The Originals (2013) Review in 2025
The Originals is a 2013 American drama film directed by Andrew Cohn, following the lives of three high school students struggling with poverty and addiction in Gary, Indiana.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, strong language, and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its thought-provoking themes and memorable characters, but it's not suitable for family viewing due to mature content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film focuses on the lives of three high school students, T.C., Anthony, and Armond, as they navigate poverty, addiction, and the struggles of growing up in Gary, Indiana. The story takes a dark turn as the characters face harsh realities and make difficult choices that impact their lives forever.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is well-crafted, but it feels a bit disjointed at times. The characters' struggles with poverty and addiction are relatable, but the pacing could be improved.
acting8.00/10
The acting is superb, with each actor bringing their own unique energy to their role. T.C., Anthony, and Armond deliver standout performances that make the story feel more authentic.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. T.C., Anthony, and Armond are all memorable and likable characters.
direction6.00/10
The direction is solid, but it feels a bit amateurish at times. The cinematography is decent, but it could be improved with more attention to detail.
cinematography5.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it feels a bit bland at times. The lighting and sound design are good, but they could be improved with more attention to detail.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Originals is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the struggles of growing up in poverty and addiction. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the acting is superb.
Cons
The pacing could be improved, and the cinematography feels a bit bland at times. The direction is solid, but it feels a bit amateurish at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a bad kid, I'm just a kid from a bad place."
"I'm not gonna let my circumstances define me, I'm gonna define myself."
"You can't change your circumstances, but you can change how you react to them."
