Jet Boy

A very flawed film with more plot holes than a cheese grater. It is a fairy tale for abused children dressed up as gritty realism. It has a daft storyline and an over-the-top ending that only lacked an appearance from Santa Claus to make it complete. Its failure to represent reality, considering the seriousness of the story line, was getting on my nerves. But the completed movie is greater than the sum of its parts. The acting, particularly of Nathan the abused boy, is very good and regardless of everything that is wrong with the film, I couldn't help but become involved in the action and emotionally invested in the outcome.

I watched this like two weeks ago and completely forgot to review it so my thoughts and opinions aren't very fresh but I'll try my best. I liked this movie. I'm always a sucker for the kid plot line with sex work or drugs especially if there's gay involved. I thought this was really interesting and the ending was cute. The acting was a little meh but that's forgivable. It was exactly what I was looking for to watch while procrastinating on my homework.

To begin with, yes, I understand this is a Canadian film, which by nature has to be "nice" and cute. But there is really nothing funny, cute or nice about pedophilia. The beginning of the film opens up and promises a harsh, in-your-face slice of life for an underage male prostitute (who honestly does a decent job...I seriously felt sorry for this actor for taking this role/being exposed to this subject matter). But then starts to get "cute" with heart-warming "awwwwe..." moments (remember: Canadian) that you would almost expect on any TV sit-com as it wraps up with its obligatory schmaltz. There are in fact a couple of interesting plot-twists, but they are underplayed by the lackluster writing (and acting), made-for TV filmography and EXTREMELY predictable, linear writing. We actually watched the out-takes/cut scenes which reveal an even worse writing imaginable (someone at least had the sense to hire a very good editor). I would say, if you happen to be a fan of "Nip/Tuck" or want a "feel good" movie about pedophilia knowing it will all work out in the end, then sure...watch it. If not, there are much more accurate, hard-hitting and blunt dramas out there.

It felt like the director was having trouble stitching together an over complicated turn of events. The flaws in the plot are evident from the beginning yet had they been simplified I feel it would have worked so much better.

A neglected / abused adolescent meets and cons his way into getting a lift off a mysterious stranger he suspects is a drug dealer. The stranger is coerced into giving the boy a lift. There then follows an unlikely turn of events re-uniting the stranger with an old flame and the boy - passing himself off as the stranger's son - befriends the woman's son.

Never having had a father figure the boy jealously guards his new 'mentor' and resorts to unconventional means to try and win him over as the movie becomes more plausible but still somewhat 'messy'. As with the opening scenes the fate of the protagonist is heart rending.

All that being said the director handles some very tricky issues very delicately although I would have preferred otherwise. These are real issues and there should be the 'shock factor', it would never have been a family film so maybe the delicacy with which issues were addressed detracts from, or dilutes the impact they have in real life.

Brendan Nadon was a little unconvincing in my opinion but playing the part of a 13 year old when 15 did give him a little more maturity which is true to life for those poor kids that have to grow up fast. The adult actors held it all together with some strong performances.

I still gave the movie 7 out of 10 because despite the obvious flaws the director handled the unenviable task of avoiding censorship when dealing with child abuse and prostitution.. The film was very engaging and well worth watching.

I found this almost impossible to watch at the start. So sad and depressing that I actually gave up on it. I actually felt angry that such a movie had been made. Only after seeing so many good reviews that I decided to try again.

I'm happy that I did. The acting by Branden Nadon as Nathan is unforgettable.

I've given it 9 out of 10. A truly great movie.