SIXTY SIX (2006)

As we saw from the last post on this blog, the Bar Mitzvah tradition is a very big deal in the life on any Jewish boy regardless of nationality. In this movie the scene shifts to the UK.

It is the year 1966. For twelve year old Bernie Rubens (Gregg Sulkin who might be better known for his roll as the werewolf boyfriend of Alex Russo in the Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place) it is the year he will become a man. And for the occasion he starts to plan the Bar Mitzvah to top all Bar Mitzvah's. Only thing is, it is also the year that Britain hosts the World Cup Football tournament. And to add insult to injury the day of the final is scheduled to fall on the same date as his Big Day. So what is a boy to do, especially if it also seems as if anything that can go wrong with the planning indeed does go wrong?

In stead of producing a cheap comedy and thereby making a mockery of one boy's misery, the director, Paul Weiland, treats the material with such care and sensitivity so that by the end one cannot but watch the end credits without having that warm fuzzy feeling under the heart. This DVD is highly recommended for anyone looking for something to raise the spirit. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7pNPk8hyI

 Gregg Sulkin then...                                                 ... and now

KEEPING UP WITH THE STEINS (2006)

As far as comedies go this one is not too bad. As far as coming of age movies go this one is not too bad either. Unfortunately that is the best one can say about this film: it is not too bad.

To a large extent the title suggests the gist of the plot: Keeping up with the Joneses. In stead in this case it is the 'Steins'. Thirteen year old Benjamin Fiedler (Daryl Sabara of Spy Kids fame) is about to have his Bar Mitzvah. Only thing is his dad's biggest enemy and rival just recently threw a major bash on a cruise ship for the Bar Mitzvah of his son, Zachary. And of course Benjamin's must be bigger and better. What ensues is a battle of wills between father and son (or should I rather say: fathers and sons? - Watch the movie to see what I mean...)

However, despite the somewhat contrived plot, that acting is of a standard that makes it well worth watching. Gary Marshall as the estranged-hippie husband, father and grandfather is particularly entertaining and fun to watch. Because of that I am prepared to award this DVD three out of five stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUotYU43AWY

  Jami Gertz as mom, Daryl Sabara as Benjamin and Jeremy Piven as dad

SHORTS (2009)

If you enjoyed the Spy Kids series you will enjoy this one. It is classic Robert Rodriguez (and sons) fantasy fare - much along the same lines as Sharkboy And Lavagirl, maybe just not quite as far out there.

Toby Thompson (very well portrayed by the talented Jimmy Bennett) is your typical middle schooler who is plagued by the two school bullies who are also his parents' boss' kids. But then he finds a magical rainbow colored wishing stone and everything. And I mean EVERYTHING so that it gives new meaning to the adage "Be careful what you wish for..."

Even though this movie is obviously aimed at the kid market, if you are a Robert Rodriguez fan, this is a definite must see. If you are not, you might find it a bit over the top. But so then is most of the work done by this unconventional movie maker from Texas. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR0W2L4TLsM

 

                         Jimmy Bennett holding the magic wishing stone

AMAZING GRACE AND CHUCK (1987)

"Once upon a time there was a boy..." This is how this movie begins. To that you can add: "...who loved to play baseball. And he was good at it. But then he decided to give it all up for the greater good of mankind..." and then you'd have the gist of the story. Although the premise to this idea is great, unfortunately in real life the actual execution thereof is totally unrealistic.

Twelve year old Chuck Murdock (played by virtually unknown Joshua Zuehlke who could easily be mistaken for a young Josh Hutcherson) goes on a school field trip where they visit an USA nuclear missile base near their hometown in Montana. He is so upset but what they see and learn there that he decides to give up the thing he love most: baseball. And despite being the star pitcher of his little league team, he refuses to play as long as there are still nuclear weapons around. But when his decision gets to be publicized, it has consequences far beyond what he ever could have imagined.

There are quite a few familiar faces in this typical '80s movie like William Peterson (before he became famous in the original CSI series) and Gregory Peck (who surely needs no introduction). However, despite the plot improbabilities, overall the story is still enjoyable and recommended as good family fun. I rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LCMdmK8w4M

 Alex English as 'Amazing Grace' Smith with Joshua Zuehlke as Chuck