Do you remember what it was like to be able to run around your house pretending that you were a superhero and that everyone else around you was somehow deeply rooted in your new troubled world that had to be saved? We’ll I tell you now if you don’t, you will after watching Son of Rambow, directed by Garth Jennings (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).
Son of Rambow is a story about two boys, Will and Lee Carter, who set out to remake Stallone’s First Blood. This is a classic tale of when opposites attract and it is this strong bond which makes this movie both enjoyable and fun to watch. It helps you, the older viewer, remember what it was like to really use your imagination and be put into scenarios which you now probably only experience when dreaming. Will comes from a very religious background with strict morals which means that he is not allowed to watch TV, listen to music or do anything that he might derive pleasure from. Lee Carter is a troublemaker who has a lot of money and no parents around to guide him. This touching comedic tale of friendship explores the difficulties of growing up and how the strength of willpower, passion, and love can help overcome any obstacle.
The following are a few things about the movie that I liked and disliked:
1) Garth Jennings directing was extremely well crafted. The use of cartoon animation for the dreamy Son of Rambow sequences was extremely well executed and was very heartwarming.
2) The two main characters, Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) and Lee Carter (Will Poulter), nailed their roles on the head. Although if I had to choose who was better I would definitely say Will. Lee Carter’s acting was average in comparison but we do have to remember that they still are kids and there is still a lot of room for improvement.
3) The movie was about 96 min. which was the perfect amount of time to watch the characters develop and help you, the audience member, understand their lives from their positions. This empathy was the key to extracting the messages of the movie about the difficulties of childhood and the realities of growing up.
4) The one thing I didn’t like was the whole French exchange student thing, I understand why it was there, but at points it was just really weird and something I have never quite experienced before.
Overall, this was a cute, comedic film about friendship and First Blood. It is hard not to finish this movie without even cracking a grin on your face. In my opinion, there isn’t enough respect for the English filmmakers but once again the English have succeeded, this time with the heartwarming Son of Rambow.
Rating: A fun, touching, and imaginative comedy about filmmaking and growing up.
Recent Comments