The talent behind the scenes and on screen tells the story in the best way possible. The screenwriter, Nick Spark relays the evolution and journey of Jessica Cox. He is able to clearly tell the viewers through dialogue, how Jessica and her family felt about her disability and how their outlook developed over the years. He communicates the changes of feelings like puzzle pieces interspersed throughout the movie so you can recognize the full picture or message as the film ends. The film editor, Susan Metzger, compiled the film so that the story makes a major influence on the viewer.
This documentary had me hooked from the first scene and the last scene left me with a lot to think about. Every segment flows into the next, revealing Jessica's journey clip by clip. The cinematographer, Bill Megalos, makes these shots come to life. The angles that the scenes are taken allow the viewer to look into different people's minds. For example, in many of the shots, the camera men are right beside Jessica so the viewers feel as if they are walking with her, seeing and hearing what she is. I felt as if I was walking in her shoes and could understand what she was feeling.
The message is to never say never. Jessica Cox has no arms but this doesn't stop her from being independent and doing anything she wants. Jessica can drive, swim and even fly an airplane. Jessica Cox inspires children across the world with disabilities and reminds them that there is no such thing as "I can't."
I give Right Footed 5 out of 5 stars because of its important message and wonderful talent behind the scenes. I recommend it for ages 5 to 18 and adults will enjoy it as well. Everyone should watch and learn from it. You can watch Right Footed at select KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals playing around the country.
Reviewed by Sahiba D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
The documentary film Right Footed immediately drew my attention and I could not tear myself away from this remarkable story. I love the resilience of this woman, Jessica Cox, who lives her entire life without arms and still accomplishes so many things! Her activities include extremely active things such as dancing, Taekwondo, swimming and flying airplanes! She has traveled to the Philippines and Africa to talk about what it's like to have a disability and helps kids with learning and physical disabilities by sharing her story with them. Jessica Cox is a wonderfully inspiring woman.
The plot is the true story about a woman who lives her life with no arms and has to do everything with her feet. Some examples are eating, putting on clothes, driving her car and washing her hair. Her mom and dad supported Jessica and her siblings equally so that no one was jealous of each other and both her brother and sister have always been very supportive of her. She has been through so much and she is a true fighter.
The message of this story is that you must embrace life if you have a disability, whatever it may be. The fact that she pursues and enjoys activities which most people would expect to require the use of arms is truly astonishing. I believe that she participated in making this movie in order to show the world that a disabled person can adapt by using their strengths.
What really stood out for me is in the beginning of the movie when the audience is invited into that most intimate of activities, a woman putting on her makeup. How resilient she is to have figured that out, all by herself! And, she does it without hands. And then, she allows the camera to capture it! Talk about a good sport.
I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. It is a really inspirational story and movie and I recommend it for ages 13 to 18 and adults would enjoy it as well because it gives an in-depth portrait into what this woman has been through. I also highly recommend this film for kids who have learning and physical disabilities. You can find this movie at a limited number of KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals. Check the listings at kidsfirst.org to see where it is playing near you.
Reviewed by Lucia F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18
Jessica Cox takes gives us an experience that is heartwarming, inspirational and encouraging. The story of Jessica Cox born reminds me to be appreciative of my own life. Jessica shares how in her early days she was angry about being different and treated differently. She was defiant to her mother at the times she wanted to take care of her. Jessica was inspired by her own mother whose faith put her daughter's disability into a positive perspective. Jessica learns from her and accomplishes many tasks that able-bodied people fail to accomplish. She learns to dance, earns a black belt in martial arts, learns to drive. Jessica becomes a licensed airplane pilot. But, watching her just get herself showered and dressed is simply amazing. Putting her contacts on with her feet puts life into perspective. Buttoning her clothes with both feet is another.
After graduating from college, she begins to tour as a motivational speaker and falls in love and gets married. She and her husband travel the world together they become advocates for people with disabilities around the world.
I recommend this title for playing at a film festival because there are many lessons about attitude, determination, creativity, humbleness and family. While Jessica commands most of the attention as a young child, her sister and brother support and encourage her and are truly happy and proud of the accomplishments Jessica achieves. Jessica encourages many people with handicaps especially girls and young women who are born without arms. Several young women she mentors really became hopeful. They watch Jessica prepare for her wedding and actually witness the ceremony.
Right Footed has many lessons, words, scenes and people to inspire everyone. There is a never give up spirit throughout. For example, we see Jessica sharing a lesson with a group of five year olds about tying the laces of their shoes. She tells then that she just practiced and practiced until she could time her own shoes.
The Jessica Cox story is an inspiration to parents who have children with disabilities. Jessica's parents encourage her to take care of her own baby. I have renewed determination for my life, after viewing Jessica Cox, born without arms and being right footed. Heartfully accepted and kudos to the filmmaker for making this incredible film about this incredible young woman. Yes!
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