Radio Flyer

Rating:
Summary: The movie doesn't give the wrong message...
Review: It gives the real message. The fact is that many children experience different forms of abuse. And, being children, they don't realize that the best way to handle such problems is to tell an adult. Even worse, as was the case in the film, AN ADULT WAS THE SOURCE OF THE ABUSE! What other remedy would a child's mind produce other than to deal with it him/herself? Moreover, there are also instances where the non-abusive parent ignores the cries of an abused child as a lie or an exaggeration.

The message that the film gives (and the reason it gives the abuse hotline number at the end) is that, as parents, we should NOT wait for a our kids to tell us about their problems. They are children and we shouldn't expect them to know how the proper course of action to take under such stressful circumstances. Besides, even if they did know what to do, they would probably be too afraid to say anything anyway. WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE PROTECTED BY BEING VIGILIANT (checking on them, asking them, not waiting on them to tell us) AND NEVER INGNORING THEIR CRIES NOR EVER FORGIVING ABUSE AGAINST ONE'S OWN CHILDREN.

Finally, thanks to all the reviewers here for clearing up the ending for me. The explanations here make the movie 10 times better.

Rating:
Summary: PHENOMENAL
Review: THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! The acting was first rate by all of the cast, especially by Bobby Wright. He was an excellent actor despite his young age at the time; it wasn't any of that horrendous Mary Kate and Ashley from "Full House" acting that was supposed to be cute but makes you puke. Also, Bobby does not die contrary to what some other reviewers have said. If he died, there would be no scene where Tom Hanks (middle-aged Mike) is pinpointing Bobby's location from the postcards he sends him on the map in his room. Also, there are 2 boys, not one. I wholeheartedly believe Bobby and Mike were 2 completely different characters. Everyone is trying to infer things from the movie, but it is how it is shown. It is pretty straightforward, no analysis needed. I can see how Bobby would be a figment of Mike's imagination, but then again, Bobby sends his brother postcards, and Mike maps his brother's location up to the day Mike is middle-aged. Emotional aspects of an imagination do not vacation in Maui and send postcards. And to all you who think that because Mike has the turtle Bobby is dead?!! You were only able to conclude one thing from that, so it must be that Bobby died?! And screw all of you who think this movie makes the wrong approach at child abuse--you know nothing; another example of political correctness run amuck besides the fact that you were never abused. This is my favorite movie and I believe it to be the best movie ever made. Although, I would have liked to see a good ending: I would have liked to see Bobby and Mike re-unite. That would have completed the movie. If you are a brother who had a little brother like me and you went through something like this, you will absolutely love it. I bought it because it is too good for words... those two are beautiful...

Rating:
Summary: deserves one word - WOW
Review: This movie just completely blows me away. It even made my mom tear up. Elijah Wood and Joseph Mazello do an amazing job, and especially at such a young age. And to think that Elijah grew up to do more amazing films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But this movie really is superb. Wonderful yet sad story, and by the end it makes you want to call up one of those hotlines for physically abused children and help out. If I could, I'd give it 10 stars.