THE GOOD SON

Isn't it strange how some famous child actors are able to make the transition to adult stardom successfully while others are not? Point in case is the two lead actors in this movie. Elijah Wood starred in many movies as a child and then went on to become a success as an adult actor in own right. Macaulay Culkin on the other hand also starred in a number of movies as a child but never seemed to have been able to make the transition...

Be that as it may, back to The Good Son: This 1993 film is basically about the age old struggle between good and evil, regardless of the "face" it comes in. Initially, cousins Mark (Elijah Wood) and Henry (Macaulay Culkin) are the best of pals. But then Mark realizes that the angelic appearing Henry is not at all what he seems.

The acting from both boys are outstanding and so is that of the rest of the cast. The story is arresting and the suspense gradually builds up to a very climactic ending. I think it is quite a good movie and can recommend it to all thrill seekers as a good escape. Overall I rewarded it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXYqn7wkTco

 

   Macauly Culkin and Elijah Wood

25 HILL

I guess all of us as kids did it sometime or another: built and raced a soapbox cart. And that is what this movie is all about; well, just about...

When twelve year old Trey Caldwell (wonderfully portrayed by Nathan Gamble) learns his father died in the war in Afghanistan, he is devastated, especially as they did not yet get to building the soapbox cart kit his dad bought him shortly before. But then he hooks up with grumpy old Roy Gibbs (Corbin Bernsen from LA Law fame who also wrote and directed this movie) who in turn lost his son in the 9/11 tragedy. The rest is fairly predictable.

However, to say that it is all about building and racing a soapbox cart is not quite fair; there are also some life lessons in there. Interestingly enough the story came about due to actual events surrounding one of the USA's great traditions: the annual All-American Soapbox Derby which takes place in Acron, Ohio.

Still I found it rather enjoyable to watch and gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0E-SdYg9ho

                         Nathan Gamble and Corbin Bernsen

                         

I AM DAVID

Initially watching this film, one is reminded of Steven Spielberg's Empire Of The Sun (1987). But although I Am David (2003) surely qualifies for the "Coming Of Age" genre, it is actually more a case of someone's rebirth.

The story is about twelve year old David (excellently portrayed by relatively unknown Ben Tibber) who escapes from a forced labour camp in Bulgaria where he practically grew up shortly after World War II ended. He then embarks on a 2000 mile journey to Denmark for no apparent reason besides what he is told by the person that helped him escape. Along the way he discovers and learn that the world and the people in it is not as bad and evil as he grew accustomed to in the camp. It is as if he spent his formative years in a very dark place full of hurt, pain and despair; a sort of "womb" if you will. But then he is "born" into a wondrous world full of kindness, joy and hope - from there the impression of rebirth.

This movie is highly recommended, especially for those experiencing sadness or despondency. A word of advice though if you can get hold of the DVD: make sure you also watch the Special Features' Deleted Scenes section. It explains a lot!

For my collection, I rated this movie a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_GeHxTIYwA

   Scenes from the movie

A FAR OFF PLACE

Only Disney can make death and desolation look delightful. I read the book A Far Off Place (one of two books the movie was based on) by celebrated author Laurens van der Post when I was at school and thought it was a bit of a grim story even then. Therefor, although it is Disney, I would not recommend it for the little ones or the squeamish.

The story is about three teenagers that flee across the African Kalahari desert in hot pursuit off the murderous poachers who massacred their parents. Even though the books were written during the early seventies and the movie made in the early nineties, the subject is just as, if not more, relevant to what is happening to the wildlife of Africa today; especially elephants and rhino's.

This was one of the earlier films for renowned actress Reese Witherspoon as well as the slightly lesser known Ethan Embury (or Ethan Randall as he was known then). The acting is therefore outstanding and even the young Sarel Bok who plays the roll of their Bushman guide, impresses. And once you become used to the barren emptiness of the landscape, you cannot but admire the magnificent photography. Overall, I rated this DVD three out of five stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugfHBe_kLpw

   Reese Witherspoon, Sarel Bok and Ethan Randall