Set in 1982, Son of Rambow potentially pictures itself as a madcap send-up of 1980s cheese-fest First Blood. But the film actually celebrates the creative outflow of the childhood imagination. Even if that creativity is inspired by Rambo, the young protagonist of the film Will (Proudfoot) is part of a ultra-conservative Christian sect known as the Plymouth Brethren. He is prevented from watching television, movies and even reading books (that aren't the bible). He runs into discouraged fellow classmate, and renowned outcast Lee Carter (Poulter), who uses him to make a home-movie sequel to First Blood. At first, Carter bullies him into making the film, but eventually the boys form a bond, one that is strengthened due to each boy's disassociation with their family. Lee is ignored by his bigger brother, and disowned by his natural parents, whereas Will is condemned by his mother for his supposedly hedonistic detachment to the Plymouth brethren. The film is consistently funny, unashamedly retro and nicely touching. And features two strong debut leads from Bill Milner and Will Poulter.
Review of Son of Rambow
