Kin (I) (2018) User Reviews

Like a lot of the 80s sci-fi flicks I really enjoyed as a kid.

[Hellmant · 7/10 · 31 August 2018]

'KIN': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A sci-fi action flick about an adopted teenage boy and his recently paroled brother who go on the run from violent vengeful criminals, as well as the law and aliens, with a secret otherworldly weapon. It was directed by debut feature filmmakers Jonathan and Josh Baker, and it was written by Daniel Casey (based on a short film by the Bakers). The movie stars newcomer Myles Truitt, Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, James Franco and Dennis Quaid. It's received mostly negative reviews from critics, but I mostly enjoyed it. It's definitely uneven, and not a great film by any means, but it is fun and involving. The performances are all good in it, and it reminds me of a lot of the 80s sci-fi flicks I really enjoyed as a kid. I had a good time watching it.

A Good Movie with Great Potential

[VT-Kingdom · 7/10 · 23 November 2018]

This Movie is really interesting and the story unfolds throughout. The ending is fantastic and everything a sci-fi fan would hope for. I just wish the rest of the movie was like that. The main character is complex and conflicted about his actions. I think this movie should have been rated R if they were going to have a "Girls Girls Girls" scene. Other than that, I like the cameo at the end and the cast is on point. This movie could be even better, but with what we have it is enjoyable and different from anything else out there.

Could be better, but interesting story..

[taleg-889-51630 · 6/10 · 6 November 2018]

There is not much I can say about this movie,except that it felt more like the fist part of a book than a movie and I was looking for part 2 even before the credits were done. Not because the film was good or great, nor because the acting because it could have been better, the stenography was in part both understandable, working and dull at the same time. And it felt short, like a part was missing.

The core of the story on the other hand was interesting and it has been a long time since a movie story has had a core story that was interesting to me. Don't take me wrong the story could have been better and it felt unfinished in an unsatisfying way.

I'm an avid movie buff and have loved movies for over 30 years, I love fantasy, science fiction, books and above all I love stories that has not been TOLD before like most movies that comes out. This story felt untapped, like there were more to tell and I hadn't heard something quite like it in a looong time and they should have lots nice words for just that

The story didn't feel derivative like most movies and tv-shows these days and it has gotten noticeably worse the last decade or so, so this was a nice way for me at least to spend 70 minutes or so, but maybe just maybe not everyone will see it the same way I do and at least some, if I go by the comments online, didn't get a major part of the story at all..

Still I want the rest of the story told, read or seen..

Enjoyable

[Gordon-11 · 8 December 2018]

This film tells the story of a young man who finds a mysterious weapon.

I think the story is good because it mixes science fiction with crime thriller elements. It is quite engaging, and I enjoyed it.

Entertaining Action Sci-Fi Movie that Looks Like a Pilot

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 9 December 2018]

While collecting scrap to raise some money, the fourteen year-old Eli Solinski (Myles Truitt) finds a weapon-like device and brings it home. Meanwhile, his stepbrother Jimmy Solinski (Jack Reynor) is released after six years in prison and has a cold reception from his widow father Hal Solinski (Dennis Quaid), who is an honest hard-worker. Jimmy owes US$ 60,000 to the dangerous gang of Taylor Balik (James Franco) and decides to heist the office where his father works to pay his debt. However they are surprised by Hall and Taylor kills him and Jimmy kills Taylor´s beloved brother. He flees with the money and lures Eli, telling that they are going to travel on vacation to Tahoe and their father will catch them later. Along their journey, Jimmy and Eli befriend the dancer Milly (Zoë Kravitz). What they do not know is that they are hunted by Taylor and his gang, by the police and by aliens that want to retrieve their weapon.

"Kin" is a highly entertaining action sci-fi movie that looks like a pilot of a series. The characters are well developed and the conclusion is open to a series or to a sequel. This film is indeed underrated in IMDb and deserved a better rating. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

could do better

[fishwickjohn23 · 6/10 · 1 September 2018]

This film had a lot of potential but it wasted it with a very poor script.

the producers should have worked on it more.

6 out of 10

Kin: Who was I supposed to root for?

[Platypuschow · 4/10 · 13 May 2019]

Kin is in many ways the spiritual successor to the universally hated Laserblast (1978). Same movie, tweaked and modernized.

It tells the tale of a boy who finds a futuristic weapon in an abandoned building, and the chaos it brings to his life.

The movie is stylish though it reeks of teen sci-fi franchise. Hollywood should know better by now, the majority of these things don't make it past the first movie!

