Brought up in a strictly religious environment, Will has never had the pleasure of seeing a movie or any type of media on television. One day, after being dismissed from class while an educational video is shown, Will meets Lee Carter, a troubled student. Though complete opposites, the boys quickly strike up a friendship, one that leads Lee to ask Will to be the star of his homemade action movie. Inspired by Sylvester Stallone's hit Rambo: First Blood, the boys work day and night to bring their imagination to life. But like all relationships, the boys hit a major roadblock, one that could end their friendship and the movie.
Thriving on imagination and the innocence of youth, Son of Rambow scores high marks for its creativity, direction and story. And though it hits a slight snag at the halfway point, the film finishes strong, serving as one of the few surprises thus far in 2008!
From the beginning I was skeptical of this film. Carrying the name of a popular icon in Rambo, there was no telling just how corny and uninteresting this story was going to be. However, by the ten minutes mark, I found myself drawn to Will and from there I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen.
In fact, I have to split the credit for this film between the cast and the writer/director, for both worked exceptionally well together, bringing a unique and clever film to theatres when movie viewers are bombarded with one attempted blockbuster after the next.
For starters we have Milner, who uses his innocence and energy to good use in bringing lead Will to life. Stuck in a home with no television, no radio and no friends, Will is the true definition of an outside. But when he meets Lee, Will makes a vast change in both his personality and his outlook on life. Not concerned with rules or consequences, Will lives life as every kid should, day to day.
But it isn't just Milner that entertained , but his combined efforts with Will Poulter, who played troubled Lee Carter. Using his emotions and facial expressions, Poulter was able to bring Lee and his rocky family life to the forefront and thus providing for an equal balance between the two head honchos.
It wasn't the lone performance of either of the boys but rather their combined efforts and chemistry that they shared with one another that make Son of Rambow so good. Their emotions, actions and even dialogue flowed freely, making them seem like real friends and the film like a documentary that was simply recording their every move.
Bringing me to the other half of the team that made this film so amazing, writer/director Garth Jennings. Coming up with a story such as this one is never an easy task, and transforming such a story is almost unheard of. Yet, somehow it all came together perfectly. And with the flawless and rustic direction that gives the film a raw and real feel, the film is a complete package for film goers.
As a result, I have to say that Son of Rambow is the best non-blockbuster film thus far this summer. And after Iron Man, should be a must see by one and all!
