The establishment of the characters and story in the first act is fine, it’s the second act and final reel that are a bit wobbly. The end especially feels rushed. It’s as if the story would have been better served if presented as a high quality multiple episode television series.

Having women act in the roles traditionally inhabited by male characters challenges you to get past gender. These ladies can be as ruthless and scheming as any previous on-screen gangsters and often times seem the better business person.

Based on a DC graphic novel by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle, it’s interesting that the film’s biggest flaw is how under developed the characters are. Even for a film this short (102 minutes) there are crucial moments that feel rushed. It leaves you with the feeling of untapped potential.

Rob Hudson
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Left with little but a sharp axe to grind, the ladies take the Irish mafia’s matters into their own hands—proving unexpectedly adept at everything from running the rackets to taking out the competition…literally.

THE KITCHEN is directed by Andrea Berloff and also stars Domhnall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Brian d’Arcy James, with Margo Martindale, Oscar winner Common, and Bill Camp; as well as Jeremy Bobb, E.J. Bonilla, Wayne Duvall, Annabella Sciorra and Myk Watford.

THE KITCHEN releases in Australian cinemas on August 29, 2019.
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