Recommended age 10-18
112 minutes
PANGAEA PRODUCTIONS
Young Boy takes the issue of death in a young person's life, in this case a 12-yr-old boy's mother, with whom his love is obvious. By giving the audience the world of a tree house, traditionally a secret place, the story has an escapist touch. It offers a place to go and feel, to think, exchange ideas. The script develops these parallel stories well. The idea that life goes on, bullies in school keep trying, dreams can be real, and belief in self are all core issues. The screenplay is not preachy. It lends itself to blending fantasy and day to day life. The story tackles two boyhood friends that play chess and write, which alone are unique. Because they are shown as intelligent, funny, contemporary and resourceful, the boys are not wimpy or soft. The script is intelligent, clever and insightful. The ending, when he wishes for his mom's strength, is natural and one hopes that indeed, it will happen. The key in the story is perhaps a little cliché, yet it is symbolic and the author's vision and an upbeat resolution to the story. Reviewed by Juror #10, KIDS FIRST!
Young Boy takes the issue of death in a young person's life, in this case a 12-yr-old boy's mother, with whom his love is obvious. By giving the audience the world of a tree house, traditionally a secret place, the story has an escapist touch. It offers a place to go and feel, to think, exchange ideas. The script develops these parallel stories well. The idea that life goes on, bullies in school keep trying, dreams can be real, and belief in self are all core issues. The screenplay is not preachy. It lends itself to blending fantasy and day to day life. The story tackles two boyhood friends that play chess and write, which alone are unique. Because they are shown as intelligent, funny, contemporary and resourceful, the boys are not wimpy or soft. The script is intelligent, clever and insightful. The ending, when he wishes for his mom's strength, is natural and one hopes that indeed, it will happen. The key in the story is perhaps a little cliché, yet it is symbolic and the author's vision and an upbeat resolution to the story. Reviewed by Juror #10, KIDS FIRST!
One day, Franklin Young, being raised in the backwoods of Louisiana and struggling with his mother's illness and strained relationship with his father, has a mystical encounter in the woods; trying to convince his best friend of the mysterious event, and dealing with school and his family, this encounter alters life as he knows it and teaches him some valuable lessons along the way.
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