The film had some dreadful reviews, features an unfortunate use of the the 'r' word - I mean, why? - and yet was nominated for two Oscars. I could describe it as a sugar-coated heavy handed morality tale with lots of cringy moments. But I won't. Because I watch films for entertainment and at that level it was great.
It's a quest, an adventure, a boy learning about himself and how to overcome his fears - a big problem if you have Asperger's.
It showed the need for control and order, and the charm and intelligence that I see in my son every day.
There are also entertaining characters, great acting and the fabulous diversity of the New York streets.
But for me this film really was mainly about a boy with Asperger's, here presented as positive but quirky. Perhaps it might be a good introduction for a family who've recently had a child diagnosed? Even better if it was possible to 'bleep' out the 'r' word. Actually I don't know why they didn't just change that line before it was released on DVD....
Have you seen the film? What did you think?
Disclosure: This DVD was provided to me for free to review in my own words. I only review stuff that is actually of interest, and again, this was! I've one more review AND a giveaway to do and then it'll be back to wordy stuff for a while..
The facts bit:
Genre: Emotional Drama
Film running length: 130 min
DVD Release date: 01/6/2012
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Distributor: Warner Bros Distributors Ltd
Stars: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock
Great review. Makes me want to watch it!
ReplyDeletexx Jazzy
Yeah, I want to see it too. xx (Liam wanted to see it in the cinema, but I thought that might be unfair to other patrons - having the real thing being extremely loud & incredibly figetty in the back row)
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks for your comments @jazzygal and @Grace App - I have a copy here for lending :)
ReplyDeleteWatched that movie here last week with 2 teens (niece and nephew). We all really enjoyed it. The teens were not confused or surprised by the behaviour of the star of the show. Both have friends with similar (undiagnosed) behaviour. Both felt it gave an insight into why their friends behaved the way they did. Good movie with good acting/story and enough going on to keep you hooked.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about the use of that word. My son is very literal, as yours probably is. As he is very good with words and is also prone to be late for things, (as he always forgets where he should be and sometimes forgets to set his watch alarm and phone alarm,) I think he would just assume that he was being told off for always being late! My son isn't always sure of when someone is using an aggressive tone to him, and I really think this is a blessing at times, as he just ignores insults that in another teenager would cause a fight.
ReplyDeleteI know of very ordinary children who try it on with their mother in exactly the same way. I thank God that I farmed my children out for the night from a very young age, so they have always been used to it. I think your son needs to be sent away for the night somewhere, just to see that it wouldn't kill him. Heaven only knows where, though. It would need to be with someone who understands him and who has plenty of energy as they could be up all night. How is he with friends sleeping over? Would he try that? Then he would have them with him all night. Then maybe he could stay with them one night.
I watched it on Saturday night. Really enjoyed it but cringed, like you, at the mention of the "R" word.
ReplyDeleteThe thing with movies is that they always sugarcoat the reality, probably so that they can get people to watch it as most people wouldn't want to know what it is really like.
It made me cry but then anything makes me cry right now :)
@niamheyb - I'm glad that you enjoyed it and it would be great if it did improve understanding of asperger's.
ReplyDelete@janerowena - I hope my on misses insults too when he becomes a teen. That would be a big help.
On the bedtime issue, my NT dd was having sleepovers from about 6, but my son has always refused. Hopefully one day he might, perhaps with his cousins.
@lyndylou - I know what you mean and hope things are okay with you xx
I did see the film and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciated seeing his own grieving process, through the eyes of a child with Aspergers and I liked that he went through this process with a key and with people who were previously in his father’s life. I thought this film was very moving and was thankful my coworker at Dish suggested it. I rented it on Dishonline.com and didn’t have to leave the home, it was so convenient!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to watch this for a while now you've just inspired me to get it. :)
ReplyDelete@Diane Smith - glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete@lifeasweknowit - oh good :) I hope you enjoy it x