claytonchurch1

I had good hopes for this, but there are just a lot of odd things in the movie. There's feel good stuff and there's really harsh stuff, almost giving you the feeling of a horror movie at times. I don't know what the director was trying to accomplish with the basement room for the caddies. Weird. Lots of little stories and characters that jolted the movie, didn't fit in with the rest of it, and didn't have any kind of conclusion for their storyline. A lot of things in the movie just make you feel bad and don't seem to have a point. Even the feel good stuff ends up being a letdown and bleh. Not sure what the writer and the director were trying to accomplish.

I had seen this advertised in my streaming platform a number of times, but never bitten. I finally decided to watch it, and I'm glad.

First of all, it's based on a true story, which I always like.

Second, it comes out of World War II, and I like those movies a lot.

Third, it's a movie about overcoming prejudice and dealing with a difficult past, in this case: World War II from both the side of England and Germany.

Fourth, it's a really nice, gentle love story, with warming moments, joy, tragedy, sadness, and perseverance. Great stuff.

Fifth, I think the casting was great. The leads are especially good.

I enjoyed this movie a lot, having watched it twice now. Enjoyed it both times. Matthew McConaughey is great and the two boys are wonderful in their roles. Perfect acting.

This movie I enjoyed for several reasons. First, I enjoyed just seeing poor life on the river. Modern day Huckleberry Finn. Kids free and unrestricted by laws requiring helmets and licenses. They just hop on the boat anytime they want and get on the river. Back-and-forth. Refreshing.

Second, the movie is an interesting look at life among the poor, who don't know how to treat each other and who aren't very advanced in social relationships. Life is harsh. Not a lot of said. Characters don't always know what to say. But, refreshingly, they're very truthful. I appreciated how the two boys basically always spoke truth and said that what they were thinking, while being respectful to all the adults around them.

Third, this movie examines an important theme: can women and men really get along and be faithful and loving to each other for a lifetime. An important question that gets asked, and while the evidence in the movie is mostly saying "no," the movie gives hope, as well. There are some sweet things that go on in the relationships in the movie.

Fourth, the movie does well examining friendships and loyalty. What does it mean to be a friend?

Fifth, the movie, in examining the poor, makes you grateful for what you've had growing up, most likely. It also makes you much less judgmental toward those who grow up poor or without a mom and dad. One of the characters grows up with an uncle taking care of him, and he has never known his parents. And the kids just cope. Sad, but sweet at the same time, as you see these kids gently and bravely handle the adversity.

Lots in this movie to like. Warning: it's not fast action, and it is slow moving. That said, it is not boring, and is very interesting.