This is one of those westerns that goes for atmosphere at the expense of excitement. Some directors can make that work. Vincent D'Onofrio doesn't manage to do that here. A plodding, dull and very unlikely plot doesn't help very much. It would be nice to say that, if nothing else, at least this movie has discovered a talented new actor in young Jake Schur. Unfortunately, that's not the case. He is rather wooden in the title role. This is his first acting job, however; so maybe he will improve with time and experience. Ethan Hawke shines in the role of Pat Garrett. I've never liked Dane DeHaan much as an actor and this movie hasn't changed my mind. Chris Pratt is wasted in a small but important role that could easily have been played by someone of less stature. Sorry to say, I can't recommend this movie. I guess it will pass 90 odd minutes or so if you can't find something better to watch, but if you can't then you're not looking very hard.
Review of The Kid
