I totally scored a date for this one. My current maybe-the-one simply refused to see “Made of Honor” with me, but lit up a little when I suggested “Son of Rambow.” We loved “Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a day” and this had the same kind of vibe. Kind of English and foreign and cutesty and a “Billy Elliot”-ish life affirming feel-good energy. Plus, it has a Rambo-inspired toughness, so guys don’t have to feel threatened about all the sweet stuff. But, it wasn’t. It’s not horrible or even bad. It’s just kind of disturbing. Not deeply disturbing. It doesn’t get all “Funny Games” on you or anything. It’s just that the cute kid is really cute and naïve and ingenious with his drawings. He’s never seen television and has to leave the room whenever the teacher shows a video. He’s Quaker or something like it, incredibly sheltered. And then he meets the bully. He’s pretty cute for a bully but there are some pretty dark elements to his life like abuse. It’s a tad unsettling. Well, it’s a movie, so of course these two opposites get together. In this case, the bully shows the sweetie “First Blood.” Can you imagine? He’s never seen anything on film, but he starts off with “Rambo.” Of course he loses his mind. There’s a lot pent up in there. So, these guys make their own movie and that’s what’s super fun. It’s what you see in the trailer and what makes you want to see the movie. So the date is going great. We’re holding hands—whee! We kind of can’t believe how cute and fun it is. But then it gets dark again and it’s creepy to hold hands or make out when kids are going through some serious stuff onscreen. I hate that about some movies. You think it’s all “Maybe I can get to second base,” then it turns all, “Oh, that was interesting, I’m going to turn in early.” They’re making their movie, then one kid gets expelled and the cooler than life French exchange student gets involved, and there’s a lot of smoking. Then the cute kid gets all jerky, which, honestly, I rather enjoyed. It was as if the message was, “Movie-making makes you a douche, even this sweet little kid in England.” It all comes together well and in a satisfying way at the end. They leave us on an up note, which is considerate. And, mostly, all is forgiven. It just feels like a serious movie infiltrated a really sweet movie. And I liked the sweet movie better. We had a good time, but all I got was a good-night kiss when it was all said and done. Lame. It’s not that it’s not a good movie. It is, mostly. But it’s not a great date movie. Go see it with your mom. Laura House
