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Definitely not my favorite Larry Clark film

posted 8 years ago by againstglobalism
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I realize that Larry Clark is all about exploitation and trying to capture realism...but I think this movie was just a little unnecessary. There was just so much sexually related content, that I couldn't really take the plot seriously. Some scenes were just so gross and confusing. I think this movie is more about the "shock factor" of it all. The characters were just so depraved and weird. I think this movie is a bit overrated and I wouldn't label it as Clark's best work. But hey, that's just my opinion.

[–] a-mar 8 years ago

I agree. When I watched Bully it immediately grabbed me with how real everyone seemed. Obviously it was based on a true story, but the acting and dialogue I could instantly associate with people I've known. Kids wasn't quite as visceral, but still pretty gripping and with a strong story as well.

Ken Park seems like Clark wanted to shove as much distastefulness in it as he could. Brief bits that might have worked in a larger context didn't have any import when the scenes before and after were just as shocking. And with everyone so extreme it never had time to feel grounded. Plus the lack of a narrative thread didn't help.