I was disappointed with Son of Rambow. I expected better. It's like the film Millions, but without the compelling story and emotional impact. However, it has some fun parts and it reminds me of the days when I made movies with my friends. Good times.

A complicated and uneven weave of almost unrelated scenes makes this story of boyhood friendship difficult to enjoy.The film is owned by Will Poulter, the talented terror of his school. Without him, this would have been unwatchable. How talented is he? Well, almost at the end of the film we see him as he acts being an actor in his own home-made film. That few seconds of genius sealed the deal for me.Other actors do their bit and for viewers of a certain age (like me) it was great fun to see Eric Sykes turn in a cameo as a hapless patient in an old people's home. Yeah, Google the name, kids... he was once 'the' face of good-natured family entertainment on British television in a bygone era.The school common room scene is worth rewinding for, but unfortunately, much of the film is forgettable as it twists and turns the viewer into too many directions at once. This has the effect of thinning the impact of what should have been the peripheral but important characters of the show.It's only after the common room scene that the film slows down long enough for the message of the story to start to reveal itself. But by then we're an hour in and it's too late.The whole daft side-angle of the French exchange students should have been abandoned in favour of time spent on the two boys, their developing friendship, their families and backgrounds.In addition, the director and editors have forced us to guess what's happening as key events are glossed over during the fragmented, rapid-fire collage of scenes. Finally, the 'tie-ups' at the end are hurried, unrealistic and contrived. There are dozens of adoring and excited reviews for this film here and mine will be buried at the back somewhere... but I can't help thinking that there's something a bit suspicious about many of them. You'd think that this was The Godfather or something!C-. Must try harder!

Son of Rambow (2007) Comedy/ Drama/ Family (PG-13) *Some Violence * Reckless Behavior Country: UK Director: Garth Jennings Bill Milner/ Will Poulter/ Jules SitrukThis movie makes me laugh all the way down to my soul. I could have been this both these kids if I had any focus, hold on a second I need to make a little dancing man out of this paper clip… Sorry, what was I saying? Right, this movie is a true "Feel Good" film. Garth Jennings does a beautiful job of setting the scene, he puts you right there. From the teachers and the scenes in the school, to both the boy's home life, felt I was in the film. Good on you for that. It takes place in the 80's so the soundtrack makes me smile too. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't say much, but Didier's character was great. (love the costumes) He was so what me and my brothers tried to be back then. The sad thing is, as Jimmy the Saint also pointed out, is it movies to slow for most kids nowadays. I say, staple them to the chair and make them watch it, and "Labyrinth" too, little brats. I loved this movie, I give it a 8 out of 10. I hold back 2 just due to I wanted a bit more of the funny parts.I gotta go get my stapler and find my daughter now. Till next time this is Mad Fatt Deeb signing off.

I was drawn into this film right from the first scene where we see Lee Carter running with a camera. From that moment onwards there was never a dull moment and the film simply rocked, at least for QUITE SOMETIME. It was funny, charming and everything else you can ask from a British film.Will Poulter played Lee Carter and he was simply special. Great acting, good humor timing and above all the way he portrayed his character was amazing. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the role after that terrific performance.He is well supported by Bill Milner as Will Proudfoot. They formed what I call, "the perfect partnership" that carried this film from the beginning. Great to watch! The only part where this movie slacked off a bit is the middle section, there is character of a French exchange student which is really not required. This part specifically almost ended my enthusiasm.But not to worry...the film ends well and overall I give it a Thumbs Up!