So it looks the part and the cast is great featuring Dennis Quaid, James Franco and Zoe Kravitz. It's cliched, it's rather generic and follows a very tried and tested formula.

My issue isn't with any of that, to be fair generally that's what you expect these days. My issue is one that has been rife in the movie industry for a good decade now, and that's scummy protagonists.

One core movie essential is a character or characters that you care about, that you empathize with, that you're along for the journey with and you're cheering them on every step of the way. So why do so many movies now shove down our throats these scummy criminal "Good guys". Why should I care about them? These are not good people, I can't cheer them on! They're antagonists surely!?

This is something I just can't get over, movies like Attack the Block (2011) really seemed to start this wave of them and enough is enough.

If you like teen sci-fi movies then this might appeal, but I hope you don't mind cheering on criminals.

The Good:

Looks the part

Decent cast

The Bad:

Who am I supposed to be rooting for?

James Franco is saturating the industry, enough already

Really generic stuff

Good Movie

[vinavinaruerue · 7/10 · 4 September 2018]

Well this is a good movie. I went to cinema blindly to find that this is the only option left . I was in a doubt as it only got 5.7 on imdb. But I was surprised that it is much better than its score. I cannot understand how such a movie got only 5.7. It seems imdb rating is becoming unreliable. This movie is indeed good because:

1) The pace of the movie is excellent. Not too slow and not too fast. You don't get bored and you can still follow the movie with all its details.

2) It's an action science fiction movie, yet it contains some drama. You feel for the characters. You see characters develop.

3) It takes care for the details. The dialog are carefully chosen. Not too lengthy and not too short. The space weapon is a masterpiece. You will even like to look at it and examine its details. You will be happy every time it is used.

4) The story is good, you will always think "what's going next?". The ending is surprising and satisfying while at the same time not easy to predict.

5) The acting is good.

6) Camera angles are excellent.

Although these points might not be prefect, but they are all achieved by the movie at least in a good acceptable level. I cannot find even a single real weak point. I am happy I have watched this movie, and I recommend others to neglect the low imdb rating and watch it.

Room for improvement

[kitchpaul · 4/10 · 29 August 2018]

The pacing struggled, and it was difficult to invest in any of the characters with the lone exception of Zoë Kravitz. I had to actively suspend my disbelief only a few minutes into this film.

Better than you think

[leavymusic-2 · 7/10 · 17 May 2019]

Enjoyable ! Think Terminator/matrix and a bit of roadhouse and you've got KIN! It's not gonna win many awards but it sure keeps you glued.

Boring, uninspired, and a waste of a sci-fi concept.

[cruise01 · 4/10 · 3 September 2018]

Kin (2 out of 5 stars).

Kin is a science fiction action film that tries to be a buddy road trip movie as two brothers build their relationship while a group of thugs and some unknown beings from a different world are after them. The film fails to be an exciting science fiction film. The plot is boring. The concept could have been better if there were more details on the unknown beings. The characters are tedious and the script gave flat characters. The action is nothing new worth watching.

The plot follows Elijah (Myles Truitt) who got into trouble at school. His father Hal (Dennis Quaid) decides to put him to work with him. Elijah scavenging for parts to sell at warehouses. Came across an alien type of weapon. He takes it with him. His brother Jimmy (Jack Reynor) just got out of the prison and steers an argument with the father cause he is asking for money to pay off a group of thugs led by Taylor (James Franco). Taylor had his men protect Jimmy in prison. While Jimmy found an escape and brought Elijah along with him to avoid the thugs from getting him. Jimmy lied to Elijah that their father would want them to go on a road trip. As they bail out of town with Taylor's thugs after them. And two unknown beings that came from a different world arrive. Wanting to get their weapon back.

The plot was boring. It tries to build the brother relationship with Jimmy and Elijah. As they settle their differences, Jimmy teaches Elijah how to drive. And talk about their mom. While Jimmy is sneaking Elijah into strip clubs, were they meet Milly (Zoe Kravitz). Who tags along with them cause she is wanting something better in life.

The concept is not as exciting seen on screen. Two brothers trying to escape from a group of thugs and some unknown beings. It feels like a first episode to a young adult sci-fi tv series. Were the unknown beings does not have much of a backstory or explanation. Besides, they get into battle with other unknown beings and being involved in a shoot out in a warehouse. And some little twist in the end that is added in there that is supposedly trying to make the movie story feel like there will be more to this film. Sadly, the twist is forgettable. And the exciting factor for the action is also not there. The climax was dull. The characters are tedious. You do not really care much for Elijah, Jimmy, or even Milly. The script fails to develop any characters.

