and a dash in front of a movie is supposed to protect us? Do you think enforcing it is gonna help? Nearly all people (few exceptions) say that teens should see this. ALL people should see this (maybe not little kiddies) because it shows people what the fuck is on our minds and shit that some of us do. Honestly, shouldn't this movie show people the horror-side of our teenage society to all people? The quote on the conver says "a wake up call to the world!" and isn't that what it should be? Not a movie that only select people MAINLY OUT OF THEIR TEENAGE CURIOSITY YEARS WILL SEE?

Sure this stuff may be graphic and sick and depressing and horrifying: it's not like it isn't true. Now, since I haven't seen this film there may be a couple of parts that the director goes a little extreme or "off" but most reviews don't point that out. When I see this movie (if I see this movie...) I think my argument will be backed up a little better. Right now this is just what I think.

Speaking of think: we teens think this shit and worse. If only protective adults planted a listening device on some kids for a week (even a day) they would see just how fucked up our minds can get. Ok I'll stop becuase this has little to do with the movie but is still true so NOBODY should tell teens that this stuff in innapropriate for us. If that's true, SHIT! we FINALLY have an excuse to not go to school!

[Tyrone]

I bet The Arrow's LOWDOWN and BOTTOM LINE would be chock full of expletives about this movie. KIDS to me is like REQUIEM FOR A DREAM except not as good. What I mean is that it's about real people with real problems that effect many other people and in the end they all fuck up and have a sad ending. It's not as good as REQUIEM FOR A DREAM because it focuses too much on unrealistic sexual scenarios. My favorite Larry Clark movie is ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE. It has James Woods, Vincent Kartheiser, Melanie Griffith, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Peter Sarsgaard, and even Lou Diamond Phillips! Much better movie. KIDS is just too much about stuff that doesn't matter. And it's really hard to watch more than once. Especially if you actually know peoples like the ones in it. Guys like Telly DO exist. They are ugly inside and out YET they still manage to pull the wool over the eyes of the naive and unknowing women of the world. KIDS has a heart. It's just putrid and dying and full of worms.



[This message has been edited by Tyrone (edited 11-22-2001).]

[Bud_Fox]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Guys like Telly DO exist. They are ugly inside and out YET they still manage to pull the wool over the eyes of the naive and unknowing women of the world. KIDS has a heart. It's just putrid and dying and full of worms.</font>

Well said Tyrone http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif And yes there are guys liek Telly, especially here in New York. I grew up on Long Island and hung out a lot in the city and Kids is very true to life as to what me and my friends did in the late eighties and early nineties. It was all about hanging out, getting high, shop liftng, nailing chicks, and just plaing getting into trouble. The HIV spin is another thing, and thankfully something we did not encounter. STD's now that's definitely a diff story. Regardless I highly Reccomend this movie to everyone, DaN, Mike.

And Arrow dude, I didn't get a kiddie porn vibe at all from this movie.

Wow, glad to see my capsule envoked such a response. And never before have I seen soo many schmoes comment on a movie they've never scene. So Fucking go see it and then come back http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[The Arrow]

Well Bud the endless shots of underage kids in their underwear, the gratuitous (and pointless) lesbian sex thang in the pool and the scene where this dude flaps his dick around by twisting his pelvis looked like kiddie porn scenes to me. Lets not fail to mention that most of the kids in this movie don't appear to be of legal age. Isn't it against the law to film under 18 kids in sexual situations? I always thought it was.

[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 11-26-2001).]

[Cyclonus]

Well, I think the courts are still trying to decide on that one. However, I do agree that we could have done without the guy flapping his dick. (ugh) As for the lesbian part...uh, no comment. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

How many stars would you give it if you reviewed it?

[The Arrow]

I'd give it 1... 1 1/2 tops.

The problem in me reviewing it is that I haven't seen the film in a while and I'd have to watch it again. And there's no freaking way I'm gonna waste another hour and a half of my life on that pointless crap.

I'd rather rent "Debbie Does Dallas Part 2" and call it an evening. At least in that picture the girls are legal and there's a stronger storyline. It sure beats watching a bunch of annoying brats prancing around in their damn underwear...fuck Kids...man I hate that movie...

[Cyclonus]

Just watch it really drunk and when you're done, get in a threesome with some home-order hookers, that will take the aftertaste off. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Ender]

If I wanted to save time, could I just do all of that without watching the movie?

[The Arrow]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
Just watch it really drunk and when you're done, get in a threesome with some home-order hookers, that will take the aftertaste off. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

</font>

If you're buying we're on!!!! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Tuukka]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:
Well Bud the endless shots of underage kids in their underwear, the gratuitous (and pointless) lesbian sex thang in the pool and the scene where this dude flaps his dick around by twisting his pelvis looked like kiddie porn scenes to me. Lets not fail to mention that most of the kids in this movie don't appear to be of legal age. Isn't it against the law to film under 18 kids in sexual situations? I always thought it was.

[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 11-26-2001).]</font>

RE: All were at least 18 years old, but Clark tried to find as young looking actors as possible. Partial nudity and sexuality didn't really offend me. Clarke is probably a pervert and an asshole according to interviews, but in this context the relatively explicit portrayal of sexuality didn't feel unnecessary or forced to me.

