Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Kid Candidate Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 26, 2021

Hayden Pedigo is a resident of Amarillo, Texas who wanted to express his sense of humor by making a short film about his run for a city council spot. Inspired by the works of Harmony Korine, Pedigo set out to generate a little absurdity, displaying his acting skills and love of weirdness. And then the video went viral, making him internet famous for a brief amount of time, but just long enough to help him transition from a joke candidate to a real one, beginning his political career by targeting a real city council election. Director Jasmine Stodel follows Hayden around for the documentary “Kid Candidate,” tracking his progress from initial intent to election night, examining the taxing experience of a political run, especially one from a twentysomething man who refuses outside money and runs on a platform of progression in the middle of Texas.

Stodel is there when Hayden decides to make his move, beginning with paperwork required to run for a spot on the city council, and she fills in the particulars of this unusual guy. Raised in a tight Christian household, Hayden wanted to live his own life, expressing himself through music and moviemaking while holding a job at a credit union, also married to L’Hannah, his seemingly patient wife. His quest to make a bizarre humor video triggered something sincere inside Hayden, with “Kid Candidate” following the subject’s quest to transform into a real option on the ballot, trying to do so without being influenced by outside interests. Hayden wants a better Amarillo, and his earnestness is debated by several interviewees, including Jeff Blackburn, a local attorney who lives to challenge the system, working to help Hayden but also mock him for his idealism and inexperience, expecting him to be destroyed by his fellow candidates.

“Kid Candidate” examines economic disparity in Amarillo, with Hayden working to expose harsh conditions for those below the poverty line, most notably in black communities. His rivals have political action committee money, working with Amarillo Matters, an organization created to maintain power in the city. Hayden has his idealism, smarts, and loyal friends who work to keep his name visible, while Stodel stays close to the politician as he meets with voters, confesses his fears to the camera, and endures a few “This is Spinal Tap” moments.

Kid Candidate Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a crisp look at the HD-shot feature, which spends most of its runtime exploring Amarillo with Hayden, offering dimensional backgrounds and textured city tours. Skin particulars are sharp, and clothing is fibrous, with thicker sportscoats and cotton shirts. Decoration is open for inspection. Colors are bright, capturing distinct primaries on political signs and street art. Greenery is precise. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Some banding is present during the viewing experience.

Kid Candidate Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is pronounced, with heavier soundtrack selections to pump up the energy of the documentary, and scoring cues are crisp. Music carries into the surrounds. Interview footage is clear, exploring a range of accents and emphasis. Low-end isn't challenged outside of some heavier percussion.

Kid Candidate Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Jasmine Stodel and documentary subject Hayden Pedigo.

• "Oak Cliff Film Festival Q&A" (10:54, HD) presents a post-screening discussion of "Kid Candidate" with director Jasmine Stodel and documentary subject Hayden Pedigo.

• Deleted Scenes (HD) include "Hayden's First Forum" (4:03), "Hayden on the Mayor and City Government" (:44), "Culture Clash" (6:25), "Marijuana Fight" (7:21), "Cole on Hayden: SXSW 2019" (2:31), "Hayden and Jasmine Door-to-Door Fail" (2:13), "Six Car Rally for Hayden" (2:27), "Hayden on Election Results" (4:37), and "Hayden and L'Hannah's Closing Words" (1:13).

• "Jeff-Isms" (4:34, HD) collect thoughts from documentary participant, Jeff Blackburn.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Kid Candidate Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Kid Candidate" seems like a goof at first, but Stodel capably exposes the political experience, highlighting financial gamesmanship and the rampant insincerity that goes into local elections. Hayden is in over his head, but he's attempting to win votes by actually discussing issues and solutions, and it's fascinating to watch how far he gets against the Amarillo machine, which doesn't take to outsiders unwilling to participate in the plans of the wealthy.