Myles Truitt gave a flat performance. Jack Reynor was dull with his role. Zoe Kravitz is the only decent thing about the movie. Were she tried to deliver a role about wanting a better life but she is forced working in the club. James Franco playing a thug was terrible. Sure, he must have had fun playing a crazy villain but his performance is forgettable.

Overall, Kin is a bad film. The acting is terrible. There is barely any action in the film. And when there is in the climax it is forgettable. The plot and concept felt uninspired to science fiction genre.

I went with the second ;)

[Zoreilol · 8/10 · 16 September 2018]

Born in the 80s, I grew up with the classical must see Sci-fi (Metropolis, 2001, Blade Runner...). These past few years, I have been witnessing a lack of innovation in the genre. It's rare to see a fresh new idea such as Gattaca or more recently Arrival. The bad reviews intrigued me. They were either really bad, or very good. As if something either disappointed or surprised. I went with the second. It's great to see that there are some folks out there who can still create something which will interact with your imagination. Kin reinforces the basic theory that the "less is more", especially for this genre. Using dark modes, focussing on the characters performances, being meticulous with the soundtrack. All the ingredients which you can't trade for better SFX, CGI. So if you are the "kin" of person who's been thirsty for something creative in this space, then go watch Kin.

Original and interesting

[solocreate · 7/10 · 1 September 2018]

I enjoyed this movie because it was different from the everyday movie you see that comes out. I believe this was based on a book series but even though I haven't read the books I really enjoyed the movie.

It was a great semi-futuristic and drama movie. there was some slow parts and some other information that should have been added to the movie but overall I look forward to the sequel.

Hyped up trailer, snoozer of a film

[yajaira2132 · 3/10 · 31 August 2018]

All the excitement comes on too early in the film, and I saw it in IMAX. It felt like a TV movie that was given a push to theatrical release. It dragged on far too long to the point that I fell asleep, woke up, and hadn't missed the finale surprise. Wasn't the only one either by the looks and stretchers of the audience.

Not nearly as bad as some are making it out to be

[maclock · 12 September 2018]

Will Kin win any awards? That's highly unlikely. Is it a sufficiently entertaining movie that many people will be able to watch it and be happy enough upon its conclusion that they chose to do so? Yes, it is.

Prequel. I hope.

[kwaharah · 7/10 · 2 September 2018]

This movie is not a movie I feel that can be truely appreciated on it's own. I feel if this movie is going to be a prequel it is a very very good movie.

It plays out just like a book it paces its self smoothly with out taking short cuts to add more action and cut out scenes that may be slower but adds more to the story.

And the one golden rule it never did was break rules that it placed in the story.

Many people hate on the movie because there is not enough.... avengers content.... but I have hope we may have a good story to look forward to in the future.

That is a rare thing these days....

Worth a View, But Keep Expectations Low

[daddyxj-1 · 7/10 · 2 September 2018]

I am always ready for some original science fiction to see at the movie theaters. With science fiction being my favorite genre I had to see this film when I found out it was based on a short film I saw on YouTube (presented by DUST) a few months ago. My first thought was how can they make an entire film out of that. Well I will tell you..

The good elements about this movie are the photography, direction, sound effects and mostly the acting. This movie will carry you along with 3 (if not 4) good performances. James Franco comes of creepy and frightening as the criminal leader, Jack Raynor is very convincing as the out of control older brother, and I have always liked Dennis Quaid who does well here (I always felt he could have replace Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones back in the day). But its newcomer Myles Truitt the brings it home with his great performance. If it was not for his performance in this movie I don't think it would have worked...at all. There is one scene with him in particular that I thought was really well directed and performed. This scene (no spoiler) comes while he is watching a news broadcast on TV and the camera stays on his face as you see his reactions. Brilliant.

Ok now the bad stuff...its not really a sci-fi "romp". This is a Science Fiction/DRAMA with some action and I think that will disappoint a lot of people, WHY, I'll tell you why...marketing. The trailer and commercials make this movie out to be a high pace action film when it's not. There is action in it but mostly at the end. To me its not a bad thing that you get an emotional story with a sci-fi backdrop but I just wish they would have marketed the movie that way (but I guess it worked cuz it got me in the theater, lol). I have always liked science fiction movies that deal with the real human emotions in situations of a science fiction concept and this movie hits that perfectly. It's not trying to rush to the next action set piece and cut corners for the sake of a thrill because it has a story to tell first. Some may be bored and shout "just start shooting the gun or something!" but not me, I was quite pleased with this drama because I got invested and expected a very satisfying conclusion...well.

