The story travels back in time to follow a young girl's grandmother when she was a girl dealing with bullying and discouragement at school. Her dog plays a critical role, helping her in many ways, including training for the cross country team.
I like how the dog, Shadow (Ranger Welling) interacts with Kelly (Preslee Tucker) and how he helps her throughout the film. Production wise, this movie has some very interesting camera angles. I love the scenes of the town, which looks beautiful and peaceful. I also like the use of multiple angles. There is a scene where Kelly and her dog are playing and the camera moves beautifully in sync with their movements. Another shot that I really like is during the credits. It showing Kelly playing outside in the fog. The film takes place in 1960s. The costumes fit the time period well, particularly Kelly's school attire. She wears a tucked in shirt with a long skirt down to her knees. This is certainly different from what girls wear to school today. The location shots show lots of outdoor scenes, which gives it a harmonious feel. There is a lot of music throughout the film. It is joyful and seems authentic to the time period.
This film stars Preslee Tucker as Kelly. Her acting is quite believable; she personifies the young girl quite well. Furthermore, the drone photography is quite amazing, and probably my favorite part of the film. Actually, all the photography is quite professionally executed. This movie reminded me that perseverance and practice are key to everything in life. It inspired me to keep working hard. My favorite part is when Kelly finds out she can keep Shadow (the dog); she is so happy and it gave me joy. I also really like when Shadow helps Kelly in her race. Shawn S. Welling, the film's director and actor is known for movies such as, If I Could Talk, If I Could Run and Hidden In The Woods. He handles this film with a tender touch, showing us the behind the scenes of a normal, rural family with a head-strong daughter that you have to admire.
This movie has multiple messages - perseverance is key; having confidence is another; lastly, practice is essential. You should know that it does show the girl doing risky things that kids might imitate. Kelly disobeys her parents and hides a dog she finds and uses the tractor after being told explicitly not to.
I give If I Could Run 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults.
Reviewed by Ginebra Q. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Reviewer
The story travels back in time to follow a young girl's grandmother when she was a girl dealing with bullying and discouragement at school. Her dog plays a critical role, helping her in many ways, including training for the cross country team.
I like how the dog, Shadow (Ranger Welling) interacts with Kelly (Preslee Tucker) and how he helps her throughout the film. Production wise, this movie has some very interesting camera angles. I love the scenes of the town, which looks beautiful and peaceful. I also like the use of multiple angles. There is a scene where Kelly and her dog are playing and the camera moves beautifully in sync with their movements. Another shot that I really like is during the credits. It showing Kelly playing outside in the fog. The film takes place in 1960s. The costumes fit the time period well, particularly Kelly's school attire. She wears a tucked in shirt with a long skirt down to her knees. This is certainly different from what girls wear to school today. The location shots show lots of outdoor scenes, which gives it a harmonious feel. There is a lot of music throughout the film. It is joyful and seems authentic to the time period.
This film stars Preslee Tucker as Kelly. Her acting is quite believable; she personifies the young girl quite well. Furthermore, the drone photography is quite amazing, and probably my favorite part of the film. Actually, all the photography is quite professionally executed. This movie reminded me that perseverance and practice are key to everything in life. It inspired me to keep working hard. My favorite part is when Kelly finds out she can keep Shadow (the dog); she is so happy and it gave me joy. I also really like when Shadow helps Kelly in her race. Shawn S. Welling, the film's director and actor is known for movies such as, If I Could Talk, If I Could Run and Hidden In The Woods. He handles this film with a tender touch, showing us the behind the scenes of a normal, rural family with a head-strong daughter that you have to admire.
This movie has multiple messages - perseverance is key; having confidence is another; lastly, practice is essential. You should know that it does show the girl doing risky things that kids might imitate. Kelly disobeys her parents and hides a dog she finds and uses the tractor after being told explicitly not to.
I give If I Could Run 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18, plus adults.
Reviewed by Ginebra Q. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and KIDS FIRST! Reviewer
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