This movie is weird and delightful and well worth watching.
I'll start with the caveats:
1. The first fifteen minutes or so are difficult. You don't like very many people at first, and it looks like it is going to be a much darker film than it turns out to be. Stick with it, I promise it is going to get better.
2. The portrayal of the Plymouth Brethren is a bit on the dour side- I'm not Brethren, but I can't imagine it's as bad as all that.
The rest of the movie is pitch perfect. The portrayal of a friendship between two young boys has rarely been better done. I was just a bit younger than the kids in this movie in the mid eighties, and spent that time bouncing back and forth between England and the US. This movie was a bit of a nostalgia trip. The pop rocks and soda scene? Remember when it was a school yard rumor that you could actually explode your head by doing that?
The music was great- the acting, remarkable- the writing, top notch.
This is a whole family movie that will appeal not only to kids and parents but also to any college aged kids that are into "art movies." This is indie film making at its best. Son of Rambow
One of the best movies of the year. Cute, very funny, a little sad, but most importantly, an absolute blast to watch. Reminds me why some of my favorite movies are forigen: Shawn of the Dead, Pans Lab... If you're into quirky, this is not only a must see, but a must own. 4 thumbs up!
I was a big fan of first-time filmmakers Hammer and Tongs' (Garth Jennings and Nick Goldsmith) Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. While the duo had worked on music videos and other film projects before Hitchhiker's, this adaptation of the iconic sci-fi novel was their first feature film. It was surprising that they were given the keys to such a big project, one that had been in development for decades, but Hammer and Tongs handled the material quite admirably. In order to make Hitchhiker's Guide they had to put another film they were developing on hold. That project would eventually become their second feature film: Son of Rambow.
Son of Rambow tells the story of Will (Bill Milner), whose family is a part of a strict religious sect known as the Plymouth Brethren. Will has never watched TV, and even has to leave the classroom when they show a documentary at his school. That's how he meets Lee (Will Poulter), the class troublemaker. Will and Lee become best friends and, through Lee, Will gets his first taste of film in the form of Rambo: First Blood. Lee recruits Will to play a stunt man in a Rambo film he's creating to enter into Screen Test's Young Filmmaker's Competition.
Son of Rambow is, for the most part, a love song to film in general. In a way it kind of reminds me of Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind (a film I highly recommend), but there's a very important difference. Rambow will take you back to a time that you most likely will not remember: a time when movies were still magical. These days movies are so commonplace that we never truly get excited about what's on screen, and most of us don't know what it's like to see a movie for the first time. Through the eyes of Will we get to feel what that experience is like.
Rambow is also a coming-of-age story; a look back at a time when innocence is lost. At the beginning of the film, Will doesn't really know the difference between his world as a member of the Plymouth Brethren and the outside world, while Lee doesn't have the connection of a close friend, or really anyone for that matter. Throughout the course of the film we watch as the connection between the two boys develops and takes each of them on a voyage of discovery. Son of Rambow is really a brilliant look back at what it's like to be a kid, allowing you to feel the joys and the pains of early adolescence.
If you haven't seen Son of Rambow, watch it today! It's really amazing how the film allows you to experience what these characters feel and see. You'll feel like a kid again, seeing film through new eyes and re-experiencing childhood. If you want to check out a not-so-jaded look at love of cinema be sure to give this a try. If anything the screening of the actual Son of Rambow film in the final act will bring a smile to your face and maybe even a tear to your eyes.
An English movie with an American tie-in, Son of Rambow feels like a John Hughes movie for upper-grade schoolers. This one does it all: coming of age, geek vs. thug become friends, funny sub-plots, touching thematics, etc. But it does it all with such a big, sincere heart; Son of Rambow is beyond charming. It is truly a must-see father-and-son film that entertains and tugs heartstrings with a perfect balance and much creativity. Not to mention, the references through out the film to 'First Blood' are simply hilarious. The only warning I have for viewers: danger - your kids may want to see the real 'Rambo' after viewing!
I loved Son of Rambow on Blu-ray
after watching Son of Rambow on TV, I had to have it
the movie is one of the best I've seen, and it holds a special meaning to me
it reminds me so much of my own childhood, the events are different
but the friendships are the same, even the blood brother part is the same
the Blu-ray is packed with lots of extras, including the Making of Son of Rambow
this is a great movie that's will touch your heart, it's strong in values and friendships
Dave
When I saw the first trailers for Son of Rambow, I couldn't wait to see it. Unfortunately Portland never gets these limited releases, so I was forced to await the eventual DVD release. Now that the DVD is out and I've digested the movie, I've come away with some more mixed feelings than I anticipated.
Don't get me wrong: Son of Rambow is a fantastic movie. For the right crowd. Centering around two young lads with a desire to remake the Stallone classic themselves, the movie has an unquestionable charm and presence which will make any audience go "Awwww!" in appreciation. Unfortunately, outside of the charm a good majority of the humor and connectedness with the characters is achieved only by two audiences: men old enough to remember when Rambo came out, and children young enough to relate to the two protagonists, Will and Lee.
For the rest of us, the movie is an entertaining ride with a fresh outlook on friendship and a nice heartwarming attitude, but not quite the comedy juggernaut one might suppose from the pre-release trailers.
Even for the 15-25 crowd, however, Son of Rambow is still a good, solid film if you're willing to see it for what it is. Like Bridge to Terabithia, Son of Rambow mixes several genres and morality lessons together throughout the entertainment. (Although there's nothing quite as sad as the twist in Bridge...) It has surprisingly deep messages for a movie about two younger boys, which completely go against the shallow appearance on the surface.
While it's obviously a tale of friendship, the lessons under the skin of the movie are relevant for all ages and people, regardless of time, locale, or culture. And while those in the 15-25 crowd may not have as many laughs as the younger or older audiences, there's still no denying the fact that Son of Rambow offers an invigorating reminder of the power of imagination, and the challenges of growing up.
Content - 3.5/5
What you get out of Son of Rambow depends entirely on who you are, and how close you are to the culture/age of the two protagonists. The 15-25 crowd may see a heartwarming tale of friendship with some underlying lessons, while an older and younger crowd will f ind much more laughs. No matter which grouping you belong to, expect a unique movie with a refreshing take on friendship, and two very promising young actors.
Video - 3/5
I can't tell if I'm spoiled by Blu-Ray or not, but the colors seem to reflect more of the amateur nature of the kids' film and less of a real modern movie. While it certainly adds to the effect, it takes away slightly more than it gives, drawing you out of the moment from time to time.
Audio - 4/5
While there's 5.1 audio and some nice post production present, many of the sound effects rely too heavily on the front speakers, creating an overbalanced feel. The dialogue and other audio factors are all spot-on, but the front-heavy sfx can also draw you out of the moment if you're utilizing 5.1 speakers (or a 5.1 headset) while watching.
Replay - 4.5/5
It's one of those movies you could watch time and time again with new people. The humor may get old and lose "the funny" after a few watchings, but the core tale is more than enough to ensure that this will be a cult classic for many years, and a favorite of many young boys and teens to come.
Overall - 4/5
Watching Son of Rambow is like playing darts on a jumbo sized target. No matter where you throw the dart you're going to hit the board, but some people are going to be much closer to the bullseye than others. The humor and amount of funny moments in the movie directly relates to your age and gender, but no matter which gender you are and when you were born, the tale of friendship, growing up, and the overpowering effect of a youth's imagination offers something anyone can relate to.'
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