Watch Kansas
- R
- 1988
- 1 hr 48 min
-
5.5 (1,362)
Kansas is a 1988 movie that tells the story of two estranged brothers, Andrew and Jake. Andrew, played by Matt Dillon, is a rebellious teenager who has just been released from the juvenile hall. Jake, on the other hand, is a successful lawyer who is unwillingly drawn back into his brother's chaotic life. The movie starts with Andrew returning home to Kansas after being released from the juvenile hall. He is met by his brother, Jake, who is initially reluctant to see him. Jake's wife, played by Leslie Hope, is also hesitant about Andrew's return. However, she soon warms up to him and is sympathetic to his troubled past.
Andrew is a free spirit and starts exploring his hometown, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. He starts hanging out with a group of rebellious teens, including his ex-girlfriend. Andrew is also interested in a local girl named Anita, played by Shannon Sedwick, who has a troubled home life.
Jake, on the other hand, is struggling with his own problems. His marriage is falling apart due to his workaholic nature, and he is also dealing with professional issues. His latest case involves defending a corrupt businessman, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, who is accused of embezzlement.
As Andrew's behavior becomes increasingly reckless, Jake tries to intervene and keep him out of trouble. However, his efforts are mostly in vain as Andrew refuses to listen to reason. Their relationship becomes strained, and they have several confrontations throughout the movie.
Kansas is a coming-of-age drama that explores themes of family, love, and redemption. The movie is set in the 1980s and features a soundtrack that includes music from The Cars, Duran Duran, and The Smiths. The cinematography captures the essence of small town life, and the characters are well-developed and believable.
Matt Dillon delivers a standout performance as the troubled Andrew. He perfectly captures the angst and rebelliousness of a teenager who is trying to find himself. Andrew McCarthy as Jake also delivers a strong performance as the responsible older brother who is torn between his loyalty to his family and his own aspirations.
Leslie Hope brings depth and nuance to her role as Jake's wife, and she provides a much-needed emotional anchor to the film. Vincent D'Onofrio also delivers a menacing performance as the corrupt businessman.
Overall, Kansas is a well-written and well-acted drama that explores complex themes in a meaningful way. The movie is an excellent example of the coming-of-age genre and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys compelling character-driven stories.
Kansas is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 35.