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The Kid (2010)

Director: Nick Moran

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3 reviews

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From Time Out London

Nick Moran’s second feature – his first was a biopic of ‘Telstar’ producer Joe Meek – is another remarkable true story. His latest subject is British author Kevin Lewis (Rupert Friend), who published his life story and worked with Moran and ‘Triggermen’ writer Mark Thomas on the screenplay. The film opens with a series of young actors playing out shocking scenes of Lewis’s deprived childhood. Life looks up when he finds kind foster parents and a job, but there’s always a crook around the corner ready to exploit his naivety.

While the childhood scenes are affecting, ‘The Kid’ loses its sense of direction when Lewis reaches adulthood. Like ‘Telstar’, this fails to dig deep into its protagonist’s emotions – in fact, it barely touches the surface, merely relating events in a plodding fashion. Friend is fine, but a prosthetically altered Natascha McElhone overplays it as Lewis’s monstrous mother – it would be comical, if the story wasn’t so depressing. Where’s a more convincing actress when you need one? In short, this is an inspiring story, but it’s badly told. Best read the book instead.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 2091: 16 – 22 September, 2010

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User reviews of this film

JayneM said...

Posted on Sep 26 2010 20:34 What a brilliant film, (I have not read the book), brilliant performance of Kevin. A very harrowing watch, but go & see it!

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Lucy said...

Posted on Sep 20 2010 16:58 i actually really enjoyed the film, great story and a great screen adaptation. if you liked the book, you will love the film too.

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angela said...

Posted on Sep 19 2010 04:56 ive read this book and it was so sad a very gripping story poor kevin what a life he had as child ....

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