Mighty Oak: Review by @Kush_Hayes
When I got the screener for Mighty Oak, I didnt know anything about it and for the most part thats a good thing. My only problem with that is trying to understand what is being presented to me and why its being presented that way. While I will say its a solid well made film, its hard to tell who this is for. And what is its purpose? Is this a faith based film? Is it a platform to discuss the dangers of substance abuse while exploring grief and loss? Is it a platform to highlight the skills of its prodigy star?
The Mighty Oak is about an up and coming band manager, Gina Jackson, played by Janel Parrish, whose career gets sidelined after a serious car accident that took the life of her brother (Levi Dylan) and broke up their band. After ten years she crosses path with a child named Oak, played by Tommy Ragen, who gets possession of her brothers guitar. Upon arriving to repossess it from Oak, she hears just how good he really is and decides to manage his brand new possible career. This causes her to bring the band back together and they decide to get back in the game and perform live.
Thats about the gist of it. We have some conflicts as we should. Some are just forgotten. Some should be delved into more. Some should have been reflected less. And, well, Im kind of still in disbelief of how the movie resolves its ending.
Things forgotten include our lead actress just dropping her habit of coping with alcohol and a gambling debt that did lead to her finding Tommy for the guitar.
At several points in the film, Parrish's character starts questioning if maybe Oak could be the reincarnation of her brother - to the point that this plot point begins to lose its edge. We also wax poetic about the soul and what happens after we die - and fate - and serendipity. With the exception of never mentioning any savior or higher being, it comes off as a faith-based film. But I actually dont think its trying to be that. How Parrish dealt with her grief by engaging in reckless behavior deserves more focused plot development. Oaks mother is a junkie, who after a successful career in the military had an accident that left her paralyzed temporarily and though while she can move again, is in constant pain 24 hours a day to the point her ten year old son is taking care of her. We have here a former vet whose country is not helping her with not only her PTSD but her physical therapy. I felt like these were serious topics that kind of get brushed over to keep the plot moving. Im not familiar with any of the main casts work. Janel Parrish's performance teeters for me. When it comes to the heavy and the drama in this film, shes very good and I am a believer that this woman has been suffering from the loss of her brother. Unfortunately much of the rest is just moving the plot forward.
Carlos PenaVega is a solid supporting lead. Hes never necessarily carrying his scenes, but he almost always is holding things together and keeping the momentum of the story flowing without being annoying or obnoxious.
Tommy Ragen is apparently a child prodigy who can actually play. I dont know how much of his talent is in the film music wise, but the kid has good chemistry with everyone he interacts with. I wish I had half the direction and talent he has when I was twice his age.
Much like with the actors, Im not familiar with director Sean McNamara's work, but looking over his imdb credits, I encourage him to continue to explore directing original movies. He brings something to this production. Same with writer Matt Allen, who I hope to see more from. Many times I wondered if this was a semi self referential movie from Allen.
When I was this movies demographic, this was the movie that would be on Saturday afternoons on the syndicated channel just before the news would come on. This is the movie your eight year old will hear the word “Shit” for the first time.
Theres a good movie here. It just needs something extra to season up the flavor. I think had it had a proper theatrical release itd have won over the fans its projected too.
Three out of Five Blueberries
Mighty Oak will be available to stream on Tuesday July 7th on all Major VOD Platforms
Rated PG-13 for thematic content involving substance abuse, language, some accident images and brief suggestive comments
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