Watch Kids' Reviews of
STORYTELLER, THE

What to know: Insightful story about how someone's life can be turned around by a simple gesture from a young child.
STORYTELLER, THE is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
Recommended age 8-12
7 minutes
VIDEO
ALLISON VOLK
Listen to reviews on our radio show Listen to KIDS FIRST! Radio Coming Attractions on VoiceAmerica
STORYTELLER, THE cover image
The Storyteller offers a simple storyline that's surprisingly different. It only involves three characters and the primary conversation happens between two of the characters.

The storyline is centered on a formerly successful army veteran named Chase (Colin Martin) who, due to circumstances, has transitioned into a different career, though he doesn't seem fully satisfied with it. However, a random phone call from a young boy (Jake Belliston) disrupts his routine and gives him a sense of excitement and possibly offers him an opportunity for change.

I appreciated how the storyline provides the veteran with the chance to share his own story, highlighting his depth of experience and the consistency he experienced. Additionally, his character during the phone changes dramatically and he is remarkably gentle and kindhearted, which is in direct contrast to the behavior he showed at the beginning of the film. The film's cinematography is well executed, using techniques such as background blurring to draw focus to the protagonist and close-up shots that capture the Veteran's facial expressions. Additionally, it uses various angles to provide a wider perspective of the environment where the story takes place, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the story. The quality of the camera work is certainly suitable for exhibition.

During the storytelling section, the film transits to show images that enhance his story, which adds to the audience's viewing experience. The background music helps to enhance the dramatic impact of the story. Some special effects can be seen in the section of storytelling, which help deliver this veteran's reality. Chase, the protagonist, has a major character arc throughout the film. Initially he is seen as somewhat cold-hearted and detached from the world, but he transforms and by the end, he seems to be more content with his circumstances and finds satisfaction in helping the boy on the phone. My favorite part is when the boy asks Chase to read a story to him and Chase grabs the nearest book, flips it open, and begins reading straight away. It gives a slight humor to the film, especially when Chase realizes that he needs to be a bit more gentle with the boy and then begins to tell his own story. The other part I love is when the phone rings a second time and Chase answers it saying, "hello, storytellers." That brought a smile to my face.

The film's message is pretty well summed up in the line Chase says to the boy, "In life some things are way important than winning."

I give The Storyteller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Eunnet C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

The Storyteller offers a simple storyline that's surprisingly different. It only involves three characters and the primary conversation happens between two of the characters.

The storyline is centered on a formerly successful army veteran named Chase (Colin Martin) who, due to circumstances, has transitioned into a different career, though he doesn't seem fully satisfied with it. However, a random phone call from a young boy (Jake Belliston) disrupts his routine and gives him a sense of excitement and possibly offers him an opportunity for change.

I appreciated how the storyline provides the veteran with the chance to share his own story, highlighting his depth of experience and the consistency he experienced. Additionally, his character during the phone changes dramatically and he is remarkably gentle and kindhearted, which is in direct contrast to the behavior he showed at the beginning of the film. The film's cinematography is well executed, using techniques such as background blurring to draw focus to the protagonist and close-up shots that capture the Veteran's facial expressions. Additionally, it uses various angles to provide a wider perspective of the environment where the story takes place, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the story. The quality of the camera work is certainly suitable for exhibition.

During the storytelling section, the film transits to show images that enhance his story, which adds to the audience's viewing experience. The background music helps to enhance the dramatic impact of the story. Some special effects can be seen in the section of storytelling, which help deliver this veteran's reality. Chase, the protagonist, has a major character arc throughout the film. Initially he is seen as somewhat cold-hearted and detached from the world, but he transforms and by the end, he seems to be more content with his circumstances and finds satisfaction in helping the boy on the phone. My favorite part is when the boy asks Chase to read a story to him and Chase grabs the nearest book, flips it open, and begins reading straight away. It gives a slight humor to the film, especially when Chase realizes that he needs to be a bit more gentle with the boy and then begins to tell his own story. The other part I love is when the phone rings a second time and Chase answers it saying, "hello, storytellers." That brought a smile to my face.

The film's message is pretty well summed up in the line Chase says to the boy, "In life some things are way important than winning."

I give The Storyteller 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Eunnet C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

An Iraq war veteran suffering from PTSD, Chase (43), works nights as a janitor at a car museum -- perfect for him, because he prefers to be alone. He thoughtfully dusts, vacuums, and polishes with striking attention to detail, occasionally taking breaks to longingly stare at the historic photos of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles after they won Le Mans in 1966. His reverie is broken when the phone rings; it's a little boy, who thinks he's called The Storyteller's Hotline. Touched by the boy's innocence, Chase tells him a story that launches them into the world of 1960's car racing. Chase realizes that the boy has fallen asleep, and goes back to work... until the phone rings again.
You too can become a film critic!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!

NEW SEARCH
Entertainment News for Kids:
Join KIDS FIRST! on Twitter Join KIDS FIRST! on YouTube Join KIDS FIRST! on Instagram Join KIDS FIRST! on Tik Tok Join KIDS FIRST! on Facebook