Son Of Rambow (2008) Movie Information:

Son Of Rambow (2008) Directed by: Garth Jennings Son Of Rambow (2008) Written by: Garth Jennings Son Of Rambow (2008) Cast: Will Poulter, Bill Milner, Jules Sitruk, Charlie Thrift, Jessica Stevenson, Neil Dudgeon

Son Of Rambow (2008) U.S. Distributor: Paramount Vantage Son Of Rambow (2008) U.K. Distributor: UIP

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Son Of Rambow (2008) Synopsis:

Will follow two young boys growing up in '80s Britain, who hail from opposite sides of the tracks – one is neglected, the other from a Plymouth Brethren family – and discover an unlikely friendship over First Blood, the first of Stallone's Rambo movies. They then decide to make their own version of the film so that they can enter it onto the TV quiz show of the time, Screen Test.

Son Of Rambow (2008) Movie Review:

Charmingly subversive humour brings this whimsical childhood comedy to life, and makes it both more engaging and funnier than expected. It's a bright and very silly film with solid, provocative themes that really stick with us.

Will (Milner) is a pre-teen in early 1980s Britain, living with his single mother (Stevenson) in a strict isolationist religious community, which leaves him on the fringe at school. A chance encounter with the class bully Carter (Poulter) changes everything, as Will's intense imagination is given an outlet in Carter's home-video movie project, a riff on Sylvester Stallone's 1982 franchise-spawning hit First Blood. But the production is invaded by the cool French exchange student (Sitruk) and his posse of fans, which strains Will's budding friendship with Carter. And there's also the matter of Will's furious church leaders.

The film definitely has an autobiographical feel to it, catching tiny details of children whose personalities are just emerging, just as they begin to understand who their friends and family really are. The connections between the characters are powerfully well-defined, and beautifully played by the cast. Newcomers Milner and Poulter are terrific together as a memorable odd-couple movie team. And they get fine support from the adult actors, each of whom fills their scenes with realistic interaction, plus throwaway comedy gold.

In fact, the entire film is an engaging mix of offbeat slapstick and truthful emotion. Jennings' script and direction are energetic and lively, stirring in superb visual effects that blend perfectly with the story and characters, often hand-drawn in the style of Will's doodles. The witty camera work and smart editing keep us both gripped to the story and constantly laughing both at the pointed jokes and goofy physicality.

Even when things get serious or scary, the film keeps us in its grip. Jennings fills each scene with random gags and terrific period touches. This is an perceptive look at teenage antics, including telling examinations of peer pressure and personal insecurities masked by a thin veneer of bravado. But beyond all of this, the film is a celebration of imagination and creativity. Not just in children, but within all of us.

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Son Of Rambow (2008) review written by: Rich Cline