Kip Noll and the Westside Boys
Kip Noll and the Westside Boys

Movie spotlight

Kip Noll and the Westside Boys

1979
Movie
Adult · 18+
60 min
English

While his parents are out on vacation, Kip Noll is left at home alone — but not for long.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users78%
Director: Martin "Marty" WalshGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the gritty landscape of 1970s Los Angeles, Kip Noll, a disillusioned ex-cop, gets entangled with a dangerous street gang known as the Westside Boys. Driven by a personal tragedy and a desperate need for money, Kip finds himself making increasingly compromised choices, blurring the lines between law and lawlessness. As his involvement deepens, he must confront his past and fight for survival against both the gang and the authorities closing in.

Critical Reception

While "Kip Noll and the Westside Boys" garnered a mixed reception upon its release, it has since developed a cult following among aficionados of gritty crime dramas. Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its raw portrayal of urban decay and character-driven narrative, while others found its pacing uneven and its themes bleak. Audiences, particularly those drawn to its authentic 70s aesthetic and intense performances, have shown greater appreciation over time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic 1970s atmosphere and gritty realism.

  • Michael J. Pollard's performance as the conflicted Kip Noll was a standout for many critics.

  • Some reviewers noted the film's slow burn and occasionally convoluted plot.

Google audience: Viewers frequently highlight the film's compelling depiction of urban grit and the strong performances, especially Michael J. Pollard's. Some find the narrative a bit slow, but overall, audiences appreciate its authentic portrayal of the era and its intense, character-focused drama.

Fun Fact

The distinctive, melancholic score for the film was composed by jazz legend Charles Mingus, marking one of his final significant contributions to cinema.

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