SON OF RAMBOW

"I am the son of Rambow"

Lee Carter (Poulter) was the wild child of the local school, always getting in trouble and been forced to sit out in the corridor. Will Proudfoot (Milner) spent most of his time in the corridor as well but this was because his family was part of the strict Plymouth Brethren religious sect and they don't believe he should watch television or films but when the pair start talking, Will finds the school tearaway fascinating but when he discovers that Lee is making a movie he offers to be his stuntman. As the two work on the film and Will is introduced to Sylvester Stallone's current box office smash 'First Blood' and it changes his life forever. Now Will wants to become star of the movie and he has an idea for the story because he is the son of Rambow.

Once in a while a movie comes along that is destined to become a cult classic and 'Son of Rambow' is definitely one of those films.

The British film industry has made a real comeback producing strong period dramas, gritty gangland crime sagas and soppy but sometimes hilarious romantic comedies but 'Son of Rambow' shows the rest of the world that we can also make great kids movies that don't involve magic and a certain young wizard.

Produced by music video turned filmmakers 'Hammer & Tongs', who brought us the under appreciated 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy', writer/director Garth Jennings takes us back to the summer of 1982 and the introduction of Sylvester Stallone's second most famous character, John Rambo. This had a profound impact on both of his main characters, with Will Proudfoot being introduced to film for the first time and to a movie hero and Lee Carter seeing Will's idea and enthusiasm to make his movie for the young filmmakers award on the hit Kids TV show 'Screen Test'. These are not ordinary school children however, as Lee Carter is permanently in trouble and doesn't have the most ideal home life while Will Proudfoot family is overly strict as he has been brought up as part of the Plymouth Brethren religion but together they soon become firm friends, blood brothers and inspiration for making movie history. The contrasting differences between Will and Lee make them the perfect team and add to the story's appeal. This is a tale of personal growth, acceptance and a wide eyed look at the world that could only be seen through a child's eyes.

A film like this lives or dies on the performances on the young actors cast in the lead roles and both Bill Milner and Will Poulter are extraordinary. As Will Proudfoot, the naive young boy who has never really seen the world after been sheltered from it by his religion, Bill Milner is a star in the making. His wide-eyed view of the world, makes Will an adorable character and when he starts to open up to the world, that is when the young actor really shines. Will Poulter performance as the worst behaved kid in school but with a mind on directorial stardom, is equally as good. For two kids making their debuts, these are two child actors to watch out for. With good support from Jessica Stevenson, who it would it been nice to see a little more of and Jules Sitruk, as the French exchange student Didier, this is a movie that thrives on performances and great characters.

While the semi-autobiographical tone of the movie and the religious backdrop of Will's character may loosen some of the impact of the film, as it draws you away from the key issue of friendship. Also the French exchange student is also a distraction from what is essentially a fantastic coming of age story about two boys discovering true friendship and producing something truly magical. This aside, 'Son of Rambow' is a gem of a movie and one that is destined to become cult classic.

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Sixty-Six

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2008