Becoming Redwood (2012) Reviews

• Little Buddha of the fairways

  jpp10232013-06-03

  This film deserves a higher score than its currently been showing from reviewers on IMDb. It's convincing as a period piece and all of the actors perform their roles well. Redwood of course steals the show and this young actor has a quiet charisma that shines through in every scene. It shows the triumph of imagination over hardship creating hope where none seems able to spring. The Wes Anderson, "Harold and Maude" and "Almost Famous" (and even a bit of Caddyshack) similarities are clear and should be celebrated rather than criticized. This film offers a lot of heart from modest means. The drama is more pronounced than the comedy, but necessarily so, to keep the inspiring message present and prevent it from being confused with being a stereotypical 60s film. Becoming Redwood gives the viewer a vision of joy and compassion from innocent eyes. His dream time transforms him and melts the ice of the "grown ups" who have custody of the little Buddha of the fairways. A film well worth watching to lift the spirit.

• Something Went Wrong

  ilania_a2014-03-11

  Jesse James Miller wrote, directed, and edited this film. I don't know which part he did worse – but obviously the editing failed, and all together it seems that some writers should leave the directing to other people. Ryan Grantham played the part of Redwood quite well – however, something went wrong – the chase after Jack Nichols game of golf became a haunting abnormality rather than a boy's way to dream. The whole cast was lack-luster; there was a general lack of charisma or stage presence. Derek Hamilton who played Arnold had the only part that was not fuzzy and was well cast. The film was wrapped in so much doom and gloom, yet did not extract any tears or feelings of empathy. The story had no clear message or direction. Living outside the law, dysfunctional family life…and suddenly everybody drives off to a brighter future. It simply did not cut the mustard.

• Quirky fantasy meets mix of harsh reality and loving family

  vchimpanzee2014-05-29

  On a day when the news on the radio includes the story of Jack Nicklaus firing his caddy, Ethan is crossing the Canadian border during the Vietnam War in a VW microbus with Jade and their young son Redwood Forest. Jade can't do it, so Ethan crosses the border with his son. At age 11, Redwood fantasizes that he is tied with Nicklaus in the 1975 Masters and is about to win. He has hired Nicklaus' former caddy Ruben. Although his father won't let him watch TV alone, Redwood does sneak in to watch his favorite golf commentators at night, and they are with him in his fantasies along with the caddy. President Jimmy Carter is allowing those who fled to Canada to come back to the United States, but it is not that simple for Ethan as he has been charged with drug-related offenses, and he is still growing marijuana which he sells to Jonno. And Redwood doesn't know the truth about his mother. Interestingly, Ethan is a hippie who raises his son with rules. Eventually, circumstances change and Redwood rejoins his mother in rural California. His mother is back with Arnold and they have two older sons Josh and Todd (apparently she was with Arnold first, or they are her stepsons), plus crazy Earl in the basement. Arnold wanted to serve in Vietnam but like his father, he didn't have to fight because of a disability. He is determined to make his sons men, although Todd is sort of a wimp. Arnold won't tolerate special treatment for Redwood, though Redwood has been a vegetarian all his life and has trouble with the idea that his new family hunts. Although Arnold is a bully and Josh takes after his father, Arnold does show love for his sons. Not only do we wonder whether Redwood will beat Nicklaus and take home his green jacket (he really seems to believe it!), but we have to wonder if Ethan and Redwood will once again have a normal life. They both want it. The fantasy part of the movie is kind of silly but makes the movie more enjoyable. We can count Crazy Earl in the Basement as part of the fantasy, and his contribution also makes the movie easier to take. But we need the fantasy to balance what can be a harsh reality. It's not as bad as all that, though, and this is normal life for a lot of people. It's just not quite the loving family Redwood was experiencing. Ryan Grantham does a good job carrying the movie, and many of the other leading actors do a good job as well. Scott Hylands as Earl in the basement is appropriately quirky in his way. It's worth seeing, I'm sure.