Rating: PG-13
Starring:
Will Poulter as Lee Carter
Bill Milner as Will Proudfoot
Neil Dudgeon as Brother Joshua
Jessica Hynes as Mary Proudfoot
Anna Wing as Grandma
Tallulah Evans as Jess Proudfoot
Finola McMahon as Gail Graham
Rachel Mureatroyd as Marie Plante
Taylor Richardson as David Smart
Peter Robinson as Lucas Dupont
Charlie Thrift as Duncan Miller
Jules Sitruk as Didier Revol
Sam Kubrick-Finney as Danny
James Clarke as Shaun
Zofia Brooks as Tina
Denise Orita as Orderly
Eric Sykes as Frank
Ed Westwick as Lawrence Carter
Atila Emirali as Rambo Double
Special Features:
Commentary by the director, producer, and cast
“Aron”: Director Garth Jennings’ original short film that inspired “Son of Rambow”
Featurette: “The Making of ‘Son of Rambow'”
“Son of Rambow” Website winner
Previews
Other Info:
Widescreen (2.35:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Spanish Languages
Spanish and French Subtitles
Running Time: 95 Minutes
Synopsis:
The following is from the official synopsis of the film:
“Will Proudfoot is looking for an escape from his family’s stifling home life when he encounters Lee Carter, the school bully. Armed with a video camera and a copy of “Rambo: First Blood,” Lee plans to make cinematic history by filming his own action-packed video epic. Together, these two newfound friends-turned-budding-filmmakers quickly discover that their imaginative and sometimes mishap-filled cinematic adventure has begun to take on a life of its own!”
“Son of Rambow” is rated PG-13 for violence and reckless behavior.
Mini-Review:
If you love movies, chances are that some time as a kid you tried to film your own movie with a video camera and a bunch of friends. And if that was the case, then this movie is for you. It’s incredibly fun to see Lee Carter and Will Proudfoot make their sequel to “First Blood.” It’s insane, incoherent, and pure fun. And the film follows their project from small indie film up to big-budget Hollywood fiasco, complete with a diva actor and entourages. It’s a great commentary on Hollywood and filmmaking while being fun for movie buffs.
But “Son of Rambow” has a lot more going for it. It’s an intriguing tale of Will defying the strict rules of his religious sect which forbids watching movies or TV. His rebellion adds a lot of drama to the story. Kind of “Footloose” with “Rambo.” This is also a period film, but the period is the ’80s. Having grown up at that time, it’s hilarious to see the old music, fashions, fads, and hairdos. Then there’s the touching tale of friendship between the school bully, played by Will Poulter as Lee Carter, and the school outcast, played by Bill Milner as Will Proudfoot. Their relationship has a lot of nostalgia and innocence (despite the fact that they’re making a “Rambo” film). It’s something you don’t see in movies much these days.
My only real gripe with “Son of Rambow” was that it could have very easily been an all-ages film. My kids watched it with me and were as enthralled with it as I was. However, Lee Carter kept spewing profanities. I kept finding myself saying to my kids, “Don’t repeat that. He’s a bad kid.” or “Especially don’t say that one around Grandma.” With a minimal amount of effort they could have made this movie accessible to a lot more people.
If you’re looking for a cute movie about love of film, friendship, or the ’80s, then this is a DVD you’ll enjoy. Just heed the PG-13 warning before you set kids in front of it.
The bonus features contain the usual commentary and ‘making of’ featurette. There’s also “Aron,” a film from the ’80s by director Garth Jennings as well as another fan made film from an online contest.
