This is a tale of growing up in retrospective. Robert Garfield (David Morse) uses the occasion of the funeral of a boyhood friend to gaze back 40 years in time to the events of the summer of 1960. That's the summer when he, as an 11-year old boy (Anton Yelchin), has his first kiss - with the girl next door Carol Gerber (Mika Boorem); when his mother, Elizabeth (Hope Davis), is forced to come face-to-face with some hard truths of being a single parent; and, most importantly, when the mysterious Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins) moves in upstairs. Bobby and Ted become instant friends, despite their vast age difference. Bobby, who is saving up for a bicycle, does a number of odd jobs for Ted - including looking out for "low men" who are apparently searching for him. During the course of Ted's stay, Bobby learns that his new mentor has some psychic ability and that talent makes him a wanted man.
The movie never really seems to develop any momentum or energy to propel it forward. It is very much a simple narrative of a feel good story. It blends two type of movies, the sepia-tinged, nostalgic coming-of-age tale and the low-key mysticism story. Like all coming-of-age tales, this one is about growing up and finding one's place in the world. The most effective aspects of the film are the simple ones. Bobby's interaction with his mother, who is unsuited to raising a child but trying nonetheless, and his tentative venture into romance with Carol. Their first kiss, which happens on the Ferris Wheel, is adorable. Indeed there is a sense of unforced realism in their relationship that makes these scenes magical.
The acting represents one of the movies assets. Hopkins is at his inscruptable best - warm-hearted and enigmatic, and as far away from Hannibel Lecter as can be imagined. Anton Yelchin does a crebible job and it is easy to believe that he will become David Morse 40 years later. The real star power of the cast is Mika Boorem. She shows that even at her young age that she will be going places. Her portrayal of Carol is delightful; she captures the spirit of the girl and we never sense that any acting is taking place.
This film is sentimental and nostaglic. It has the potential to capture you in its fragile spell. I would have appreciated the film more, if it had moved at a more even pace or the screenplay did a better job of merging the mystical role of Ted Braugiton with the storyline. All and all a basic, enjoyable film.
Rating: 2 1/2 (out of 4).
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