FRED Watch Quickie Film Review: Paper Planes (2015)
KIDS’ FLICK SOARS!
I’m a Wayne Stellini and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film is Paper Planes…
Roadshow Films.
Upon discovering that he has a talent for making paper aeroplanes, Dylan Webber (Ed Oxenbould) works towards competing in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan, if only to reconnect with his grieving father (Sam Worthington).
Paper Planes’s premise is simple and there aren’t any surprises lurking within Robert Connolly and Steve Worland’s sometimes corny screenplay. But, when you have a film that is abundant in positive messages and innocent charm, who cares?
The hero of the piece, upon whose shoulders the success of the film rests, is Oxenbould, who is one of the most likeable young actors cinema has offered in a long time. His rapport with other male cast members allows for an interesting depiction of masculinities, and offers some lovely scenes between Dylan and his father, portrayed by an underused but nonetheless solid Worthington, and grandfather, a charismatic Terry Norris. There are only two noteworthy speaking roles for women here, played by Ena Imai and Deborah Mailman; the latter isn’t given much to do, but Mailman is such a strong screen presence, she makes the most with very little.
Beautifully photographed by Tristan Milani, Connolly’s pint-sized underdog story will not only appeal to its young target audience, but will find favour with accompanying adults. You would have to be an absolute cynic not to get caught up in Dylan’s quest to be a winner. 3½ / 5
Starring: Sam Worthington, Ed Oxenbould, Ena Imai, Nicholas Bakopoulos-Cooke, Julian Dennison, David Wenham, Deborah Mailman, Peter Rowsthorn, Terry Norris.
Director: Robert Connolly | Producers: Robert Connolly, Liz Kearney, Maggie Miles | Writers: Robert Connolly, Steve Worland | Music: Nigel Westlake | Cinematographer: Tristan Milani | Editor: Nick Meyers
Available: DVD, Blu-ray, and stan.
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
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