AFF Review: Alabama Moon
Austin filmmaker Tim McCanlies (Secondhand Lions, The Iron Giant) premiered his latest family-friendly film Alabama Moon during Austin Film Festival at the Paramount. Based on the coming-of-age novel by Watt Key, this film's plot tugs at the heartstrings, reminiscent of the Disney film Old Yeller and other family classics.
After the unexpected death of his survivalist father, 11-year-old Moon (Jimmy Bennett ), who was raised in the Alabama wilderness, must learn how to make his way in the modern world. Doing so isn't very easy, with a local law officer (Clint Howard) intent on making sure that Jimmy stays a ward of the state in a reform school. There Moon meets and interacts with other boys, including the bully Hal (Gabriel Basso) and sickly Kit (Uriah Shelton) who become his friends and cohorts on an escape.
The character of Moon is reminiscent of Huck Finn, a character who lives outside the social norm and is out of place in a civilized setting. He uses the survival skills he learned from hiding out with his father, outwitting the mean Constable Sanders as the boys make their way through the wilderness. Moon encounters more people, he begins to question his father's antisocial behavior. As he adapts to civilization, he finds family and a helpful friend in Mr. Wellington (John Goodman), a local lawyer.
Having seen Jimmy Bennett in Shorts earlier this summer, I was amazed by the contrast of his performance in Alabama Moon. The range and focus of this young actor was markedly improved. During the Q&A, Clint Howard stated that he had taken Jimmy under his wing to mentor him as a child actor. I can only assume that this mentorship played a large role in Jimmy's impressive performance. Performances of the entire cast were well-played, and favorite character actor Howard gave just enough Barney Fife to his performance to entertain and amuse the audience.
Alabama Moon is a bittersweet but enjoyable and wholesome family flick that will hopefully be picked up for distribution soon.
Austin connections: Director Tim McCanlies is based in Austin.