“The Unbreakable Boy” is an amicable and sometimes endearing story that follows the everyday “based mostly on a real story” system. Whereas it’s innocent, it doesn’t enterprise removed from routine. That is one thing we’ve come to count on from Kingdom Story Firm, a faith-based studio that has delivered preachy, feel-good hits like “Unusual Angel” and, extra just lately, the semi-decent however forgettable “The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever.” There’s nothing inherently unsuitable with these movies; they know their viewers, and people who present up can count on a heat, uplifting expertise — the sort that at all times will get glowing exit scores.
“The Unbreakable Boy” sticks to the identical system. It tugs on the heartstrings, options strong performances (particularly from lead actor Jacob Laval), and sends viewers off with a sunny disposition there’s nonetheless some good left on this misbegotten world. Whereas I’m by no means against a great message, the execution right here, below director Jon Gunn’s steering, usually feels a bit stifled.
The movie opens with a very acquainted voiceover from teenager Austin (Laval), who shares his favourite issues — Hidden Valley Ranch, Star Wars, and his huge film assortment (a child after my very own coronary heart). He even casually references “Combat Membership!,” and we see his mother and father, Scott (Zachary Levi, Shazam!) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy, The White Lotus), meet cute in a division retailer. This results in a birthing scene the place an upbeat Austin quips, “That is the place I are available.”
We quickly study that Austin suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a situation that makes his bones extremely fragile. A easy fall from the sofa may end up in damaged limbs (even his ribs had been fractured throughout childbirth). So as to add to this, Austin can be autistic, although he doesn’t let it sluggish him down. He’s a vigorous, imaginative child who enjoys carrying a signature court docket jester hat to highschool as a result of, as he says, “the chicks dig it.” Laval’s portrayal of Austin is joyous and vigorous, which helps carry the movie via a few of its extra sluggish moments, together with Gunn’s screenplay adaptation from Scott LeRette’s memoir.
The film is a heartwarming story a few household studying to navigate the challenges life throws their method — and the way these obstacles can generally be hidden blessings. There’s additionally a faith-based component woven into the narrative, specializing in Scott’s battle with alcoholism, although it’s dealt with with much less care than one would possibly count on. The movie unravels in a uneven, episodic vogue that generally undermines the emotional core of its message about overcoming adversity.
Levi has a likable display screen presence, regardless of his off-screen fame, however he struggles to completely interact with the deeper, extra emotional moments of Scott’s journey. As for Fahy, her character is thinly sketched, along with her solely actual trait being a fleeting obsession with video video games. It’s talked about briefly, but it surely feels underdeveloped — you’ll be able to’t assist however surprise why the filmmakers didn’t discover this extra.
In the long run, “The Unbreakable Boy” is a wonderfully fantastic film. It’s essential for kids who determine with Austin to see themselves mirrored in popular culture. Nonetheless, it’s onerous to not want for one thing with somewhat extra depth and fewer cheesiness. The movie has its moments, however total, it leaves you hoping for a stronger, extra impactful expertise.
THE UNBREAKABLE BOY is now taking part in in theaters.