One need not know Judy Blume's novel specifically to glean a firm sense that this is a work very much aimed toward teens and young adults. Obviously the protagonist is a teenager, but that slant is borne out in more subtle ways, such as how any scenes or events that don't distinctly center Davey's memories or experiences tend to be spoken of in vague terms, or discrete blocks that are a little curt. Some of the dialogue is a little blunt, or needless or gauche, and the scene writing; I dare say the plot follows a recognizable thrust of a young lead put thrust into difficult circumstances (one parent sick or dead, one parent struggling and unreliable, new surroundings or friends), working through their emotions, and Learning Something About Themselves. None of this means another iteration of such a story can't be worthwhile, and indeed, 'Tiger eyes' is duly engaging and satisfying - it's just safe to say that one broadly knows what to expect.
Familiar threads aside, and slight inelegance, this is quite well done all around. Even though we've effectively sen it before, the narrative is heartfelt, and softly compelling and impactful. The characters, similarly, may be stock material, but they are written only with sincerity, and I very much like the cast. Amy Jo Johnson and Cynthia Stevenson I know well, and though both have only supporting parts, they ably demonstrate why they're so dependable. I can't say I've seen much of Willa Holland or Tatanka Means, yet both illustrate commendable nuance and heart that does much to make this so worthwhile; I'd love to see more of their pictures. Even Elise Eberle and Russell Means, in still smaller parts, light up the screen with the presence and personality they carry, and it's a joy to watch them. And filmmaker Lawrence Blume shows a solid command of the medium, breaking through the marginal choppiness of the YA storytelling to craft a warm, meaningful drama that reaches beyond its target audience.
Flush with themes of grief, impermanence, control, coping, and more, and playing with major beats of illness, death, and fraught family or social dynamics, all such big ideas are realized in a way that makes them relatable to a wide viewership, and more fruitful as a result. 'Tiger eyes' came and went in 2012 with little fanfare or recognition, and I think that's deeply unfortunate. Though a tad imperfect, by and large this is certainly much stronger, and hits harder, than I had assumed sights unseen. It bears substantial gravity and emotional weight more closely resembling its more adult-oriented cousins than its young adult kin, and all involved put in excellent work in all regards to bring it to life. I'm really very pleased with how good this is, to the point that as far as I'm concerned it earns a blanket recommendation. If you have the opportunity to watch, this is well worth ninety minutes of your time.
