Apparently Lionsgate is trying to pull a fast one on audiences, by sneaking a new western into theaters, without much of a hubbub. At least that appears to be the case with the upcoming Vincent D’Onofrio directed picture, The Kid. A film that just so happens to come out in March. As in 2 weeks away. Thankfully the studio’s decided to at least put out a trailer today. Which you can see below. It’s one you’ll want to check out, because there’s quite a few surprises nestled inside.
Ethan Hawke as Pat Garrett. Dane DeHaan as Billy The Kid. Chris Pratt in an “and” credit with a great big bushy beard. That there’s enough to cause some excitement. Plus, it’s always good to have another solid looking western just over the horizon. Why there isn’t more buzz on this film is surprising. I mean, Hawke shouts things like “what matters is the story they tell, after you’re gone.” Pulpy gold right there. Of course, the trailer could feature all the best bits. That’s happened plenty in the past. Fingers are firmly crossed that isn’t the case this time.
As per usual, we have an official synopsis, to flesh out the plot:
“In this thrilling Western, a young boy, Rio (Jake Schur), is forced to go on the run across the American Southwest in a desperate attempt to save his sister (Leila George) from his villainous uncle (Chris Pratt). Along the way, he encounters Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke), on the hunt for the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan). Rio finds himself increasingly entwined in the lives of these two legendary figures as the cat and mouse game of Billy the Kid’s final year of life plays out. Ultimately Rio is forced to choose which type of man he is going to become, the outlaw or the man of valor, and will use this self-realization in a final act to save his family.”
What say you, though? Does this trailer scratch your old west itch? Can you overlook DeHaan’s inherent weirdness and get excited for this? Are you curious of D’Onofrio’s chops behind the camera? Ordinarally, I’d be cautious when I see someone like Andrew Lanham (The Shack, The Glass Castle) is involved with the script. Yet there’s something about this trailer that seems energetic and a lot of fun. Well, underneath and the mud and blood. Sharpen your spurs and saddle your horses, as The Kid gallops into theaters, on March 8th. Meanwhile, try not to let the VOD quality of this poster turn you away from the film.
