Product: Kids (1995)
Rating: 5.0
Lord of the Flies: Urban Edition
More troubling than Kathy Bates' nude scene, Kids is a raw, voyeuristic look at the ever-decreasing morality of teenagers, sinking lower with each successive generation of degenerates. Like a sucker punch to the stomach, this film shocks the senses and leaves a nauseating aftertaste, like the acid reflux of disgust.Following the daily meandering of delinquents, cotton-mouthed Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) and soullessly bankrupt Casper (Justin Pierce), an inside look at every parent's nightmare is provided. Between massive sessions of drug and alcohol abuse, the two manage to squeeze in time for a savage beating at a skate park, breaking and entering, and non-stop parties. The shock of this movie, however, is obviously its brazen look at teen sexuality, as Telly and Casper talk ad nauseum about their desire for virginal conquests, regardless of the ever-increasing danger of AIDS. It takes the life-changing tragedy for Jennie (Chloe Sevigny) - one of Telly's former sexual partners - to expose the truly despicable nature of Telly and Casper's actions. Welcome to the urban edition of Lord of the Flies.The acting and teen life is jaw-droppingly realistic and accurate. Every day, teens seemingly get worse and worse, and Kids amps it up quite a bit. The sugar and spice of yesteryear is gone; the fly on the wall ate it, and puked. I'm still sickened at not only the actions of Telly, but also by the thought that such a goofy, ugly, mush-mouthed kid could accomplish what he so easily does (which I'm positive happens in reality). It's not just the morals declining; standards are dropping at an alarming rate.The best aspect of this eye-opening piece is the introduction of two young stars: Sevigny and Rosario Dawson. Their talent shines through, and causes a viewer to despise the actions of Telly and Casper that much more.Highly recommended for those interested in controversy.