Line that separates merely good films from great films is often very tin. This often in results in frustration among viewers aware that some good films were very close in crossing it, but ultimately failed to make that crucial step. One of such films is The Boy Who Could Fly, 1986 fantasy family drama written and directed by Nick Castle.
Film begins with recently widowed Charlene Michaelson (played by Bonnie Bedelia) moving into new home accompanied by her two children – 14-year old daughter Amelia “Millie” (played by Lucy Deakins) and 8-year old son Louis (played by Fred Savage). All three have problems adapting to new circumstances – Charlene must take a job that requires obtaining computer skills; Louis has to deal with local bullies and Millie must find new friends in school. She, however, becomes intrigued by her unusual neighbour and schoolmate Eric Gibb (played by Jay Underwood), autistic boy who hasn’t said a word since his parents died in childhood. Eric spends almost all time sitting at the window pretending to fly, while his uncle Hugo (played by Fred Gwynne) spends his time and drinking and occasionally claiming that he saw him actually fly. Millie, however, discovers that she is able to emotionally connect with Eric and, at least temporarily, bring him out of his emotional stupor. She also finds out that Eric is also under threat of being institutionalised, which is prospect that terrifies her teacher Mrs. Sherman (played by Colleen Dewhurst). Millie tries to help Eric evade that fate while, at the same time, experiences some strange events and unexplained phenomena that make her believe that Eric indeed can fly.
In his previous film The Last Starfighter Nick Castle has shown clear influence of Steven Spielberg. This could be also seen in this film, which has the old ingredients of Spielbergian formula – setting in middle class suburbs; promotion of family values of Reagan’s America (even when challenged by things like disease and alcoholism); special effects by Spielberg’s associate Richard Edlund and bombastic musical score by Bruce Broughton which in many ways sounds like scores John Williams used to make for Spielberg’s films. But the best element of the film is Lucy Deakins, young and very talented actress who, for the most part, carries The Boy Who Could Fly on her shoulder. Deakins plays her character realistically, in many ways preventing the film from succumbing to cliches and saccharine. The rest of the cast is good, especially young Fred Savage, while veteran character actor Fred Gwynne gives humanity to what otherwise would be rather dislikable character.
The Boy Who Could Fly is in its essence, just like many Spielbergian films, sweet and entertaining, but it has its share of the flaws. The crucial flaw, and one probably responsible for its less than stellar results at the box office, is its long running time. Castle apparently had issues with pacing, but also padded the film with not so necessary scenes, subplots and even characters, like psychiatrist played by Louise Fletcher in extended cameo that brings association to Nurse Ratched from One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Some might complain that the ending might be predictable and the emotional manipulation too obvious, but this modern fairytale is perhaps just a film that we need in our increasingly dark times.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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