Boy Wonder

I must admit: I'm a huge fan of thrillers…the only problem is I'm often disappointed by the weak story plots and cliché endings that plague most of the new suspense films that are being dished out by Hollywood fools lately. That being said, I didn't expect much when I went to see Boy Wonder at the Thrill Spy Fest in D.C. Michael Morrissey's Boy Wonder sets itself apart from the senseless crap out there today. It keeps you guessing the whole way through, and just when you think you figured out the ending, you're proved wrong. The film is a classic man vs. man revenge plot, with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. For an indie film, I was pretty surprised by the writing and acting. This director is definitely going places. The lead guy who played Caleb was awesome too. He definitely has that troubled method actor type quality to him. Expect to see him around in the future. Not sure whether or not this is going straight to DVD or if it will stay in the festival circuit for awhile, but if you have the opportunity to see Boy Wonder, you won't be disappointed.

This is a good drama/crime/thriller movie, better than i expected. It's dark and bleak but not unbearably dark, neither overdramatic. Still enjoyable and entertaining. Many satisfying scenes throughout the movie, even though its thematic core is sad. I didn't recognize any actor, they are all unknown to me, however they were good, each one of them. Leading actor, Caleb Steinmeyer, was almost impressive. This is his last movie, seems strange to me that he quit acting.

Ending was very good, i didn't see it coming. I won't say much in order for not spoiling it.

It's a low budget movie, so, don't expect a masterpiece, and you will enjoy it, too.

The teenager Sean Donovan (Caleb Steinmeyer) is a brilliant but shy student that lives with his father Terry Donovan (Bill Sage) in Brooklyn. Sean has a trauma since he has witnessed the murder of his mother in a carjack nine years ago. Sean frequently goes to the precinct to see criminal photos expecting to identify the killer of his mother and he is an amateurish boxer. During the night, Sean secretly is a vigilante, seeking out brutal criminals based on the police files to eliminate them.

The efficient police lieutenant Teresa Ames (Zulay Henao) has been just promoted after capturing the notorious gangster Larry Childs (James Russo) and transferred to work in the Homicide Department in the precinct where Sean uses to go. When Sean helps Teresa to change her flat tire, she befriends Sean and leans his traumatic story. But when she notes that Sean was searching in the computer of the police department the pimp that was murdered, she suspects that the troubled teenager might be the vigilante that is killing in New York City.

The unknown "Wonder Boy" is a dramatic thriller with a complex and well developed story of revenge. The characters are perfectly developed and Caleb Steinmeyer and Zulay Henao have great performances. The awesome conclusion shocks and shows how dangerous it to judge based on suppositions. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Garoto Prodígio" ("Boy Prodigy")

I don't usually write reviews, and I don't usually give tens to just any movie, but this one, my God, this one deserves a ten. The whole movie is fantastic, solid, amazing. The actors, specially Caleb are above amazing. Truly fantastic performances. The script is fantastic, and the end, the end is in one word: EPIC! Definitely you must see this one. I really loved the movie and it's a shame this director hasn't had more chances to do any more movies. Congratulations to the all team who did this piece of art. Fantastic. Amazing! Brutal! Go see it! It's a hell of a joyride. When I saw the cover I thought: "a rip-off of The Crow!" Boy, was I wrong!

It's no surprise Boy Wonder won Best Editing at the Rhode Island Film Festival. Being a resident of Providence, I always try to make my way to the fest each year. And while every film at the fest is most definitely a hit or miss, I can honestly say I haven't seen such a stellar film as this fest in a long time as good as Boy Wonder. Not only was the editing intensely good (hence the award), but the cinematography was gorgeous and the story was strong. Expect to see Caleb Steinmeyer in the near future. There's no way some up-and-coming director won't want to hire this kid. What a great performance. His intensity and method acting was incredible in this film. And and all, if you have a chance to see this film, I highly suggest you do. You won't be disappointed.