By Sean O’Kane
Movies starring children often try to appeal to wonder and charm, but can very easily fall flat to older eyes.
“Son of Rambow” is able to avoid this pitfall and then some. While not outstanding, there are many things this movie offers that are unique and fun.
Most rewarding is the film’s young main characters Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) and Lee Carter (Will Poulter). The two brighten up the screen with their youthful exuberance and Poulter’s performance is tighter and smarter than any of the adult roles in the movie.
Playing the sort of “Artful Dodger” throughout the movie, Poulter uses his rapier wit to execute punchy one-liners and dialogue. His character has his heart set on winning a youth film competition by remaking the first Rambo movie, “First Blood,” shot by shot. Upon befriending Milner’s character at school, the two begin to work together.
Milner fills a more charming role much like what Freddie Highmore has done in past films like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Finding Neverland.”
Born into a strict religion referred to as “The Brethren,” Will is forced to daydream to entertain himself because of his family’s adversity to television. His colorful drawings quickly morph into Michel Gondry-like dream sequences (although not quite as extreme), which sets him up to be the creative force behind the collaboration he begins with Lee.
This is another unique offering “Son of Rambow” presents. Instead of just another sequel or remake, the movie sort of pokes fun at that idea in a tongue-in-cheek way, as the two boys decide to change direction and make a movie about Rambo’s son rescuing him from outrageous circumstances.
The fun the two have creating the movie occupies about half of the film’s runtime, which is about an hour and a half. Their friendship is a blast to watch develop, especially because the two young actors do such an excellent job.
The other half is where the movie falls flat. Not only does the conflict between the two boys feel insincere, so does the “Brethren” storyline. What could be a very engaging subplot about strict religions turns into an oversimplified one, headed by a very dull character in Joshua (Neil Dudgeon), the apparent leader of this town’s “Brethren” chapter.
On a technical level, the film excels. It manages to be beautifully shot even when set in a dull English countryside. The perspective during scenes involving the two young boys is set low, placing viewers on their level and adding to the wonder they see in the world (especially Will’s).
The soundtrack moves the scenes along nicely and is at its best when the numerous ’80s Euro-pop songs surface during some very funny scenes with the French exchange students at the school.
While not an excellent movie by any stretch, “Son Of Rambow” does do a great job capturing the wondrous appeal of being a child with a hefty imagination.
There are some great jokes hidden below the surface of Lee’s sharp humor. The charm packed into the first half is enhanced by the two young actors, whose excellent performances are reason alone to see this charming movie.
(allmoviephoto.com)