Son Of Rambow Review

Today's review is going to be of an older and, in my opinion, underrated film which is Son Of Rambow (2007, Garth Jennings). This is a coming of age comedy, set in the early 80's staring Will Poulter as the rebel 13-year old Lee Carter, and Bill Milner as the shy and naive 11-year old Will Proudfoot.

The boys couldn't come from more polar upbringings. Will was raised as part of the Plymouth Brethren Church, meaning he had to follow a strict lifestyle which includes not being able to listen to music or watch TV. His world turns upside down, yet maybe in a good way, when he first meets the school bad boy Lee Carter, who has just been thrown out of class for misbehaving.

Lee manages to convince Will to be the stuntman in the homemade film he's making to enter in a Young Film Maker's competition. As the name suggests, the movie they create is a spin off of the hit Rambow series. Soon, this film becomes the talk of the school, with everyone from the popular kids to the French Exchange students wanting a role in it The story really touches on the importance of friendship over popularity, and Lee becomes very vocal about the fact he feels like it was more fun when it was just the two boys making a film.

This film really is a family favourite. My parents love the nostalgia that it gives them as it shows children simply playing out and having fun with friends. For me, I could relate to the timeless childish humor and the banter between Will and Lee. The film is filled with funny lines and moments, including Lee's quick one-liners and the hilarious innocence that Will brings to the screen.

It isn't all fun and games though. The plot covers dark themes too, such as the death of a parent, prejudice and bullying. Son Of Rambow is an emotional rollercoster, which still manages to be a feel-good film at the end of the day.

My favourite thing about this film is the casting. Milner plays a convincing sweet character, who still has a lot to learn about the world. And Poulter is able to show a range of emotions, from being the cheeky schoolboy in one scene, to crying his eyes out about his family in another. This was the first film I'd ever seen staring Poulter, and ever since then I knew he was an actor to keep an eye out for because his talent was bound to take him far. The chemistry between the two characters is sweet to watch too, because it is clear they balance each other out and need each other's friendship.

Overall, this is the ultimate feel-good comedy. I would rate this a 10/10 because for me it's a film I can watch over and over without getting bored. Have you ever seen this film before? If so let me know in the comments, 

Izzy K xxx