Troop Zero

I did not think I would love this movie. I watched it because I loved the peformance of Mckenna Grace in the movie Gifted. I enjoy trying to follow young actors that I think will grow into stardom. Grace in these two roles looks like she is on target for that type of career. The movie will remind you of a Wes Anderson or Watitie film two great directors.I was afraid the movie was taking the turn of being PC correct in every aspect of its characters. But it does so without shoving it in your face, Davis is powerful in her troop leader role as is the whole cast. I was teary eyed a few times in this touching depiction of a young girl full of Hope surrounded by nothing in her world that called for it. So she reached beyond and found other misfits like herself and it makes for a fine film. If you like Grace here check out Gifted. Rich

Although at times I felt the makers were trying a bit too hard to pull at the heartstrings, and sometimes the influence of Little Miss Sunshine and other films of that kookie, quaint, highly engineered 'homespun' ilk seemed a bit obvious, I really, thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'll admit I shed a tear and I let out a number of very un-British "Whoop"s during the course of this highly engaging and endearing little movie (and it is a little movie; a well-proportioned movie made with a certain amount of love). I will recommend it to all my jaded cinefile friends - no matter how much they might ridicule me!

Troop Zero is so colorful and delightful all around! Packed with a great soundtrack, inspirational story, endearing characters, and dialogue that is well written throughout. I don't know why I didn't see sooner it's just my type of charm in cinema. Jim Gaffigan, Viola Davis and McKenna Grace are excellent! Lovely indie about camp, space, and other feel-good vibes mixed with only a little bit of drama would recommend to anyone.

Troop Zero is a well-made family drama/comedy released on January 17, 2020 by Amazon Studios. It was released by Big Indie Pictures, Escape Artists, and Amazon. The screenplay was written by Lucy Alibar, known for Beasts of the Southern Wild, and directed by the duo of Bert & Bertie, who most recently co-directed, Dance Camp (2016).

It stars Mckenna Grace, as Christmas Flint, a social misfit with her head in the clouds. Jim Gaffigan plays the role of her father, Ramsey Flint, a local attorney, who like his daughter is also a peculiar character that often accepts payment from his clients in the form of "I-owe-you's". Viola Davis plays, Miss Rayleen, Ramsey's paralegal assistant who oftentimes acts in a motherly role to Christmas. Allison Janney is Miss Massey, a troop leader for a local troop of Birdie Scouts that has a history with Miss Rayleen. Mike Epps rounds out the cast as, Dwayne Champaign, a friend/client of Ramses, who brings humor and lightness to the role.

Troop Zero is set in rural Georgia in 1977 and Laura Fox, who designed the production of the film really did a wonderful job of teleporting the audience back to this period with colorful and rich sets filled with nostalgic items that have today become memorabilia and picturesque settings backdropped against the tall Georgia pines and Southern Live Oaks that the area is famous for. The rural south American setting adds another element to the film that doesn't really percolate to the point of becoming a pseudo-character in the movie, but I felt like the events probably couldn't happen in too many other places.

Grace's character, Christmas, is the sort of character that many love rooting for because she's a likable underdog with a bright smile and a quirky personality, and it's through this that the film's directors are able to string along a touching coming-of-age story that offers many solid supporting performances. Notably, all of the child actors perform exceptionally, either as supporting Birdie Scouts or rival scouts in the climactic competition to see who will be recorded on NASA's Golden Record.

Troop Zero is definitely worth a watch, it'll remind you of the power of imagination, self-belief, perseverance, sacrifice, family, friendship and love.

Christmas Flint, the lead character in this film, says: "Zero is the number of infinity", and though this motley troop of kids are - from one point point of view - total losers - there is a cosmic, loving reality inside everyone of us - even them. Quirky, funny, big-hearted movie. Done by the creator of Beast Of The Southern Wild, this has a similar feel; if you enjoyed Beasts, you will enjoy this one, maybe even more, as I did. The kids will be alright.