Where to begin. Let me elaborate a little of what happened to me before the film.
I got off work at 5 and tried to get over to Burbank from Santa Monica as fast as I could. Which was about an hour and 15 min….Not too bad. The more difficult part was finding parking. After 25 min. I found a spot across the street and around the block. I got to theater and the ticket people told me my line was upstairs and to the left. The line went all the way around the building. After being there for 10 min. I was informed I was in the wrong line (THANKS TICKET BOOTH PEOPLE). I then walked to the other side of the building to the other line, which was just as long. I did not think I was going to get in, but I was wrong! The theatre was pretty full already. I walked up near the top and saw a seat in the middle open, asked if anyone was sitting there, and got the seat! WOOT! It was perfect.
Now onto the film.
I, like many, did not know what I was getting myself into. There have been very little details revealed about this film, which helped make it even more intriguing. To set up the film, I would describe it as a “Goonies” meets “E.T.” meets “Stand By Me.” And maybe a little “The Sandlot” dashed in. It is definitely going to have a decent following and become a classic for years to come.
The glue that held the entire film together was the camaraderie between the group of friends. You could tell these kids were friends off set as well. The chemistry was great and they really fed off each other. Each character had a moment to shine in the film, which helped you connect to characters easily. The idea of kids coming together to make their own film is a fun concept. Kind of makes you want to go back to your childhood and attempt to have an adventure on film. Make sure to stay for the credits because they show the “film” the kids made and it is hilarious!
The moment Elle Fanning came one the screen all I could think about was Dakota. She sounds EXACTLY LIKE HER. She is a wonderful young actress, but in many of the scenes I had to re-focus my mind back to the film, instead of the comparison. Acting genes definitely run in that family.
Joel Courtney, who plays Joe Lamb, the main boy, made you believe he was a seasoned child actor, when in reality, this is his acting debut. He definitely has a bright future ahead of him. There were some touching moments between him and Fanning that I may have shed a tear if it weren’t for the theater of strangers surrounding me.
There is an actor who plays the camera store clerk in the film. It’s a small part, but vital in a few scenes. It took me about 3/4 of the way through the film to realize who he was and I wanted to whisper to my friend “7th Heaven,” but the stranger next to me would have thought I was a freak. The actor was David Gallagher, who played Simon on “Heaven.” Hope that helps some of you who may have been stuck like I was.
The plot moved along pretty well. There wasn’t ever a part where I felt the film was dragging on. They kept you wanting more.
The cinematography and score has Spielberg and Abrams all over it, especially at the end. It was like “Lost” and “Jurassic Park” combined. Beautifully done. But it’s not like I was expecting anything less.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you are afraid to see it because of the sci-fi side, you should still go. It’s a great story about overcoming loss and finding home again.
I give it a solid A-. It’s worth the money to see it in the theater. At least matinée it!
Until next time…PEACE OUT!
The One... 