[Bud_Fox]

Well said Tuukka http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Cyclonus]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:
If you're buying we're on!!!! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif</font>

I'll order another DVD through JoBlo, is that close enough? That "Scanners" DVD is looking good... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Invincible]

You all probably know that I'm not over 17 but just a question. Do they show real fucking in this movie? and just want to add, I seen someone posting about unknown actors here earlier, that means if they show real fucking and that actor is not known much by people it'll be ok but if it's like for example Jeniffer L Hewitt fucking Arnold Schwarzenegger j/k http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Freddy Prinzethen it would be a fucking scandal. lol

[Bud_Fox]

whoooa!!! easy there invincible. be careful how you throw around Jennifer Love Hewitts name inside my topic! As for freddie and arnold I could give a fuck http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

http://www.the-darths.com/jennifer/img(sept1)/Love1.jpg

[This message has been edited by Bud_Fox (edited 11-27-2001).]

[Invincible]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Bud_Fox:
whoooa!!! easy there invincible. be careful how you throw around Jennifer Love Hewitts name inside my topic! As for freddie and arnold I could give a fuck http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

http://www.the-darths.com/jennifer/img(sept1)/Love1.jpg

[This message has been edited by Bud_Fox (edited 11-27-2001).]</font>

Lol http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif my Friend. That was a funny reply! Looks like schmoes in these boards are fuckin COOL! People CAN TAKE A JOKE! or Whatever. http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Cyclonus]

You know which part really grossed me out? The opening. Seeing Telly in his undies? Ugh! Why in God's name does that chick want to fuck him? Is she desperate to get laid or something?

[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 11-29-2001).]

[Lindsey]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
[B Is she desperate to get laid or something?[/B]</font>

Cy..He talked her into having sex. She was young,stupid,and thought he loved her. She wasn't desperate,she really didn't even want to have sex in the first place .He just talked sweet talked her enough for her to trust him...bad choice.

[Cyclonus]

Sorry, it's been a few years since I saw it, and the details are a bit hazy. Still, that is one of the most repulsive scenes I've ever seen on film.

Anyway, what about the part where the guy pisses on a public sidewalk, I mean come on!

[Bud_Fox]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Anyway, what about the part where the guy pisses on a public sidewalk, I mean come on! </font>

Been there. Done that. And no I am not proud of it. Maybe its a New York thing, but when I was a teen in the early 90's we were just hardcore punks with the attitude of nobody is going to tell Us what to do. And if it so happened you had drank a couple forties and you had to pee, well... than you peed. Fuck it. If you saw a building that you wanted to go in, but it was closed, you broke in. Fuck it.

Looking back I am embarrased of how we acted and how moral-less and disrepectful we were, but thats who we were. After all we were just Kids...

[This message has been edited by Bud_Fox (edited 11-30-2001).]

[Cyclonus]

Well, I never did anything like that, the closest was taking an outdoor leak in a state park, but at least I tried to be discreet. (my mom yelled at me anyway) http://www.joblo.com/ubb/redface.gif

[Invincible]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Invincible:
You all probably know that I'm not over 17 but just a question. Do they show real fucking in this movie? and just want to add, I seen someone posting about unknown actors here earlier, that means if they show real fucking and that actor is not known much by people it'll be ok but if it's like for example Jeniffer L Hewitt fucking Arnold Schwarzenegger j/k http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Freddy Prinzethen it would be a fucking scandal. lol</font>


Will SOMEONE answer THIS? "DO...THEY..SHOW..REAL..FUCKING???!!!" Did they hired Kid PORNSTARS and told them to use condomes or WHAT? http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Just curious, please tell me.

[The Professional]

crap plain and simple. it didnt have much of a story and i got tired of watching the white trash walk around for an hour and a half. if i want life on the street i'll watch a Hood movie thanks.

5/10

[Bud_Fox]

Two words Invincible- Seek Therapy. Of course they did not hire kiddie porn stars you sick freak. They hired young looking (but older than 18) unknown actors. Ugh.

[Cyclonus]

I don't think he was serious! http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif

[Bud_Fox]

...

[This message has been edited by Bud_Fox (edited 12-04-2001).]

[Bud_Fox]

oh I think he was http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif right back at yah!

[Cyclonus]

Here's another example: my friend claims the elephant scene in "Freddy Got Fingered" made him horny, did he really expect me to believe that? http://www.joblo.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Kamikaze Street Vendor]

man, I might check out this movie. Looks like Telly needs some pointers on how to have a good fuck from Peter North and Ron Jeremy....lol :-p

[SLAW]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:

The message that could've affected me was the statement on AIDS, unfortunately the movie is filled with so much smutty trash that in the end the message didn't mean shite to me. On the flip side the message rang home with JoBlo and it affected him. It's a personal thing. You'll love or hate this movie. In my opinion Larry Clarke is just a hardcore porn director pretending to be legit. His films are ovbious vehicles for him to express his pedophilia. I'm surprised he hasn't been arrested yet.</font>


I'm just wondering if you require nude scenes in your scripts, or if you will when you begin to direct? Now this isn't 'kiddie porn,' but most horror movies I see with nudity really have no point to it. It's just sort of there.