America’s Newest Sport (1962)

Then…

Before GoPro® cameras even existed, Bruce Brown crafted some terrific action-filled footage about skateboarding. That was back in 1962.

As an avid fan of skating (and vintage garb), I couldn’t resist featuring a short film with America’s Newest Sport enticing title. Of course, since the short was made for Hobbie (a skateboard manufacturing company) and its team, America’s Newest Sport could be regarded as an infomercial, but that doesn’t lessen its value – especially for anyone interested in the history of skateboarding. And, while all the information is available today on Wikipedia, seeing it on video is much more stimulating.

The 11-minute short film features audio commentary on several state-of-the-art maneuvers performed by a group of young boys. The commentary is both informative and funny, which provides for the film’s fun factor. Slow-motion and various camera angles are not what you typically expect from a 60s film, but they are all present. As fun trivia, two of the kids starring in the film are Steve and Davey Hilton, of the Hilton Hotel chain, uncles to Paris Hilton.

But you better watch it yourself:

… And Now

Now that you have seen the beginning, it’s time to introduce a talented skater of today who made a huge impression on me. His name is Tyler Kirshenbaum, and he is only 10-years-old. Despite his tender age, Tyler is an absolute ace and, while his skating profile still lists him as an amateur, there is not a tint of amateurism in his routine. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology – cameras and editing software (and of course a talented operator behind the camera) – the clip showcasing Taylor’s skills are nothing short of amazing, and I think it’s great to juxtapose it with the 1964 short film featured earlier in this article.

While TheSkyKid.com typically focuses on young talent in music and the arts, one should not forget that youth can express their talents in various ways. Skateboarding as a form of art is just one of many.

For more Skateboarding vibes, check out Skaterdater (1965) and the article introducing the Multi-talented Sky Brown

North Sea Texas (2011)

Every moment of every day of our lives we make choices, reflect on our past and shape our future. Yet sometimes we forget that the choices we make can affect the people around us too. The 2011 Belgian film North Sea Texas, whose story is focused on love and the confusion of youth, aptly addresses the importance of one’s decisions.

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North Sea Texas (2011)

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Based on a novel by Andre Sollie, "North Sea Texas" is a story focused on love, the confusion of youth, and the importance of one's decisions.

4.8

OUR SCORE

Where to Watch

Amazon On Demand

North Sea Is Dead Sea (1976 )

Sometimes one stumbles upon a true cinematic gem from the past when exploring older films. Such is the case with the 1976 German Coming–of-Age film by Hark Bohm, North Sea Is Dead Sea ( Original title: Nordsee ist Mordsee). In it, 13-year-old Uwe (Uwe Bohm) finds himself slowly slipping into delinquency.

His character projects toughness like many other teens when they are aiming to appear cool among their friends. Yet, in one of the scenes, we see him playing with a remote controlled tank; in another, he allows his emotions to prevail evidencing childish vulnerability.

While the action is set in the years that the film was released, the 70s, Uwe’s Coming-of-Age experiences (and those of his friend) are universal and it won’t be hard for anyone to associate with the film’s protagonists.

A German website (prisma.de) mentions that the release of the film in its own country was delayed by 16 years by monitoring authorities who feared the imitation effect on young viewers. This is in line with how accurately the rebellious spirit of youth is portrayed in the film (even if the ban itself is ridiculous – just as if Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn was to be banned for portraying the adventures of mischievous boys).

Dysfunctional families, a hard working single parent,friends and foes among kids, and cruelty towards immigrants — sound familiar? Life really hasn’t changed much since. Uwe’s living conditions are quite lousy due to his dad drinking too much and punishing his son physically when he sees fit. Yet, like father like son as Uwe doesn’t hesitate to deliver punches and bullying to a Chinese boy, twistedly perceived as a cool thing to do among his friends.

Weirdly enough, after Uwe gets into trouble with the police for a prank that he pulled (one that involves borrowing someone`s car without asking), and is severely beaten by his dad, it’s that bullied Chinese boy with whom Uwe decides to run away. They sail down the Elbe River with a make shift boat and their escape turns into a real adventure …

Vintage buffs (like myself) will greatly appreciate the film`s visual design. It is not only artistically well suited to the film`s story, but it gives the whole film a boost in authenticity thanks to the settings that outline both temporal factors (fashions of the times) and the social structures and economic factors of Germany in the 1970s. I wish that kids nowadays still wore the kind of clothes those in the film do (I would love them for myself as well). Although costume and makeup design have no other function than to set the film in a particular time period – fashion in the film is worth seeing for its own sake. It makes one wonder why fashions had to change to what we wear today.

