I was sent a movie screener to facilitate this review. No monetary compensation was received, & all opinions are mine.
Storm Boy opens in theaters today! I was excited to review this movie, as the description I read drew me in:
“A beautiful and contemporary retelling of Colin Thiele’s classic Australian tale. ‘Storm Boy’ has grown up to be Michael Kingley, a successful retired businessman and grandfather. When Kingley starts to see images from his past that he can’t explain, he is forced to remember his long-forgotten childhood, growing up on an isolated coastline with his father. He recounts to his grand-daughter the story of how, as a boy, he rescued and raised an extraordinary orphaned pelican, Mr. Percival. Their remarkable adventures and very special
bond has a profound effect on all their lives. Based on the beloved book, Storm Boy is a timeless story of an unusual and unconditional friendship.”
I’ve never read the book this movie is based on, so I had nothing other than the description above to go on. Storm Boy is rated PG. There is no profanity in this movie, and no sexual or suggestive themes. I’d say it’s suitable for the entire family to watch. I would like to caution that there are a few hunting scenes in Storm Boy, that some small children (or sensitive adults), may find a bit disturbing. Let me clarify: there is nothing gruesome or gory, but you do hear gunshots, briefly see hunters with rifles, and see “dead” birds on the ground.
Storm Boy was filmed in Southern Australia. This is a timely movie. It showcases friendship, love, family, loss and
hope. It also deals with conservation & ecological issues. You will laugh, cry, and cheer for these characters. You’ll also marvel at the love & friendship shared by a young boy and a pelican.
This movie had me reminiscing about my childhood, and my grandparents. I enjoyed it immensely!
CAST
Michael Kingley (Storm Boy as an adult), is played by Academy Award® winner Goffrrey Rush (Shine, The King’s Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean). He’s amazing in this role.
Jai Courtney plays Hideaway Tom (young Storm Boy’s father). Jai Courtney has starred in many international feature films, and made his international debut as Charlie, in the action film Jack Reacher. He then went on to star in A Good Day to Die Hard, Divergent, & Suicide Squad. (I’m sure all the ladies are familiar with Jai!)
Trevor Jamieson, born in Western Australia, plays Fingerbone Bill, a Ngarrindjer man. He is an integral part of this story. Erik Thomson, one of Australia’s most respected actors, also stars in this film. (He was my least favorite character, you’ll understand why when you see the movie.)
The breakout star of this movie (in addition to Mr. Percival the Pelican), has got to be Finn Little! He plays young Storm Boy. Finn Little is an 11-year-old Australian actor born & raised in Brisbane, Queensland. Awarded the Outstanding Drama Performance in his age group for his character piece at the Brisbane Eisteddfod, Finn makes his feature film debut with Storm Boy. This little guy made the entire movie. He was so convincing in his role. Watching him interact with the pelicans, and the range of emotions he displayed in Storm Boy was magical.
If you’re looking for a family-movie, that will touch your heart, Storm Boy is for you!
One of my blog goals for 2019, was to post more movie reviews. I look forward to reviewing many more films in the months to come.
Directed by: Shawn Seet
Produced by: Matthew Street & Michael Boughen
Screenplay by: Justin Monjo
Starring: Jai Courtney, Geoffrey Rush, Finn Little, Trevor Jamison, Morgana Davies, Erik Thompson
Theatrical Release Date: April 5, 2019
US Distributor: Good Deed Entertainment
Rating: PG
Run Time: 98 minutes
