“Make Believe. Not War”
The tagline for “Son of Rambow,” says it all. This imaginative, playful British film took the film festival circuit by storm, and has finally made its way to the U.S.
Director and writer Garth Jennings has created not only a quirky film, but a complete childhood universe, rich with possibility, imagination and the magic of movies.
Young Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) is raised in an isolated world, his family part of the Brethren, a religious group who shuns television and movies. He feeds his imagination only through his illustrations, many of which cover every inch of his schoolbooks. Yet, when an accidental friendship develops between Will and the school bully, Lee Carter, Will gets his first glimpse of film in the form of Rambo: First Blood. Lee and Will set out to make their own film about Rambo’s son, played by Will.
Their film includes a flying dog, intense stunts and complicated fight scenes, all shot on their simple home-video. As word spreads, other classmates join in on the project. At the same time, Will is fighting against his mother’s traditional religious views and constrictions on his life.
Milner, whose film credits only include a couple of other films at this time, seems like an old pro on screen. And yet, he carries with him the novelty of youth and the intensity of hope.
“Son of Rambow” somehow feels like a short film, which would seem nearly impossible at 96 minutes long. But it is the smooth progression of the plot, and the subtle beauties embedded in the story which give it a refreshing point-of-view.
The characters in “Son of Rambow” are developed to their full potential. Quirky, lovable and imperfect, both Will and Lee grow and change in the film. They are interesting to watch, easy to root for, and memorable even after the credits have rolled.
It is funny without trying to be so. It is thoughtful without needing to be so. This film could make even the scroogiest of characters smile. The tenacity of the main characters inspires the audience to be more than they thought possible.
“Son of Rambow” reminds us all of the potential of life. If two awkward, scrappy young boys can make a film, can’t we all do anything we want?
Son of Rambow. In theaters Friday, May 2.
Rebecca M Ford 