Ken Park
Performance & Direction: Ken Park Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ken Park (2003) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ken Park features a noteworthy lineup led by James Ransone . Supported by the likes of Tiffany Limos and Stephen Jasso , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Ken Park
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2003, Ken Park is a Drama film directed by Larry Clark. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving James Ransone.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Teen skater Ken Park (nicknamed Krap Nek; his name spelled and pronounced backward) kills himself at a Visalia skate park; his death bookends the lives of four other young people who knew him: Shawn, the most conventional; Tate brims with psychotic rage; Claude is habitually harassed by his brutish father and coddled, rather uncomfortably, by his enormously pregnant mother; and Peaches looks after her devoutly religious father, but yearns for freedom. They're all rather tight, or so they claim. The screenplay takes time to develop James Ransone's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. James Ransone's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Ken Park
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Larry Clark, Ken Park concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving James Ransone, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ken Park reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ken Park?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of James Ransone or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Ken Park
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.3M |
| Worldwide Gross | $447.7K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ken Park Budget
The estimated production budget for Ken Park is $1.3M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Ken Park
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Where to Watch Ken Park Online?
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CHILIKen Park Parents Guide & Age Rating
2003 AdvisoryWondering about Ken Park age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ken Park is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Ken Park is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ken Park worth watching?
Ken Park is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ken Park parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ken Park identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ken Park?
The total duration of Ken Park is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
