'BOOGALOO AND GRAHAM': Four Stars (Out of Five)
A 14 minute British short film; which was nominated for an Academy Award, for Best Live Action Short Film, at the upcoming 87th Academy Awards. It tells the story of two young boys, growing up in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, who are given two young chickens, to take care of, by their dad. The short was directed by Michael Lennox and written by Ronan Blaney. It stars Aaron Lynch, Riley Hamilton, Martin McCann and Charlene McKenna. I think it's probably the most humorous and wistful of this year's Oscar nominated live action shorts.
The short takes place in Belfast in the 1970s, when it was occupied by British soldiers. It revolves around two young boys, named Jamesy and Malachy (Riley Hamilton and Aaron Lynch). One day their dad (McCann) brings them home two baby chicks, to take care of. They immediately fall in love with the chickens and decide to become vegetarians (almost); due to their new found affection for their animal friends. Things change though, when their parents tell them some unexpected family news.
The film is well made and decently acted; especially the two young boys. It's funny and nostalgic; I know nothing about the place, in that time, but it does bring back childhood memories, of my own. It's probably the most humorous, of this year's Oscar nominated live action shorts, and it's also pretty sweet and touching as well (especially if you're an animal lover). It has a slight bit of political commentary too, thrown in, about 1970s Belfast; but that's not what the story revolves around.
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