3 out of 5 stars (Average)
I appreciate simplicity in genre films. Movies that come in, deliver the goods, and end on a good note without overcomplicating themselves always earn points with me, and The Bastard Sons does exactly that. It’s a gangster story written, directed, produced by, and starring Kevin Interdonato that executes a familiar story with gritty proficiency before finishing on a solid twist that will make rewatches fun for those in the know and provide a fun way to kill 80 minutes. The Bastard Sons are here to entertain.
Criminal Vincent (Kevin Interdonato) has finished grieving the sudden death of his father. Suspecting dad’s brother Rome (Al Sapienza) was behind the death, Vincent gathers his friends Darius (Charles Malik Whitfield), Donny Mac (Frankie Edgar) Marco (Kirk Ponton) and cousin Dobson (Joseph Sernio) to steal some cash and a new street drug so they can start competing for Rome’s territory, each spurred on by the paternal bond he struck with them. After alerting his girlfriend Liv (Anastasia Ganias) to be safe, the boys start their plan, only for unexpected complications to arise that may spell the end for all of them.
As previously mentioned, The Bastard Son clocks in at 80 minutes and uses them efficiently. We spend the first half hour establishing Vincent’s relationships with Rome, Liv, and his friends before the guns start blazing, but I appreciate the film not rushing into bloodshed at the earliest opportunity. It’s not deep, but it’s effective. I also commend the calmness with which the early scenes are shot as they juxtapose the use of shakycam in the violent scenes later. I’ve spoken before on my dislike for shakycam as many directors’ use of it makes me feel as though I’m watching a drunk chimpanzee’s first student film, but Interdonato understands how it can both put us in the frantic mindset of someone in a fight and make the violence hit harder without inducing headaches.
Some of the audio’s a little fuzzy at times and there isn’t a ton of depth to our heroes, but as far as gangster flicks go, this is a fun one to kick back to. The Bastard Sons is straightforward, solidly-executed entertainment that knows exactly what it is and delivers. See it.
Likely would be Rated R for Language Throughout and Bloody Violence