KF Film Critics Laud ‘Field of Vision’ for Key Messages
The sixth film of Walmart’s Family Movie Night collection, Field of Vision includes a compelling character for both sexes – and a wide range of ages – to identify with. It offers a lot of food for thought and family discussion, as KIDS FIRST! film critics Sam Connan, Raven Sky Devanney and Gabriella Chu describe in their reviews below (and on YouTube). Among the themes they recognize:
Being understanding of other people (Connan explains that, when a new boy at a high school shows skill on the football field, “some people at his new school take that to mean that he is trying to make them look bad, which is not his intention at all”).
Standing up for the truth (Devanny, describing the lead girl character, says, “It is inspiring that she stays with what she knows is true”).
Redemption (Chu says of the high school guidance teacher, “Now that she sees a struggling student, Corey, she won’t let the opportunity pass to help him out” — spurred by regrets about not having supported a student years ago who needed help).
Bullying is another big theme in Field of Vision, a topic that has been getting more and more attention as the incidence of it – among boys and girls even as young as first grade – becomes more pervasive thanks to the Internet.
Field of Vision
Reviewed by Sam Connan (age 13)
I just finished watching Field of Vision, and I thought it was a really good movie. It’s about an orphan boy who is moved around from foster home to foster home and from school to school, and he’s really a smart guy and he’s really good on the football field. However, some people at his new school take that to mean that he is trying to make them look bad, which is not his intention at all.
I think the acting in this was just phenomenal, especially Joe Adler who plays Corey, the orphan boy. I hope I see this guy in another film because he was quite good.
I think that this would be appropriate for ages 10 and up because it probably wouldn’t hold the attention of younger kids. There’s a lot of talking and there aren’t many bright, flashy colors or movement or that kind of thing. It’s more psychological than anything else.
All in all, I’d give this movie a two out of three.
Field of Vision
Reviewed by Raven Sky Devanney (age 13)
Field of Vision is a great movie about standing up for the truth and always pushing towards your goals.
This movie is very enjoyable; however, the cinematography and visual aspects aren’t very impressive because the colors are dull and simple.
My favorite character is Lucy, played by Alyssa Shafer, because she does an excellent job and the character is so caring and always backs up her belief of the “magic” camera even when she is doubted. It is inspiring that she stays with what she knows is true.
My favorite scene would have to be when Corey, played by Joseph Adler, and Lucy exchange books for the first time, because her compassion towards him is very sweet. The scene is also important because Lucy becomes very involved in Corey’s life later in the film.
This movie is for ages 10 and up because younger children will lose interest in the storyline and plot quickly. Also, younger children may not quite get some of the more mature situations. This is a wonderful family film, as it gives families a chance to talk about the important issue of bullying.
Overall, I give Field of Vision a thumbs up!
Field of Vision
Reviewed by Gabriella Chu (age 14)
Field of Vision tells the story of a new kid named Corey who transfers to a different high school. He joins the football team there and is bullied by a few of the guys, which causes him to not want to play football anymore. However, the captain of the football team, Tyler, still needs Corey because he is a good player. In order to try to get Corey back on the team, he has to confront the bullies who are also his best friends — since 4th grade! Will Corey decide to go back on the team? Find out for yourself.
This movie is very inspiring. Tyler learned that it is important to do the right thing, even when it means sacrificing your relationship with your best friends.
Tyler’s mother, Jody, learned that it is always helpful to support someone in need. Jody is the guidance counselor of the high school, but she used to be a teacher who taught Corey’s mother! She regrets that she did not help his mother, who was pregnant when she was only 18. Now that she sees a struggling student, Corey, she won’t let the opportunity pass to help him out. She learned that it is always nice to give a helping hand. If you’re wondering how Jody helped Tyler out, watch out for the surprise ending of the movie!
I would recommend this movie to kids ages nine and up. It is a great family movie, but younger kids might not understand the complications between the characters and the drama that occurs.
Photos, top to bottom: Field of Vision poster, Sam Connan, Raven Sky Devanney, Gabriella Chu
Check out the Field of Vision trailer to get a taste of the film yourself.
The film has also received a lot of attention for dealing with cyber bullying. View Miami Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown discussing the issue of kids bullying other kids – and bringing the discussion to a Field of Vision Generation Next event.
