Good Ol' Boy

I was so glad that SIFF decided to show this movie because it was a real joy to see! It reminds me of movies like ET, Super 8, and Moonrise Kingdom - a coming of age story with the twist of Indian culture. Having grown up in an Indian family in America, I can relate to a lot of quirkiness in the movie (though we weren't Hindu) - as crazy as some of the stuff may seem, it's very believable. The acting was also really impressive - Roni Akurati is a star all on his own, Anjul Nigam came up with a very realistic portrayal of an Indian father new to America trying to carefully navigate American culture, Jason Lee is amazing as always in the role of a very fatherly neighbor, and Poorna Jagannathan nails it as the loving but stern Indian mother. You don't have to be Indian to appreciate this movie, you just have to have an open mind and an open heart.

Full disclosure: I am a filmmaker myself, I watch films not only as entertainment, but always tend to evaluate and study each and every element that goes into making a hopefully successful film. Watching this film wasn't only entertaining, it was a monumental achievement.

Growing up Smith is an engaging story about a boy who is an Indian immigrant growing up before our eyes, falling in love with his first crush, dealing with bullies and an ever-changing family dynamic... No this isn't the story of January 2017, it is actually set in 1979. However timely this film may be, it goes beyond the preferential force feeding you may come to expect from films that are socially or politically charged in today's climate... It hits you where it hurts most, your heart. You see, this film connected with me on numerous levels, not because I am Indian or an immigrant, I am neither. I am an American born in Virginia. It hit me hard because it tapped into the innocence we are all born with as children. That innocence that knows no skin tone, no material objects, no predisposition to one's background, only the natural, visceral feelings we have as kids.

At the center of this story is Smith, played effortlessly by newcomer Roni Akurati, a young boy who deeply yearns to be an American. He wants to eat apple pie, listen to the Bee Gees and eat KFC. He also falls in love with his first crush, the figurative and literal girl next door, a young blonde, blue eyed girl, the enchanting and lovable Amy, played by Brighton Sharbino. As the two become friends, his desire to be American grows as he befriends her father Butch Brunner, played by Jason Lee. On the surface, I don't have to tell you much about Butch Brunner you can't already surmise from his name. Glad they stopped short of naming him Biff a la Back to the Future. What is different about Butch is that despite his exterior, he too is an endearing figure that we can all relate to. He is the hard working, beer drinking, meat loving, full bearded white guy from Oklahoma who like many Americans struggles to make ends meat, raise a family and find happiness in this world. The two form a bond, a friendship that transcends their age, their race or their position in life.

There are many layers and subplots to this film which uncommonly do not detract from the main story-line. There is the overly-strict Indian father constantly battling the urge to have his family assimilate, but not lose their own identity and culture. His wife who tries to hold the family together. Butch's wife who has the impossible job of sticking by her husband and supporting his wishes and dreams like keeping his motorcycle, however balancing the looming monthly elephant in the room called mortgage, bills, life.

This was as honest, entertaining, heartwarming and evocative a film as I have seen. That isn't hyperbole, it is simply the humble feelings of a filmmaker who recognizes "okay, the bar's been set". The subtlety, the sincerity from scene to scene and character to character made this not only an enjoyable film, but one I truly respected and will hold close.

In closing, I must say that maybe equally as impressive as the film itself, is the fact that this is an Indie. This film was made for 2 million dollars which on its own is an outstanding achievement. The film being set in 1979, having star quality talent both on screen and off. I don't recall an Indie this well-crafted. Masterfully directed by Frank Lotito, beautifully shot by Thomas Scott Stanton, and what a terrific script by Paul Quinn, Gregory Scott Houghton and one of the film's stars Anjul Nigam. I could go on and on, the production design, music, all of the performances, all of these visual components contributed to make a timeless film that if you told me was a major Studio release-50 million dollar film, I wouldn't think twice. It is that complete.

Not sure if this film is considered in this past year's flock of films (It is listed 2015, but releasing 2017) but if it is, it is certainly in my top 10 of best films of the year. Hat's off to all involved, you made a tremendous film.

Growing up Smith can give you a freshly happy times. An Indian family of parents with an elder daughter and a younger son is in "States" to make a good life, earn well as CPA and though, doesn't say so but return to a comfortable retired life in India. It is hard work and harder still to see that American culture does not wash away the Indian values. But it is difficult for kids not to be affected by the culture they become part of every day. And there lies the little lovable tale beautifully directed by Frank Lotito. There are nuggets of humours spread around to bounce up your mood for happy viewing. Everyone plays the part perfectly well but not for an Oscar. Watching "Growing up Smith" just after I read Fatima Mirza's "A place for Us" brought me out of the gloom of Rafiq's family saga of moving to US. I am also reminded of Mira Nair's "The Namesake". Making a life in a different culture has many such stories. This one is "Cool" as they will say in the land that builds dreams; "The United States of America" Watch it, you will love it and feel had a good time

"Movies which make you feel grate" - well that is my classification. It is indeed a great come back of the long gone feeling of enjoying a movie for me. The movie kept my on pleasing feather-light entertainment walk where you didn't find many such big bumps, crazy surprises or emotional strikes. Of course the creativity of everyone contributed must to be in exact harmony to bring such a lovely piece of work. Recommended holiday flick.

Set in 1979, this film centers on 10-year-old Smith who has emigrated to America with his parents and sister from India. He is trying to adjust to the American way of life amidst some bullying, racism, and an old school father who doesn't want Smith to stray from the Hindu culture and religion.

Smith also befriends and has a huge crush on Amy, the girl next door, despite the fact that his father has prearranged a marriage for him when he reaches the age of 22. I might note that Jason Lee is excellent here as Butch, who is Amy's father and tries to help Smith in various ways.

I thought some parts of this movie were cute and humorous, while other parts proved awkward and just didn't work well, so a mixed bag here. However, it ends in a most heartfelt and uplifting way, which greatly enhanced the film. There's also a wonderful musical soundtrack to enjoy consisting mainly of oldies. I might note there were no subtitles of my DVD copy, but I was able to obtain them by using the closed caption option on my remote.

All in all, this movie, directed by Frank Lotito, doesn't always work but with some solid performances, an enjoyable soundtrack, and a strong ending it won me over.