Mighty Oak

If you want an uplifting story that the whole family can enjoy, this movie does that. I am a grandfather who went with my daughter and two grandchildren. I had not been to a drive-in since the 1960's. Tommy Ragen is special and the whole cast is great. Get out and enjoy a heartwarming story.

Gina and Vaughn are the sister and brother duo taking the SoCal music scene by storm with their band Army of Love. Gina "Jean Jacket" Jackson (Janel Parrish) is behind the scenes as the savvy and determined music manager while her talented brother Vaughn Jackson (Levi Dylan) is the gifted frontman of their popular band.

On the night of their biggest break yet, the siblings' bond is shattered when Vaughn is killed in a tragic car accident and Gina is unable to pick up the pieces of her life.

Ten years later, a 4th grade guitar prodigy named Oak Scoggins (Tommy Ragen) enters Gina's orbit, and she becomes convinced that this child must be the reincarnation of Vaughn. While Oak does have Vaughn's talent and some of his traits, Gina's friends become concerned with her decision to re-launch their long dormant band with Oak as the frontman taking Vaughn's place.

Oak comes from a disadvantaged household and as he is thrust into the spotlight, he finds that music is the perfect escape and the much needed outlet for his pain. Gina in turn finds an outlet for her grief and a way back into living life out loud and to the fullest.

I guess I'll applaud the effort, but I just can't pretend this is a good movie. It smells like they found a kid who could play guitar and sing and built a movie around him. Almost no interaction smells genuine or is believable. So many things provoke groans of disbelief. Opportunities to go deeper, by either cast or director, flash by unexplored. Maybe this movie is for 6 year olds, but even if that's the case, why not make a GOOD movie for them?

Don't waste your time.

The filming by director Sean McNamara was well done. Pay close attention to the crash scene. They did a fantastic job.

There was also some great shots of Ocean Beach, California.

Now I must say off-the-bat that a few people might find the subject matter a bit different. The idea that a kid could be the reincarnation of someone's brother is a bit farfetched however I see what the writer was trying to do. I want to tip my hat to Tommy Ragen (Oak Scoggins). He had to deal with multiple emotions throughout the movie. When he lashed out at one point during the film, I can totally understand that.

If you really think about it Oak had to deal with a lot. In his life, he had a depressed music director, a sick mother, no father figure, and bullying at school. That's a lot to take on as a 10-year-old who only wanted to play music. Thankfully, over time he did develop some great friendships with a group of musicians and kids at school that kept him content.

The music was great and Oak can really play the guitar.

Final thoughts

Overall, I feel that 'Mighty Oak' is one to watch. You will appreciate the young talent in this film. Perhaps you will learn a) how people cope with loss, b) when to step in, c) the importance of listening to one another, or maybe d) how as a unit we can all help one another.

A great movie for families, kids and you adults. Man that kid can play guitar