Indie flick channels "Rambow"

What happens when you combine a quirky young artist, a misunderstood troublemaker, and a video camera? Mix in some ’80s fashion and little to no parental supervision, and you get a homemade sequel to the classic Rambo flick, “First Blood,” appropriately titled, “Son of Rambow.”

Written and directed by Garth Jennings, this low-budget indie film is a heartwarming tale that balances corniness and fantasy, with spectacular acting and truly touching moments.

Set in a quiet British community in the 1980s, we meet Lee Carter (Will Poulter) who makes it his mission to independently cause chaos around the school. When sent out of class for misbehaving, he meets his unlikely partner in crime, Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) who is anything but rambunctious. Quiet, shy and content with doodling in his Bible, Will is the Ying to Lee’s Yang. As part of a strict religious sect, Will was never formally introduced to bending the rules, so Lee takes it upon himself to show him the ropes.

Both boys have unusual home lives, and on paper the two seem entirely opposite. It is on screen that their bond evolves, beginning as strangers and ending as brothers. The boys bring a creative light to their imaginative lives as they sail through their days dreaming of flying dogs and scarecrows coming to life.

Lee lives in an elderly care home with his older brother and is often left alone with video equipment. He is instructed to make a bootleg copy of “First Blood,” but after seeing an advertisement for a young filmmakers contest, he spends every spare moment dreaming of winning. Securing the assistance of Will as his stuntman, the two begin a hilarious and touching journey to bring to life the screenplay Will creates.

It is a film inside of a film, and it is interesting to observe the parallels between the movie the boys create and the issues in their lives.

Both boys lack father figures, and in their film, the hero is on a rescue mission for his father, Rambo. Will plays the brave “son of Rambow,” defending his father’s honor with his chin held high and bandana intact. Initially, Lee comes off as strong and unaffected by his negligent parents but after acquiring a true friend, we see him transform.

The boys are not usually accepted by the other children at school; but once their peers find out about the film, they all suddenly want a lead role. Soon many students become involved, and Will becomes a mini celebrity. It is at this point that the charming, easy-going film unravels into a conflicted mess, with loyalty becoming an issue. Will faces adversity from his mother for going against their religion, and conflict with his best friend, Lee.

For a small, wiry boy, Will has to make some large choices. Should he abandon his upbringing and continue filming the movie? Should he continue working with the other students even though Lee wishes it was just the two of them?

When not consumed with the continuously entertaining plot, it is a treat to observe these amazingly talented young actors. It is like spying on two remarkable young boys, laughing and creating as though no one is watching. Featuring a colorful cast of characters, this film is rare triumph that any age can relate to.