The Film
An action packed crime thriller this is not. Animal Kingdom isn't so much a crime drama, as it is a story of a really bad family, albeit one that apparently was once a big shot crime crew. Little of this is shown however, and the viewer is left to wonder what exactly the family had done prior to the beginning of the film. There are no flashy cars, no big houses, but for the Codys this is apparently the family business, and while business might have once been good, the family is very bad indeed.
Exactly how despicable and vile they are is shown when 17-year old year Josh goes to live with his grandmother (Jacki Weaver in a truly outstanding performance) and his uncles, who together range in varying degrees of sociopathic behavior. After a family friend is killed by corrupt police officers, the Codys retaliate in kind, ensnaring the seemingly emotionless Josh in the process. He becomes a pawn in a slow burn showdown between a not-so-corrupt police officer (Guy Pearce) and his own family.
The problem with the film is that it drags until almost the third act, by which time the viewer is likely to lose all sympathy for Josh. Further bringing down the story is the fact that the motives of the police, as well as some of the actions of the Cody brothers, are just downright confusing. It is a complex story that moves too slowly, yet in the end one thing is clear: with a family like the Codys, who needs enemies?
For another take on Animal Kingdom read Dave Kempler's review.
The Picture
The film looks very "Australian." That it is has a grainy quality that appears in other films from down under. It isn't exactly an independent film sort of softness, but it isn't the sharpest film visually. Given the lack of emotion from the main character and the ambiguity of right and wrong, this softness - along with the somewhat muted colors - works, yet the 2.35:1 1080p presentation isn't going to be one to show off your home theater system.
The Sound
Again, this crime story doesn't pack much action, but the few moments of gun fire are all the more intensified by this fact. Overall, the sound is somewhat muffled, and the dialog at times practically mumbled. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is muddy throughout, and even the musical score is too hot at times. None of this makes it at all easier to follow - and in several sequences I had to go back to re-listen to key dialog.
The Extras
The audio commentary from writer/director David Michod is a bit easier to hear, and it does clear up some story elements. However the hour long piece on the creation of the film is a bit slow, much like the film itself. The Q&A with the director and actions Jacki Weaver and James Frecheville is interesting, but seems a tad self-indulgent by the end.
Final Thoughts
There are movies where the trailers make it seem like a can't miss, and unfortunately Animal Kingdom is one of those films. It almost seems as if too much was cut out - characters appear and exit the story without much explanation, and for supposedly such a bad-ass crime crew they never really seem all that tough.
Product Details
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