Directed By: Jan Avnet
Written By: Kathy McWorter
Cinematography: Geoffrey Simpson
Editor: Debra Neil Fisher
Written By: Kathy McWorter
Cinematography: Geoffrey Simpson
Editor: Debra Neil Fisher
I remember when this film was coming out it was heavily hyped by entertainment weekly which not only did a whole article on it’s making but also talked about how the studio was pushing for 14 year old Elijah Wood for best actor and Kevin Costner For best supporting and Best picture.
I was excited to see this film after reading the article and even went to see it on opening weekend. I went to see it on two separate occasions and while I can say the film is good it’s not that good.
The film is a bit uneven as it seems aimed at kids with its universal themes and simplicity but plays more for adults as a nostalgic look at childhood in the south in the ’50s and yet the film strives to be a kind of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD without the court case but as a coming of age drama.
I was excited to see this film after reading the article and even went to see it on opening weekend. I went to see it on two separate occasions and while I can say the film is good it’s not that good.
The film is a bit uneven as it seems aimed at kids with its universal themes and simplicity but plays more for adults as a nostalgic look at childhood in the south in the ’50s and yet the film strives to be a kind of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD without the court case but as a coming of age drama.
The film works somewhat if you just take it as it is the performances are good. Kevin Costner is not as annoying as he usually comes off until the film continues and you can see why he is in it and produced it. He gets to inhabit his messiah complex into the character.
Elijah Wood might not be Oscar-worthy but shows he was ready to tackle lead roles unfortunately at the time, the teen film revolution had passed and there were not too many films that would give him the chance to play leads.
The film is fun as well as heartbreaking which is telegraphed at times. It’s a shame as this seems to be the only noteworthy movie director Jon Avnet made. The other ones are more notorious in a bad way for the quality of his films which usually starred a good actor Al Pacino in wastes of time. 88 MINUTES, RIGHTEOUS KILL.
The power of the film is that it reminds you that when you are a kid the things that you think are so serious and how minor they are. Especially when you grow up and realize what is really important.
I also like the fact that most of the film spends time with the kids over the adults and lets the audience get to know the town and characters more through the kid's eyes then adults.
This is a film good enough for most of the family. A good rental or even a good addition to your film library
GRADE: C+
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