Kid West

Kid West, released in 2017, is an adventurous, family-friendly cinema that chronicles the exciting journey of a young explorer, Prudence ‘Prudie’ West, played earnestly by Mary Bair. The plot is fun and enjoyable, catering to the young audience while rekindling the adventurous spirit in adults, reminiscent of the whimsy and wonder of childhood. The film is a brilliant blend of showcasing youthful imagination and shedding light on certain mature themes which subtly discuss community and diversity.

Stepping away from conventional fairy-tale fantasy, Kid West presents a clever varietal of characters, creating a ‘mid-west meets wild-west’ aura, with Prudence at the helm of it all. Prudie West, our title character, is no ordinary 12-year-old. She's a self-made detective and treasure hunter with an adventurous spirit and a knack for finding trouble. Her unsurpassed curiosity, razor-sharp intelligence and unwavering courage render her character both engaging and relatable to the young audience.

In the film, the charming city-girl is sent to spend her summer vacation in North Dakota with her grandmother, played by Ashley Rose Montondo. Renewable energy from wind farms is the backdrop of the town that Prudie finds herself in, a smart insight into the future of energy concerns subtly weaved into the narrative of the film.

Prudie’s adventure truly begins when she overhears a tantalizing secret about an infamous outlaw’s hidden treasure that is believed to be hidden in her small town. This revelation propels her into an exhilarating mission to find the hidden treasure, hoping it will help save her struggling family from their financial troubles.

Alongside Prudie on her journey of adventure is her new-found friend, Ayesha, played by Atquetzali Quiroz, bringing genuine diversity into the story. The relationship between Prudie and Ayesha, two girls of different races and from contrasting cultural backgrounds, is an absolute goldmine of a subplot. Their bond goes beyond adventuring, tackling real-world social issues with a maturity far beyond their years, adding a layer of depth and relevance to the course of the story.

In addition to the interactions between Prudie and Ayesha, one of the movie's most standout aspects includes its inclusion of a diverse range of characters. Notably, the film depicts the Native American population within the community in a positive, respectful light that showcases the significant contributions they bring to towns like the one in which Prudie finds herself.

Director Jesse Mast does an exceptional job of keeping the narrative pace steady and engaging. He manages to capture the essence of small-town living, cherishing childhood, and the merging of diverse cultures with a refreshing, upbeat delivery. The cinematographic elements are confidently used to present the Midwestern landscape beautifully, giving viewers an immersive visual experience.

The film also excels at making the complex blend of history, adventure, friendship, and diversity fun and exciting. It contains montages of decoding and exploration, some funny exchanges, and several instances of suspense and surprise.

Kid West is truly a unique coming-of-age movie that stands out due to its refreshingly original screenplay. Its complex and relatable characters handle societal norms, diversity, and ‘kid-like’ fascination for adventure brilliantly, intertwining these themes into a sequence that leaves viewers uplifted, educated, and entertained.

In conclusion, Kid West is an intricately woven narrative that combines elements from different genres and cultures into an entertaining, relevant package. This film is a great package, serving up adventure and profundity in equal measure. For those seeking a family-friendly flick that offers a refreshing break from the usual, this delightful, adventurous, and heartwarming masterpiece is worth checking out.