The biggest blunder in the movie is the climax and ending. The ending action climax was engaging and somewhat fun to watch but once you think about the logic of the situation your suspension of disbelief goes out the window. I see what they were trying to go for with this action scene but it just seemed like it was not thought out completely. Then with all the human drama throughout the film that is very interesting and engaging I was happy think that I was going to get a huge Sci-fi payoff at the end. You do but...Its very unsatisfying is the best way to put it. You get a vague if not off kilter explanation and you slightly feel like you just stepped into another movie. PLUS the biggest let down for me was that it leaves things hanging with the door wide open for a sequel. This I thought was very disappointing because I wanted to get a conclusion to THIS story I was wrapped up in for 100 min. I wanted answers to what was going on, not a vague explanation of things that I don't understand. I think this ending would have work if they kept leaving clues throughout the film that would lead to this vague explanation then I think it would have been more expectable because we saw the pieces and then we would have only knew what the main characters know. There is one clue, actually, but its only touched on once and I wish it would have been explored more. I guess we got to wait for a sequel to get the answers I want. (The main question "What the hell is the laser gun?")

Is the movie worth watching ...yes. Is there enough spectacle to see it in the theater...sadly no (only if you want to support original theatrical films). Put it like this, if this movie does become a slight hit and it spawns a franchise I can see critics and reviewers stating how the sequels didn't capture human drama and wonder of the first film. That's what kind of movie this is, a real movie, with a real story that includes a science fiction element that can greatly be expanded on in sequels. A world was built here but, but I hate to say it, KIN would have been built better on Netflix.

Slow, prodding story

[arobbynation · 4/10 · 15 October 2019]

The movie is about a kid who finds a weapon that seems to be out of this world. And then his lousy, bum of a brother gets into trouble which forces the kid to use the weapon which then leads to a chain of events. The storyline is slow. The cinematography is uninspired. The silver lining is that there are some cool scenes and shots. Other than that, a rather dull experience of a movie. In summary: a slow sci-fi drama that's not worth your time.

A likeable cross genre adventure

[nancyldraper · 7/10 · 31 August 2018]

A likeable cross genre adventure. Based on a 2014 short film BAGMAN (also written by tha Baker brothers - who created, wrote and directed KIN), this story is part SciFi, Drama, Chase movie. The characters have depth. There are surprises. It has a cast with a solid pedigree (Dennis Quaid, James Franco, Zoe Kravitz) but when Carrie Coon (a favourite actor of mine) shows up towards the an ending that sets up a sequel, my mind went to a stellar TV series. (I've since read that critics had a similar idea.) However, if the box office warrants a cinematic sequel that would be good, too. But, if not, producers, "Think TV"! The premise is interesting and could be expanded. Young Miles Truitt goes a great job. I give this movie a 7 (good) out of 10. {SciFi Adventure}

A cold and underdeveloped sci-fi hybrid

[eddie_baggins · 4/10 · 28 April 2019]

There's a great story buried somewhere in Kin, one that would be suited even to a longer format such as recurring seasonal show or a one off mini-series but sadly Jonathan and Josh Baker's cinematic effort (based on their short film) lacks any of the heart, nuance or imagination needed to make this sci-fi hybrid work.

Mixing in the road trip genre with a dosage of family drama and oddly underused sci-fi potential, Kin is an odd beast, one that does feel original in nature but not so much in execution, as we follow Myles Truitt's teenage boy Eli Solinski on an adventure with older brother Jimmy who has been released from prison but quick to get back into the criminal scene.

There's not a lot of solid build up leading up to this point, as we're introduced to Eli as he wanders about, finding alien technology and struggling to find himself in the world and as soon as Reynor's Jimmy gets into trouble with James Franco's woefully styled criminal Taylor Balik and draws Eli into his cross country getaway, we begin to realise that we've never had much of a chance to care about what is occurring, as the Baker's struggle to bring all their story elements into one cohesive and interesting whole.

Kin really is one of those experiences that feels like it's both rushed and underdeveloped, too many ideas flying around at once for any of them to stick and work, giving the film a cold edge and one that never finds its true core amongst all of the various happenings, side characters and half-cooked concepts.

The actors certainly try their best with the material given but no one here is given a lot to work with as the Baker's waste talented cast members such as Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Michael B. Jordan and Carrie Coon with barely there characters, no one getting a real moment to shine even if you sense that Reynor and Truitt share a chemistry that should've been explored further within the film.

Another big disappointment for genre enthusiasts is that despite what was advertised and championed when the film was first released, Kin isn't that much of a "sci-fi" experience, forgoing its more fantastical elements to instead focus on the more everyday, as the Solinski brothers are focussed on escaping the wrath of Franco and his cronies generic goons.

