The Kid Movie Review

The Kid (2019)

Rent The Kid on Amazon Video
Written by: Andrew Lanham
Directed by: Vincent D'Onofrio
Starring: Jake Schur, Leila George, Chris Pratt, Dane DeHaan, Ethan Hawke
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
The story of a young boy who witnesses Billy the Kid's encounter with Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1879.

Verdict
I really like the cast, but it's the type of movie that gets lost in the shuffle. A kid on a trek across the west and having to find himself isn't new. Ultimately this movie isn't about the most interesting characters, and the characters are interesting based on the actors not the dialog or action.
It depends.

Review
After killing his father in an attempt to protect his mother, Rio and his sister are on the run. They encounter Billy the Kid, but all the while Rio's uncle is seeking vengeance against Rio.

Dane DeHaan plays Billy the Kid.

The casting is really good in this movie. DeHaan is a great choice for Billy and Ethan Hawke picks another small, cool role as Garrett. Hawke makes a lot of great choices with his roles.
I like Chris Pratt in a villain role as the uncle, but he really doesn't do enough.

Chris Pratt plays a vengeful uncle.

Rio grows up during the movie, having to decide with whom to align. Will he be good or bad? To what length will he go to save his sister? When is it okay to break the law?
Billy is a criminal, but this movie makes him a bit more human. You get why everyone is doing what they do. They have a code, well, other than the uncle. He's just a plot catalyst.

This certainly takes inspiration from other Western's, but it doesn't take it any further. This reminds me of plenty of better Westerns that I'd rather be watching.