HogarthHughes

From time to time, apparently small-scaled films come along that manage to leave a lasting impression that simply was not expected. It is a refreshing fact that some of the best and most rewarding films out there are not coming from Hollywood but from independent sources. Often, the huge efforts that were put into the writing and making of these films find their way to the final viewing experience, and with Rounding First this is most definitely not an exception.

Jim Fleigner is the man who both wrote and directed this wonderful film that everyone who somehow loves cinema will probably enjoy. Some might just find the film sweet and entertaining, while some will find some deeper layers and aspects that carry this coming-of-age film towards the same level that Rob Reiner's comparable Stand By Me brought to its audience. And regarding the emotional and dramatic aspect, Rounding First has little trouble reaching Reiner's film, probably causing many tears to roll down the face as a result. While everyone will obviously develop their own thoughts on Rounding First, it is impossible to dismiss the amount of love and work that went into bringing this picture to the screen - be it in theatres, or at home.

Rounding First is basically sharing the coming-of-age story of three 12-year old friends who are having a dramatic - but also fun - adventure, trying to find out the truth behind a situation that has left one of the boys in great emotional pain. Taking place in 1980, the boys head out to find out what is really happening - traveling many miles and becoming involved in some powerful and engaging situations. While the film's story undeniably is an emotionally powerful (and ultimately even devastating) one, there are also many other aspects that will make the experience highly suitable and recommended for just about everyone. There are laughs, but there will also be tears. Carefully crafted and balanced, Rounding First draws its viewers into a childhood journey that feels exciting, personal, and also very dramatic.

Coming-of-age films would appear flat if their young actors would not be able to display honest and moving performances. Rounding First amazed me with its talented and stunningly performing child actors. Soren Fulton is bringing his emotionally scarred character to life with incredible prowess - making it impossible to remain unaffected by his role in the story. Matthew Borish is also very powerful as Soren's character's best friend - showing both anger and incredibly affecting moments. Sam Semenza brings great joy and genuinely funny moments to the film, which are required things with some very dramatic events finding their way to the viewer.

Backing up the film experience is a highly enjoyable and moving score by Czechoslovakian composer Ludek Drizhal, offering wonderful support for the many powerful moments in the film. Sweet and calm piano, harp, strings - brought to life by the Slovack Radio Symphony Orchestra, which was clearly in the right mood to do the job well.

Ultimately, Rounding First is a wonderful and required experience for everyone to enjoy. It is a moving, well-written and ditto crafted coming-of-age film, performed by truly gifted child actors and supporting cast, granted by a sweet and memorable score. It is impossible for me to not recommend this heartfelt film.

Rounding First simply deserves to be experienced by everyone.

This is a well-crafted and pleasant film - telling the growing up of four American childhood friends just after the attack on Pearl Harbour. While the four friends are consumed by playing being soldiers, a Japanese submariner washes ashore their beach. Initially thinking to become heroes, the boys detain the seriously wounded soldier. But is he truly an enemy of everything they hold dear?

Really fulfilling my admittedly optimistic expectation, April did not only turn out to be a wonderful tale of youth friendship, but also a pretty nice drama as well. The film - during many moments - brought back memories of Richard Donner's (and as far as I'm concerned Spielberg's) The Goonies. Growing up with friends, participating in a grand and exciting adventure, trying to do good. This is what April is about as well. While not ignoring to include sentimental scenes, the film skillfully prevents presenting huge clichés. The moments that were supposed to be powerful in the film work well. And besides being enjoyable and powerful, the film also manages to supply an important and true message as well.

The casting could not have been more wonderful. We are given a cast of four great kids, including a very impressive Trevor Morgan and star-becoming Haley Joel Osment. Morgan absolutely shines as the kid who's dealing with some scars of war, and he is fantastic in more than just a couple of scenes. He makes one very moving sequence in the film work truly well. Osment is giving a solid yet relatively small show as well - his character is of less importance in this story, but he's indeed rather memorable as Morgan's buddy.

While the story basically centers around the four boys and their Japanese 'prisoner', there are powerful other characters around as well. One of the boys' relatives, played by the late and wonderful Pat Morita, and Morgan's character's father have good screen presence.

As mentioned, April is a coming of age story packed with some dramatic elements, yet it remains light and easily viewable. Backed by a decent enough score, the film manages to touch the heart without any doubt. Probably Morgan's best role as a child actor, and one of Osment's cool early appearances on the silver screen, I'll Remember April is a must-see for fans of the genre. Growing up couldn't have been more fun.

Highly recommended.