By Dennis Tavernetti
“Boy” from the World Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Monday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: The year is 1984, and on the rural East Coast of New Zealand Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is changing kids’ lives. “Boy” is the hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age tale about heroes and magic. Boy is a dreamer who loves Michael Jackson. He lives with his brother Rocky, a tribe of deserted cousins and his Nan. His other hero, his father, Alamein, is the subject of Boy’s fantasies, and he imagines him as a deep sea diver, war hero and a close relation of Michael Jackson. In reality he’s in jail for robbery. When Alamein returns home after 7 years, Boy is forced to confront the man he thought he imagined, learn to get along without the hero he had been hoping for, and find his own way in life.
Ratings & Reviews: This warm dramatic comedy film carries an IMDb rating of 7.3 and Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 87 and Audience: 87. Very high ratings. Newspaper critics say good things: Roger Ebert: “… delightful … emotionally generous and moving tragicomedy”; Philadelphia Inquirer: “… charmer, a funny and affecting coming-of-age story rendered with heart, and with nuttiness.”
Previewer Comments: This World film in English presents eye candy sweeping views of New Zealand as well as an intimate view of the updated tribal culture of the original natives. It also brings to mind our own childhood dreams, when the truth/reality played almost no role at all. The film is truly delightful, primarily due the main child actor’s ability to portray his character in an extraordinarily natural way. We root for him in our hearts to make the “right” choices in the end.
Rated: Unrated, but could be PG-13.
“The Perfect Family” from The World Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Wednesday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: A suburban mother and devout Catholic, Eileen Cleary, played by Katherine Turner, who has always kept up outward appearances, runs for the Catholic Woman of the Year title at her local parish. Her final test is introducing her family to the board for their approval and proof of her excellence as a Catholic child rearing mother. However, this forces her to finally face the nonconformist family she has been glossing over for years.
Ratings & Reviews: Internet rating sites, IMDb: 5.2; Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 48. Audience: 50. Average marks. New York Times: “Turner’s performance is the deepest and truest element …”
Previewer Comments: This Indie drama, with some comedy, forces us to be real about our attempts at outward perfection versus the reality within. Here is a mother who is trying to present perfection and yet ignoring the big imperfections in her life and family, while focusing on the minor ones. The film presents a rigid view of the Catholic religion without much nuance as to how a religion can assist a family dealing with real issues that are less than perfection … and perhaps that is point, only when we confront and expose our imperfections can we address them.
Rated: PG-13 for mature themes
Tickets for adults are $7, seniors $6, students $5. Call USCB Center for the Arts box office at 843-521-4145 or purchase day of performance. Box office opens one hour prior to show time.
