The Philly Kid

Philly Kid is a 2012 American drama film directed by Jason Connery, produced by After Dark Films, written by Adam Mervis.

Philly Kid
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJason Connery
Produced by
Written byAdam Mervis
Starring
Music byIan Honeyman
CinematographyMarco Fargnoli
Edited by
  • William Yeh
  • Andrew Bentler
Production
company
After Dark Films
Signature Entertainment
Distributed byAfter Dark Films
IM Global
Release date
  • May 11, 2012 (2012-05-11)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$4.9 million[1]

Plot

Following ten years in a Louisiana prison after being wrongly convicted of assault and murder of a police officer, NCAA champion wrestler Dillon is paroled. Back in his home neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his friend Jake is in deep trouble with gamblers, and Dillon agrees to pay off his debt by cage fighting. Complications occur with Dillon's parole officer, a corrupt cop, Dillon's new girlfriend, and fight promoters. His problems compound with his victories; eventually the system demands that he throw a bout.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana beginning in May 2011. The film's production staff included about ten department heads with ties to the Wright State University film program or Dayton, Ohio.[2]

Release

The film was released in the United States to theatres on May 11, 2012, with an MPAA "R" rating.[3] As part of the "After Dark Action" bundle, the film showed for one week in ten cities,[4] and was simultaneously released for video on demand.[5][6]

Reception

The Philly Kid received mixed reviews. Variety wrote that it "delivers the basic goods, if not much more, as formulaic, functional guys'-night-in entertainment", continuing that the performances and "... Jason Connery's direction are solid enough, but the pic lacks the distinctive elements that might have lifted it above routine competence."[3] The Los Angeles Times summarized that the film "attempts to locate a drama within the world of mixed martial arts fighting, when all it really wants to do is show some fights."[7] IndieWire noted that the film's "combat sequences are vivid and believable. Too bad about everything else", adding, "The Philly Kid never gains traction as a film about anything other than what it's about—you've seen it before you've seen it", giving the film a "C-".[8]

The film score by Ian Honeyman was well received: it "doesn’t feel like a factory-produced piece of Hollywood, but rather a score with soul and heart", according to SoundtrackGeek.com, which gave an overall grade of 81/100.[9]

References
  1. "Initial Certification Search" (Type "Philly Kid" in the search box). Fastlane NextGen. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  2. Larsen, Dave (May 21, 2011). "Dayton film professionals buck motion picture industry downturn". Dayton Daily News, activedayton.com
  3. Harvey, Dennis (May 10, 2012). "The Philly Kid". Variety.
  4. "Theatres". afterdarkaction.com. After Dark Films. Archived from the original on 2012-06-27.
  5. "After Dark Action releases trailer, poster and stills for Philly Kid". afterdarkaction.com. After Dark Films. April 12, 2012.
  6. "FAQ". afterdarkaction.com. After Dark Films. April 27, 2012. Archived from the original on September 4, 2012.
  7. Olsen, Mark (May 11, 2012). "Review: 'After Dark Action' has uneven quality, steady violence". Los Angeles Times.
  8. Toro, Gabe (June 9, 2012). "Review: After Dark Action Pics 'El Gringo,' 'The Philly Kid,' 'Stash House' & 'Transit' An Unven Offering Of Genre Fare". IndieWire.
  9. "Soundtrack Review: The Philly Kid (2012)". SoundTrackGeek.com. June 26, 2012.
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