Review of Animal Kingdom (2010) by Justin F — 11 Mar 2011

At the risk of being accused of saying this for the sake of it I dont understand the amount of praise that has been heaped on this film? Whilst it is an undeniably decent film, with a good ending, I found it too slow at times for my liking and added nothing original to the standard crime family films youve seen before. I also think its significant that on RT critics have rated it far higher than the common unwashed masses that are the audience.

The story revolves around Josh whos mother dies of an overdose in the first scene. He calls his Gran for help who has been shunned by his mother for many years and he is brought back into the family fold. It isnt long before he realises why his Mum took this decision as he himself becomes embroiled in their schemes and plans.

The film has a believability about it (arguably its main strength) and ive seen the word broody mentioned in connection with it and I think that is an excellent word to describe it. Ben Mendelsohn is menacing as the stereotypical mentalist big bruv and whilst Jacki Weaver is also good as the Mum\Gran of the family im not entirely sure its an oscar worthy performance. Honourable mention to the score as well which I thought was excellent.