SYNOPSIS: SON OF RAMBOW is a hilariously fresh and visually inventive take on friendship, family, film heroes and the death-defying adventures of growing up in the video age. The story takes place in 1980s Britain, where young Will Proudfoot is raised in isolation among The Brethren, a puritanical religious sect in which music and TV are strictly forbidden. When Will encounters his first movie, a pirated copy of RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD his imagination is blown wide open. Now, Will sets out to join forces with the seemingly diabolical school bully, Lee Carter, to make their own action epic, devising wildly creative, on-the-fly stunts, not to mention equally elaborate schemes for creating a movie of total commitment and non-stop thrills while hiding out from The Brethren.

When school popularity finally descends on Will and Lee in the form of, oui, the super-cool French exchange student, Didier Revol, their remarkable new friendship and precious film are pushed, quite literally, to the breaking point.

REVIEW: Where do they get these kids from? You’ve heard me say it a thousand times and I will continue to do so because I am in awe of the kinds of performances turned in by these children that I have had the privilege to witness. Here we have another example of a movie with such performances. I mean some of these kids perform as good if not better than many adult movie stars. It is really impressive. Will Poulter takes the lead as Lee Carter, a bully, bad influence, delinquent who can be your dedicated best friend. Yeah, interesting contrast. He is the primary cameraman as well as co-director and co-imagineer of the movie being made within this movie. He was convincing, genuine, and razor-tongued. His best friend turns out to be an unlikely candidate, Will Proudfoot played by Bill Milner. Where Lee is the realist, Will is the surrealist. Will is also a co-director and co-imagineer, and what an imagination. He is quite the artist and he complements Lee in just the right way. Bill’s performance is also strong as he plays this character who is tormented by the desire to express himself freely which contradicts his extreme religious upbringing which limits his connection to the world around him. For example, it is forbidden for him to watch TV. His chance encounter with Lee, and a bootleg copy of First Blood (Rambo), sets him off on a physical and imaginative energy high that drives him to get this movie done for real as well as be the lead character in it. Lee can’t help but be enchanted by Will’s determination and they become good friends indeed. Another noteworthy performance is that of Jules Sitruk as Didier Revol, an eccentric French exchange student who oozes popularity and fashion style (remember, this film is set in the 80s so you can imagine the fashion style). It is only natural that he would want to be part of this movie production, in front of the camera of course. Jules does a great job with this larger than life character who in turn contributes greatly to the comedy of this picture.

Although the movie isn’t super great, it is very enjoyable. It is a feel good movie that will make you laugh, reflect, and cheer. If nothing else, these kids will win your heart over, even the bully, Lee. In addition, the storyline is not as basic as you might think. There is a decent amount of twists that might alter your predictions. The cinematography might also seem simple, but it is turned into something magical when seen through the eyes of these kids. The school, the homes, the vast fields, the bodies of water, and even an abandoned nuclear power plant lend themselves for a child’s imagination to run free. Some parents might be a little turned off by the more controversial aspects of this film. These characters can’t be more than 13 or 14 years old at the most, and there is smoking, criminal activity, disrespect for adult figures, lying, and strong language. Be warned. Some of this was really not necessary but I still got to hand it to Writer/Director Garth Jennings (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) for tapping into the talent of these young professionals. It is definitely worth the watch but whether it should be theater or at home on DVD . . . it’s a toss up.

Review By Cine Marcos 
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

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