Rated PG13

Directed by Garth Jennings

Starring Neil Dudgeon, Bill Milner, Will Poulter, Jessica Stevenson, Jules Sitruk

Heidi’s Illustrious Rating: 4

Word of Warning: The following warning could have run at the beginning of this film, “Do not try this at home.” However, it is a well-known fact that little boys do not need a movie to inspire them to perform dangerous and bone-breaking stunts.

I enjoy British comedy, including another film directed by Garth Jennings, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Though some critics crucified the film, which was an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ book by the same name, I thought it was quite amusing. Garth Jennings not only directed “Son of Rambow,” but also wrote the screenplay.

This movie is reminiscent of a British film release several years ago called “Millions.” That film also starred children and if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend putting it in your Netflix queue. “Son of Rambow” isn’t quite as good as “Millions,” but it is a sweet, funny, simple story and I liked it. It is proof that a good movie doesn’t always have to be deep and thought provoking.

There is always something endearing about kids with a British accent and this movie is loaded with them. Set in the 1980’s, it is the story of two boys who go to the same school but whose backgrounds are worlds apart. Will Proudfoot comes from a family involved in a strict religious sect called The Brethren. His mother wears only dresses and covers her hair with a handkerchief. He isn’t allowed to watch television or interact with anyone outside The Brethren. At school he is quiet an inconspicuous as a ghost. He escapes into a fantasy world of drawings; he draws in notebooks and secretly on the walls of a bathroom stall at school.

Lee Carter is a rebel rouser who is as familiar with the head master’s office as he is with the back of his own hand. He lives with his older brother in living quarters attached to a nursing home owned by his mother’s Greek boyfriend. Their mother is out of the country leaving the boys to fend for themselves. Lee Carter loves the movies and since he has no parental supervision he can see whatever movie he wants, even the R-rated “Rambo: First Blood.” Obsessed with becoming a movie director and eager to hone his skills, Lee Carter pirates movies by recording them at the theater in order to re-watch the over and over at home.

Lee Carter and Will Proudfoot paths cross while they have both be subjugated to the hall – Lee for acting out and Will because he can’t stay in the classroom when a movie is being shown. Lee recruits Will to be the stuntman in his latest movie-making attempt. Without his mother’s knowledge, Will sets out to help Lee Carter make “Son of Rambow,” a spin off of the movie, “Rambo: First Blood.” As the two boys’ worlds come together, both their lives are forever changed.

There are a few fantastical scenes in which the filmmakers decided to add into the movie exactly what the boys are imagining. For instance, in one scene Will is riding in a car, gazing wistfully into a passing field when he begins to imagine. Lo and behold the audience begins to see cartoon-style bombs bursting in a hayfield. It is obvious Director Garth Jennings clearly remembers what it was like to be a young boy. My husband informs me the interpretation of what life is like for a boy in “Son of Rambow” is quite accurate.   

This movie is sometimes funny to the point of silly and sad to the point of tears. With all the ups and downs of childhood brought to the surface in a poignant, yet simple manner. The two young British actors are believable and we sympathize with each of their plights. This movie is currently playing at independent theaters, such as Lyric Cinema & Café in Fort Collins.