Son of Rambow: A Home Movie

The 1980's period piece Son of Rambow: A Home Movie is a heartwarming comedy about the struggles of childhood and adolescence, the conflict between the imaginary and reality, and the joys and pains of friendship.

Twelve-year-old Will is the sheltered, eldest son of a fatherless family that adheres to a strict religion which shuns friendship with non-members and prohibits modern music, television, films and other things deemed worldly. One day at school Will has a curious run-in with Lee Carter, the school trouble-maker and aspiring filmmaker, who shows him a pirated copy of Rambo: First Blood. This experience has a profound effect on Will; opening his mind and stirring a new-found energy and creativity that the two friends use to write, direct, and star in a short homage to Rambo, with the help of the student body. The process of making their film is an intense rollercoaster ride that eventually leads to true friendship. However as a consequence Will is forced to go against his religious upbringing and follow his dreams secretly until his Mother's new beau finds out and puts a wrench in things.

Son of Rambow: A Home Movie is a gem of a film that abounds with wit and humor. The screenplay is a brilliantly written homage to 1980s film, music, and culture. The action and dialogue effectively push the film forward; making a succinct transition through all three acts while keeping interest through a perfect mix of laugh out loud comedy and drama. Despite the enormous cast and ensemble feel, Writer/Director Garth Jennings manages to meticulously develop the main characters and create a sincere depth that is easily relatable. The pristine script comes to life on the silver screen with the help of a very talented and well cast group of child actors.

The film achieves an uncanny vision of the British country-side in the early 80s; creating a period feel uncommon to most low-budget independent productions. This is mainly accomplished through a blend of poetic cinematography that elegantly captures the rustic, rural atmosphere and the artful use of 80s popular music and snippets of films and television news clips from the era. As the film progresses it reveals itself as a farcical, post-modern nod to 80's films like Rambo, Enter the Dragon, Stand By Me, and more.

Son of Rambow: A Home Movie is a heart-warming, nostalgic journey into the adolescent world; reminding us of the important and profound effects of friendships long-past.