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| Tookey's Review |
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| Pro Reviews |
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| Mixed Reviews |
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| Anti Reviews |
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| Cast |
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| Released: |
1999 |
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| Genre: |
DRAMA
RITES-OF-PASSAGE
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| Origin: |
US |
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| Colour: |
C |
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| Length: |
108 |
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A sweet-natured ccount - based on a true story - of an Appalachian miner's son (Jake Gyllenhaal, pictureed left) who dreams of defying his decent but overbearing dad (Chris Cooper) and becoming a rocket scientist. He is helped towards that aim by a pretty schoolmistress (Laura Dern, pictured right). The climax is, believe it or not, a Science fair where, if they win, the hero and his three mates stand to gain scholarships to college.
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Reviewed by Chris Tookey
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I know what you're thinking: it's not a big deal. And this kind of upbeat, aspirational plot has been seen time and time again, often in a sporting context with the little guy - or team - overcoming enormous odds. But here it's done with such skill, sincerity and charm that it's genuinely moving. And Chris Cooper, wonderful in John Sayles' best film, Lone Star, gives an outstanding supporting performance.
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, Miss Riley: Laura Dern