Desenhos

Did an early mystery movie release, brought two kids: both teen/tween range and they laughed, gasped and maybe a bit of a jump scare or two. It's not a perfect movie as you can read by some of the grumps here expecting an Oscar worthy effort but it's definitely worth a viewing, if only to remember what it was like to have an imagination and just sketch and why many of us sketched as kids.

I saw Sketch before its release, at a preview where the only facts that the audience knew about the film was the rating (PG), the length, and that 'the film is not a horror movie." I was pleasurably surprised at the result: a loving and stirring lesson about family communications, grief, joy, and life.

For whatever reason, the first quarter of the movie is not as engaging as it might have been, though we learn a lot about the characters and their family situation. This information turns out to be crucial for understanding the rest of the film, and frankly, that first quarter could have been stronger. But that's for the writer/director to ponder. If you go to this movie and expect that we need to learn through exposition a lot of backstory, that's ok, because the payoff later on is whimsical, beautiful to view, a bit scary for very younger children but very fulfilling for older children and maybe tweens.

It shows the depth of imagination, the proper channeling of emotions, the way that both kids and adults learn about themselves in the world, and how to navigate potentially fearful situations.

PS - stay for the closing scenes during the credits, so you can discover how to participate in some of the CGI magic of the film.

This movie involves fantasy, monsters and family and friends protecting each other during a time of danger. It is an allegory and deals with the loss of a wife and parent and approaches how each family member deals with their grief individually and collectively. It is very entertaining with both funny, scary (even for adults), and poignancy. Great film that reminded me of a re-envisioned Jumanji (the original film) that comes from a sketchbook instead of a game. Not for very small, sensitive children. Wonderful family film with a deep lesson that brought me to tears having recently experienced my own loss of a loved one.

Amber uses drawing as a way to deal with her dark and negative feelings. The method was harmless until her journal fell into a mysterious pond, bringing her dark creations to life and her feelings out. Now she and her family must figure out a way to stop them from wreaking havoc on their town.

Emotions and feelings are complex enough to deal with, and this film attempts to show how children handle and express them. The story is sad, but it is kept light with antics and shenanigans. There is not much backstory given, and the film quickly gets to the point, making the one hour and thirty-two minute runtime go by. Despite the colorful things, there are dark tones, making this film suitable for older children. Worth watching for anyone, children and adults alike, who struggles with communicating, expressing, or understanding their feelings and emotions.

I got to see this movie at TIFF. I absolutely loved the depth of the emotion of this movie and definitely both laughed and cried out loud. The performances are incredible, in particular the kids. The VFX are also incredibly well realized - there is so much texture and unique detailing in the creatures, which is cool, but it also really serves the plot and the role they play in the story. I am not a parent, so I can't speak to how kid-appropriate it is for younger ages, but I think this is a perfect movie for truly anyone old enough to understand death and loss. I will definitely be recommending this to many people.