Logan (2010)

Important subject matter, executed horribly on every level. Bad acting can be forgiven in a low budget feature if the writing picks up the slack. If both the acting and the writing are dreadful however, you get...this. It would be nice to see this project in the hands of a more capable writer and director because the subject matter is important and should be explored.

I was watching what seemed to be just another pre-chewed, low budget, Disney-esque movie about a kid with aspirations and a shallow family that was just droning on and on. . . when something amazing happened. A move that started off so tame, so "common", suddenly surprised me: seized me: captivated me: moved me. Why hasn't someone told this story earlier? It's certainly needed -- on the order of a "public service".Zero spoilers here; and a pox on anyone who reveals so much that this excellent movie cannot have it's full positive impact on those who haven't seen it yet. The reviews and synopsis to date give you some idea what it's about. I will just say that it tackles SEVERAL VERY prevalent youth issues; but that parents might consider watching it first by themselves before sharing it with your tweens and teens. (Or if you're brave and you want to ride the roller coaster with them, go for it! It's a very intense . . . but ultimately "safe" ride.) You will be shocked: but for the youth audience there is nothing unwholesome or damaging in this movie once the final curtain draws. Just the opposite.An amazing move, professionally executed by a very young and talented cast and (from what I've heard), production team. This is probably the highest praise I've ever given to a movie. If you have kids or are concerned with youth issues, just watch it!

Logan, played excellently by Leo Howard, who I have never seen before, but has apparently been in a "GI Joe" movie, is about a 13 year old boy who wants to make a professional level movie. However, no one takes him seriously, including his older brother, a senior in high school, with whom he has a close relationship. The story ambles along with amusing interplay between the characters, with some teasing and mild bullying, and parents obsessed with fear of the government, played mostly for comic relief.Midway through, the movie unexpectedly turns more serious, and its purpose is revealed. The director Kyle Lawrence, who on the special features appears to be about 21, plays a clever ploy on the audience, which at first might turn off the viewer, but ultimately works very well. I became aware of this film on DVD because I watched and liked some other Christian themed movies on Netflix, namely "Fireproof", "To Save A Life", and "Dog Days of Summer". Let me state here that what I liked about all these films was their stories, not the faith aspects, as I am an agnostic (born Jewish) who has never practiced any religion and don't like to be preached at. This film has very little faith pushing, as only the character "Ben" promotes church and Jesus a couple of times, and does not convince any other characters to do so. While you can tell this is a low-budget film, and the ending gets a bit hard to believe, the messages against teasing, bullying, teen-suicide, and depression are beautifully integrated, and it is refreshing to see relatively clean cut kids for a change, with no one doing drugs or hopping in the sack before they know each others last names. I highly recommend this movie for families, and even for adults who enjoy stories about youths dealing with the problems of growing up. It was truly a very moving and well done film, considering how young the production crew and director/writers were.

The world red carpet premiere was on Sept. 2nd. The film opened on Sept. 10th and the DVD should be available by Christmas 2010. It is powerful and relationship-driven. If you can't see yourself as one of the characters, you can empathize and may know someone who has trouble balancing school, popularity, and a dysfunctional family. Job well done by newcomer Patrick Probst and Twilight star Booboo Stewart. Exquisite job by Leo Howard (G.I. Joe and Conan) who created an introspective character that is the complete opposite of the larger than life Howard.Logan is a great addition to any family collection.