When you finally figure out what you want in life, how do you go about getting it? In April 2012, we watched as Luke tried to figure out the answer to that very question.
Directing this 96 minute comedy/drama was Alonso Mayo.
Some of the cast is: Lou Taylor Pucci as Luke, Cary Elwes as Uncle Paul, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Aunt Cindy, Tyler Stentiford as Cousin Brad, Mackenzie Munro as Cousin Megan, Kenneth Welsh as Grandapa Jones and Seth Green as Zack.
Luke just lost his grandmother, and now his future is uncertain. Because of Luke’s autism, his uncle Paul offers him a place to stay, something Paul’s wife wasn’t too happy about. Since peace and love isn’t something easily found in uncle Paul’s home, Luke struggles at times as he tries to deal with the growing stress. Then, during a conversation with his grandfather, Luke receives a spot of wisdom. “Get a job, find a girl and live your life. Be a man!” Luke realizes that’s exactly what he wants. Problem is, because of the sheltered life he’s lived, he’s not sure how to do it. Not that that’ll stop Luke, it’ll just take a little longer to reach his goal.
This was a blind title grab mainly because I saw Pucci and Green were in the cast. I wasn’t really expecting much after reading the description, but I’m glad I caught this one, because it turned out to be something I would have hated to miss out on. So I’m throwing the title out there for others to catch the entertainment.
Come to find out, Mayo not only directed but also wrote the script for this one. This happens to be his first feature length film, and I have to say Mayo did a really good job on his first go round. It has a witty script that’s full of humor, and even warms the heart a bit as everything slowly unfolds to tell the tale. I thought Mayo did a good job at creating the perfect balance of comedy and drama for the storyline.
The play-through is a little slow, but it works for this one. I didn’t mind the pace of the film a bit because I never got bored during it. There are a lot of things going on during the movie, not just Luke’s story, but also a few of the people around him have things going on. So the pace gives you a chance to take everything in and enjoy it. What I liked about the film is that it has a kind of real life feel to it. Yes there is some comic relief here and there, but for the most part it’s a journey that someone could actually take in life.
The cast did a good job but Pucci’s performance blows it out of the water. The growth that Pucci’s character goes through showed some great acting on his part. The addition of Green’s character was also a perfect fit to the film, and gives a good balance to Pucci’s character. Otherwise the rest of the cast does a good job throughout the film.
Overall, this one is worth checking out when you’re in a feel good film mood.
