Kids (DVD, 2000)

"Kids" goes right to the heart of everything that parents fear will become of their children. The youths that inhabit this film are not just wayward... they are violent, amoral kids whose state of evolution seems to have regressed to something more primal. The male lead, if you can call him that, in this movie is a truly horrific animal named Telly (played with scary realism by actor Leo Fitzpatrick). Telly seems to exist for no other reason than drink, get high, get into fights, and, oh yeah, deflower as many virgins as possible. He cajoles his conquests by telling them exactly what they want to hear, and once he's accomplished his mission, he will have nothing to do with them. He says he prefers them because they aren't all dirty or have diseases. Yet, the irony is, he is unknowingly carrying the AIDS virus around and endangering his conquests because it would seem that one of his 'virgins' was not quite honest with him. It's not hard to see how Telly can become such a monster. He has no moral compass around which to develop. One brief scene takes place during a brief stopover at his house before he and his friend, Casper, take off for more mayhem. His mother is sitting in the living room, folding laundry and watching TV while being almost totally oblivious to Telly being there. When Telly asks for some money, she says no and asks him when he's going to get a job, he just says that he's looking and then he goes into her room and takes some money, anyway. She wouldn't know if it was missing.
The actual plot of this movie, as thin as it is, focuses on a girl named Jennie (who was one of Telly's conquests) searching the streets of the city to find Telly and stop his virgin conquest because of the AIDS virus she just found out he gave her. Her search is intercut with scenes of a brutal gang beating by Telly and his friends of guy who popped off his mouth, club kids engaging in animalistic carnal behavior, and a morally bankrupt party where kids as young as 10 are drinking up, getting high and participating in even more carnal behavior.
"Kids" gets a positive rating because there is nothing phony about its unflinching view of the existence of kids with too much time on their hands and no direction in their lives. It does not get a higher rating because the images are extremely graphic and difficult to digest. This movie is not for everyone, but, if someone feels the can handle the subject matter, it is a valid tale.

This is a different kind of movie. I would call it a wake up call. This movie to me is great because it shows how I used to live my life when I was that age. The only real differences between the movie and my life was the HIV part and I am from Chicago, not New York City. Either way this movie will make you grow up a little inside. It is a VERY accurate portrayal of a group of teenagers who feel they are invincible while they are young and feel there are no consequences for their actions. I would recommend this movie to anyone who lived the party lifestyle as I did. If you watch this movie and don't grow up a little, then you have problems.

NOT MUCH CAN BE PUT INTO WORDS ABOUT THE MOVIE "KIDS", IT'S A MUST-SEE. THIS FILM DEPICTS A VERY REAL VIEW OF THE YOUNG LIVES OF TEENS IN THE LATE 90'S INTO 2000. THE SEX, DRUGS, AND VIOLENCE INFLUENCE PLACED IN THE LIVES OF THE KIDS IN THIS MOVIE COMES THROUGH VIA EXTRAORDINARY ACTING (SO REAL YOU WONDER HOW/IF THIS COULD HAVE ACUALLY BEEN WRITTEN OR WHETHER IT WAS MAJORITY IMPROV). I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER WAYS TO MANIPULATE THIS FILM TO MAKE IT ANY TRUER. VISCERAL.

This movie is, in my eyes, a must see. Not only is it entertaining but the message it shares with the audience is one that is really important. Teens especially should watch this so that they realize the dangers that surround them; sadly most parents are too conservative to allow their kids to view the material.

This is a very accurate account of the lives of New York City teens, and any teenager in general, and the challenges they face due to peer pressure and social ignorance.

***A MUST SEE!!***

PROVOCATIVE!! A MUST SEE for all!! Is somewhat graphic in nature, but shows the "behind-the-scenes" per say, look at the lives of many teenagers...even those whom appear innocent. This film was originally Rated-17, but then became unrated, I assume due to the reality of it. Like I said, it has some graphic content, but it shows teens and parents how good situations can turn bad, in a real life setting. It is a 1995 film and looks older, but it will definitely keep your interest all the way through. If you like honesty, you'll love this film!