"New kid in town with love for "donuts" gets into Go Karting.. and just in time for the tournament."
A very neat and tight "little" script with a simple story to tell, a known structure and predictable outcome. But nonetheless works purely because of execution (good, dry-but-funny interactions)! Would be more surprised if this was someone's first movie.... wait, it is! Director and most of the young cast's first film (apparently). Has good lighting, overlays and general composition. And personally, I get into a good mood when the way the movie starts is smooth. Quick and simple, yet charming and with lots of "show don't tell" that expeditiously let you in on the context.
The lead kid is "crazy", but very understandable. He's got quite a well written character, one that's willing but driven. Mature yet childish, cheeky, energetic, optimistic, upbeat and makes friends easily. The best kind of lead. And while he is a bit pushy, he goes far enough where you can't really hate him. It's got a nice balance. Good family dynamic. Richard Roxburgh is always a treat, and while his role as a coach was just there, he was still good. It certainly has a Karate Kid "reference" here and there.
I still think this would have probably done better with more meat and depth as a whole (specially with more rivals), as a TV series.
But as a short-ish story, if you've got the time, it's a good way to pass the time.
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"Feeling sorry for yourself isn't gonna make you a better driver, it's just gonna to make you annoying to be around.
A very neat and tight "little" script with a simple story to tell, a known structure and predictable outcome. But nonetheless works purely because of execution (good, dry-but-funny interactions)! Would be more surprised if this was someone's first movie.... wait, it is! Director and most of the young cast's first film (apparently). Has good lighting, overlays and general composition. And personally, I get into a good mood when the way the movie starts is smooth. Quick and simple, yet charming and with lots of "show don't tell" that expeditiously let you in on the context.
The lead kid is "crazy", but very understandable. He's got quite a well written character, one that's willing but driven. Mature yet childish, cheeky, energetic, optimistic, upbeat and makes friends easily. The best kind of lead. And while he is a bit pushy, he goes far enough where you can't really hate him. It's got a nice balance. Good family dynamic. Richard Roxburgh is always a treat, and while his role as a coach was just there, he was still good. It certainly has a Karate Kid "reference" here and there.
I still think this would have probably done better with more meat and depth as a whole (specially with more rivals), as a TV series.
But as a short-ish story, if you've got the time, it's a good way to pass the time.
---
"Feeling sorry for yourself isn't gonna make you a better driver, it's just gonna to make you annoying to be around.