The story of “The Kite Runner” takes place in different time periods. The story begins in the late 70’s and revolves two children named Amir and Hassan. The two are best friends who both share of love of kite running. Unfortunately, their friendship unravels when Hassan is raped by a bully and when he and his father leave town. Years later, an adult Amir finds out that Hassan has died, and that he has left behind a son who is now missing. Amir takes it upon himself to find the boy not only out of respect for his friend, but to redeem his past mistakes.

“The Kite Runner” could have been a powerful story about friendship and redemption, but is instead reduced to a completely watered down and abridged adaptation of a best-selling book. Every aspect of this movie feels rushed and forced. It’s as if we the audience are only seeing a bare bones version of the story and that we are being deprived of fully developed scenes and more characterization. This is especially evident during Amir’s mostly effortless rescue of Hassan’s son. Another massive flaw of the movie is that the crucial kite scenes are treated like an epic CGI Michael Bay action scene. What the heck is that all about?

I also have to take issue with the way the character of Amir was written. For me, it’s hard to care about such a cowardly character that sits by and watches his friend get raped and beat up without lifting a finger to help. True, he tries to redeem himself in the final act, but I don’t believe his “redemption” makes up for his past errors.

Criticisms aside, I do have to admit the entire cast is superb here (especially Zekeria Ebrahimi and Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada as the young Amir and Hassan). It’s a shame their talents were wasted in such a mediocre movie.

Extras:

* Trailers for “The Kite Runner,” “Son Of Rambow,” “Cloverfield,” “and “Stardust.”

* “Images From The Kite Runner” (24:38)- A behind-the-scenes look at Forster’s directing and location shooting.

* “Words From The Kite Runner” (14:25)- A featurette containing interviews with the author of the book Khaled Hosseini as he talks about the themes, the inspirations for the story, etc.

* Commentary by Marc Forster, David Benioff and Khaled Hosseini. It’s interesting to hear the author’s thoughts as well as learn what changes were made for the film. A solid track all-around.

* PSA intro.