Now out on VOD is The Weird Kidz, an animated film that feels like The Breakfast Club meets Them! No detention brings these kids together. They’re heading past the highway and into the dark desert just to get away. Whatever’s in the air, they’re going to find out. There will be things to stop them cold and make them scream, “Is this heaven or hell?”
Okay, I’m being vague to avoid spoiling the story. High-school rebel Wyatt (Ellar Coltrane) and his girlfriend Mary (Sydney Wharton) might think they’re getting some private time, but that isn’t the case. Along for the ride are Dug (Tess Passero), Wyatt’s younger brother, and his pals Fatt (Brian Ceely) and Mel (Glenn Bolton). A few of these lads take an interest in Mary too. They’re at that awkward stage of growing up, but thankfully she can mostly keep them at bay.
The group heads out for a camping trip in Jerusalem National Park. With the bushland and open desert as the backdrop, I knew from the get-go there would be problems. I’m fairly sure this isn’t based on a real region, but once you put anyone in desert terrain, everything I know about why it’s a bad idea to camp there comes flooding to mind. Also, with The Frogman Returns still fresh in my mind (review link), I had to chuckle.
Apparently, the Night Child of urban legend wanders this region, and I suspect there’s more to it. The small town of Black Bird is also filled with oddballs whom the kids have to contend with once the monster finally appears and kidnaps one of their own. This coming-of-age story puts the group to the test, together and apart, when that giant insect comes calling. That shared ordeal lets the film cut loose. The best part comes when the bug’s venom sends them all on an acid trip. I won’t give away those particular details, but the sequence is very Adult Swim-oriented, as is the overall art style.
Although there are bits that seem crass on the surface, that’s just the nature of this particular beast. The handmade animation recalls MTV’s Liquid Television era. When asked, writer-director-animator Zach Passero cited Rankin/Bass films such as The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn as key influences, along with filmmakers ranging from David Lynch to John Waters. You can see those threads in the background art and the film’s overall attitude. It’s a hot pot of styles that somehow works, especially once your eyes adjust to the deliberately rough animation. Passero spent about eight years drawing the whole thing, and that’s quite an achievement! I have great respect for anyone who takes on that much work themselves.
What I like most is the shift to punk rock later on. The opening leans into John Hughes territory, with a soundtrack to match. It’s a strong start. Honestly, when I’m hearing something in the vein of “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” what can go wrong?
4 Stars out of 5
The Weird Kidz Trailer
