Becoming Redwood

The fantasy part of the movie is kind of silly but makes the movie more enjoyable. We can count Crazy Earl in the Basement as part of the fantasy, and his contribution also makes the movie easier to take. But we need the fantasy to balance what can be a harsh reality. It's not as bad as all that, though, and this is normal life for a lot of people. It's just not quite the loving family Redwood was experiencing.

Ryan Grantham does a good job carrying the movie, and many of the other leading actors do a good job as well. Scott Hylands as Earl in the basement is appropriately quirky in his way.

It's worth seeing, I'm sure.

I came across this movie totally by accident and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's an almost unknown gem. Ryan Grantham is great as Redwood. If you're looking for a different kind of feel good flick, give this one a shot.

This film deserves a higher score than its currently been showing from reviewers on IMDb. It's convincing as a period piece and all of the actors perform their roles well. Redwood of course steals the show and this young actor has a quiet charisma that shines through in every scene. It shows the triumph of imagination over hardship creating hope where none seems able to spring. The Wes Anderson, "Harold and Maude" and "Almost Famous" (and even a bit of Caddyshack) similarities are clear and should be celebrated rather than criticized. This film offers a lot of heart from modest means. The drama is more pronounced than the comedy, but necessarily so, to keep the inspiring message present and prevent it from being confused with being a stereotypical 60s film. Becoming Redwood gives the viewer a vision of joy and compassion from innocent eyes. His dream time transforms him and melts the ice of the "grown ups" who have custody of the little Buddha of the fairways. A film well worth watching to lift the spirit.

Jesse James Miller wrote, directed, and edited this film. I don't know which part he did worse – but obviously the editing failed, and all together it seems that some writers should leave the directing to other people.

Ryan Grantham played the part of Redwood quite well – however, something went wrong – the chase after Jack Nichols game of golf became a haunting abnormality rather than a boy's way to dream. The whole cast was lack-luster; there was a general lack of charisma or stage presence. Derek Hamilton who played Arnold had the only part that was not fuzzy and was well cast. The film was wrapped in so much doom and gloom, yet did not extract any tears or feelings of empathy. The story had no clear message or direction. Living outside the law, dysfunctional family life…and suddenly everybody drives off to a brighter future. It simply did not cut the mustard.

If you want to see a movie about golf, you're in the wrong movie. This is a psychological drama. A kid with family issues. Bored, kinda cliche, expected ending.