Film Review: Next of Kin (1989)

Just because someone tries to add something different to otherwise generic 1980s crime action film, doesn’t mean that the ultimate result will be satisfying to the fans of the genre. One such example can be found in Next of Kin, 1989 film directed by John Irvin. Protagonist, played by Patrick Swayze, is Truman Gates, Chicago police detective who was born and raised in impoverished mountainous sections of Kentucky. His younger brother Gerald (played by Bill Paxton) has followed his lead and left home for the big city. Gerald later gets killed in a truck heist organised by ambitious mobster Joey Rossellini (played by Adam Baldwin). Although devastated by the loss and determined to find the killer, Truman set himself an additional task. His close-knit traditional family is bound by centuries-old code of blood feud and that could result in increased bloodshed on Chicago streets. When Truman’s older brother Briar (played by Liam Neeson), still resentful over Truman leaving family and tradition, comes to Chicago, Truman must try to stop him from exacting revenge.

Next of Kin was made in time when Patrick Swayze was enjoying huge popularity following his breakout role Dirty Dancing. Just like with his previous film Road House, he tried to establish himself as genuine action star. The result was quite underwhelming and Next of Kin became one of the more obscure and forgettable films of his career. It didn’t have to be, at least judging by the other names involved. Behind the cameras was John Irvin, capable director who had managed to elevate Raw Deal, another generic action film with similar setting, into something watchable. Irvin here handles action scenes reasonably well, but apparently can’t compensate for the problems with pacing and script. Michael Jenning, script’s author, had an interesting idea of confronting the world of Italian American mafia represented in over-dressed refined mobsters with the world of impoverished, uneducated and unrefined mountain clans and even hinting that those worlds aren’t that different. This idea is, however, buried under ton of cliches which include final nighttime showdown at the cemetery during which Truman’s cousins armed with bows and arrows take out mafiosi armed with submachine guns. Truman is also given obligatory wife, played by Helen Hunt, whose only purpose to provide female role in otherwise male-centric story. The ending, with “surprise” twist, is handled so badly that it ruins the film.

Swayze, who tried to look different from his previous films, does a decent job, applying heavy accent and wearing ponytail and big hat. His performance is, however, easily overshadowed by Liam Neeson who is formidable in the role of his quiet but deadly brother. The rest of the cast is also solid, except Adam Baldwin who is simply terrible in the role of arrogant mobster whose action sparks the spiral of violence. Among supporting players, Michael J. Pollard stands out as friendly hotel manager, while Andreas Katsulas delivers solid performance as mafia boss. Young Ben Stiller is also good as his son and his fans would probably appreciate opportunity to see him in non-comic role. All that, however, isn’t enough to recommend Next to Kin to anyone except the most loyal among the fans of Patrick Swayze.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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