Final Say -

An almost entirely forgettable mash up of ideas and barely explored concepts, Kin had the potential to be something special, but instead ends up being a feature devoid of any real life or heart.

2 acts of performance art out of 5

Low Budget Stopped What Could've Been A Great Movie!

[damon503 · 6/10 · 16 September 2018]

Yes, potentially a great action Sci Fi movie but lack of funds gave us more non essential scenes that wasn't needed. The sci-fi part was great. The story however, was rather dull and boring. But when the spacemen and the ray gun appears, the movie gets very interesting. Got to give it a 6 out of 10 stars. It was a better than average movie, it just didn't hit its mark due to budget restrictions I reckon. I do hope they get more funding and a sequel for their next movie, if not then it's too bad, it had such great potential.

Completely devoid of charisma, intrigue and excitement.

[Troy_Campbell · 3/10 · 1 September 2018]

As confused as a mainstream movie gets, this cut-rate sci-fi yarn ticks off more clichés than a half time interview at the footy: troubled adopted kid lashing out, derelict older brother with a heart of gold, stern father with fortune-cookie wisdom, damaged girl with alluring pluck, dirtied-down James Franco... the list goes on. Throw in a coming-of-age tale loosely wrapped in an otherworldly mystery, with a side of poker-robbery, road tripping and getting drunk in a strip club, and this is movie-making by checklist. It's not hard to see why this was originally a short film - 15 minutes is more than enough to tell this story. Conceptually there are a few nuggets of mystery-building potential, but these are largely lost within the completely pedestrian plot. And, save for an unexpectedly good (but quick) finale which clearly hogged the lion's share of the budget, the visual style lacks flair and ambition. One of the biggest slaps in the face is that it gives the super-talented Carrie Coon, plus another star who pops up for an uncredited cameo, approximately one minute of screen time in the final act, clearly setting them up for a sequel that exactly nobody will want to see. Lazy script choices, bland casting and a muddled tone results in Kin being entirely devoid of charisma, intrigue and excitement.

The ending was incredible

[capiz2008 · 8/10 · 3 September 2018]

Truthfully, half of the movie I was bored. The characters were good, the story was "eh". However! The ending W-O-W, I couldn't keep my eyes away, it was unexpected and I couldn't believe it was ending. Now I cannot wait until the next one comes out. Sincerely, the ending changed my whole view about the movie. I want to know more!

Another instance of the second half making the movie

[alyshabuselt · 6/10 · 15 December 2018]

Similar to Netflix's attempt at "Bright", "Kin" stands more as a prequel to a movie than a movie itself. The first half of the movie is slow and seems to have almost no fantastical occurrences to follow up on the excitement generated by the movie's trailers. While illustrating an unconventional family bond and the ease of unexpected friendships, it fails to achieve continuity of thought throughout its length, and barely touches the surface of the family tragedies underlying the tale. However disappointed I was with the majority of the production, given the revelations in the final half hour of the film, I would still pay to see a sequel. - Please forgive any formatting errors as I wrote this review on my phone.

Formulaic crime drama with sci-fi underpinnings ends up a yawner for either genre

[lotekguy-1 · 3/10 · 30 August 2018]

The poster promises a sci-fi opus. While there's clearly an element of that in the so-called story, this one plays out more like a conventional crime drama, featuring a couple of half-brothers on what one thinks is a road trip, but the elder knows to be flight from bad guys with a grudge. That ain't all. Besides the crooks, they're being chased by a couple of undefined, high-tech soldiers trying to recover a weapon the younger one found in an abandoned warehouse. The lads even pick up a friendly stripper (Zoe Kravitz) along their path from Detroit to Tahoe.

James Franco plays the main evildoer as a one-note maniac. It's almost as painful to watch as his 2011 Oscar co-hosting gig of infamy. No one develops a persona worthy of enough empathy to engage us. The adrenaline rushes the premise should enable fall far short of reasonable expectations. Bad direction? Insufficient budget? Only a film school class would care.

This potentially exciting setup turns into sheer tedium, until an over-the-top climactic sequence. It's longer and duller that 102 minutes should allow. Maybe that's part of the sci-fi angle - bending the space-time continuum to make the movie seem like its twice as long, only to discover upon exiting that you still have more of the day/evening left for better activities. That relief will be the greatest satisfaction this experience can deliver. As one ponders the possible reasons for this weapon's existence during the ample dry stretches its lack of action generously provides, one may form several theories. Among them, the one chosen for this denouement will likely seem the least satisfying. One of the more missable films of the year.