Title: Animal Kingdom
MPAA Rating: R
Director: David Michôd
Starring: Jacki Weaver, Guy Pearce, James Frecheville
Runtime: 1 hours 52 minutesWhat It Is? After 17 year old Josh “J” Cody (Frecheville) suffers the death of his mother via overdose he is forced to live with his grandmother Janine “Smurf” Cody (Weaver). However Grandma Smurf is not alone in living at this house with her she has Josh’s uncles Andrew aka “Pope”, Darren, and Craig. These three brothers along with a mutual friend named Barry Brown have been robbing Australia’s banks for years. However the family business appears to be running on fumes with Uncle Pope running from the law, and Barry Brown wanting out to focus on his family the police, specifically the Armed Robbery Squad are clinching their grip on the gangs activities. Now as if having Josh join the house wasn’t enough his on the run Uncle Pope has returned and he’s hell bent on maintaining the power that he once had. On the other side Detective Leckie (Pearce) is trying to turn “J” against his uncle’s to save his, and perhaps their lives. But who is really pulling the strings in the Cody clan?

What We Think? Never have I seen a more riveting film made in America let alone this wonderful import from “down unda” terrifically solid performances from Weaver as Janine Cody, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Weaver is nominated for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Alongside that we have a great performance by newcomer James Frecheville. Never has a film gripped me as this did. There is one scene in particular when “J” goes to his girlfriends dad for a ride, because he knows his Uncle Pope is on the way over there steaming angry, you just hope and pray “J” her dad, and her little brother get out safe.

Our Score: A+, Holy crap I can’t say enough. If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking this one out, or your afraid of foreign films do yourself a favor and watch this. It’ll have you riding along with it. This is the type of thriller the edge of your seat was made for. Now it’s time to use it!