Meaningful lyrics and great sounding pop-rock vibes by the German rock musician and composer Udo Landenberg comprise the film’s musical score. Throughout the film, the music — combined with the excellent camerawork –add another layer of meaning to the trials and tribulations of the young protagonists.

The finale of North Sea Is Dead Sea does not disappoint with a made up ending which earns it more points on my appreciation scale. Wonderfully acted, shot, and directed (Hark Bohm is one of the most prominent directors of German Coming-of-Age films focusing on youth, social tensions and social taboos), North Sea Is Dead Sea is well worth anyone’s time.

Trailer

No Kidding (1960)

While not precisely a Coming-of-Age flick (although some Coming-of-Age things do occur), Gerald Thomas`s No Kidding is a delightful comedy with quirky characters that are guaranteed to brighten your day.

The action revolves around a young couple who, after having a series of financial letdowns, decide to invest the last of their savings into turning the big mansion they have inherited into a holiday home for the offspring of rich parents, and they eagerly await the arrival of their first young guests.

But alas! They have no prior experience in running a vacation house for children. This isn’t helped because they end up making some poor choices in hiring personnel to help them run the place — staff that adds to their problems.

The couple is unsure what policies to set and decides to let the staff set the policy. Big Mistake!! For example, the maid decides (against her husband’s wishes) to let the kids run wild — to enjoy their newfound freedom. Of course, this results in the kids growing increasingly ill-disciplined, presenting the couple with a real challenge of dealing with the situation.

To make things more complicated, an older adult who works for the local municipal council expresses her will to take over the family’s newly acquired property and turn it into housing for underprivileged local children.

Shot in black and white, No Kidding is surprisingly refreshing for a film released in the 60s. Most of the cast overacts in their respective roles but, through the prism of time, result in even funnier scenes. While the narrative is filled with stereotypes and is quite predictable, it well serves its role of engaging and entertaining the viewer.

Admittedly, I was initially drawn by the poster (and misled by it), but I was not disappointed with the film while my initial expectations proved wrong.

No Kidding (1960)

In short

Character/Acting

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Storyline/Screenplay

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Reader Rating0 Votes

1.5

Our rating

Mud (2012)

Going through various experiences and coming out of them bruised yet wiser about life and its peculiarities is what most Coming-of-Age films aim to portray, and Mud excels in this task. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, the film tells the story of two 14-year-old boys: Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). They encounter a strange man named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) hiding on a small island on the Arkansas River.

Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) encounter Mud (Matthew McConaughey)

Despite the classic linear dramatic structure of the narrative (introducing the characters, the complications and challenges they face and the denouement), Mud offers an intellectual challenge. The story is interesting enough to capture and hold the interest of the film’s audience and, while the rapid action scenes are reserved for the last thirty or so minutes, one never feels bored.

The character of Mud, an idealist who hasn’t lost the kid within, adds to the suspense as one tries to figure out just what kind of a character he is. An unlikely role model, he becomes one to Ellis, an idealist himself (but then, aren’t all children?).

The aesthetic qualities of the picture deserve some recognition. By using a filming technique called “rack focus” which provides depth, combined with frequent close-up shots of the actors’ faces showing their reactions to what they’re experiencing, the viewer’s involvement with the protagonists and their personalities is increased. At the same time, the locales where the film was shot and its overall stylistic suggest a resemblance to Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer – especially considering that a river is such a notable backdrop for both stories. Of course the musical score of Mud, with its predominately backwoods twang, helps set the appropriate time period — adding a certain American feel to the picture.

The film owes a lot of its appeal to the convincing performance of young Tye Sheridan in the role of Ellis. In the 2013 David Gordon Green film, Joe, there’s a somewhat similar narrative about unlikely role models. The narrative is focused exclusively on the delineation of Ellis’s character, emphasizing the Coming-of-Age experiences he undergoes. His display of courage and self-ascertained behaviour make a real impression and earned him my respect, an impression I’m sure will be the case with many who view the film.

Tye Sheridan interprets the turmoil his character goes through in an authentic manner, making viewers question their own definition of “the right thing to do”. Thanks to his acting talent, the characterization of Ellis comes across naturally, and one gets involved with the choices he makes.

Many of us face moments in our lives when the way things are supposed to be (friendship forever, all-consuming eternal love, etc.) collide with the harshness of a reality that’s much different. Mud offers its viewers an opportunity to witness the growing awareness of life’s realities that its protagonists experience.

Rack focus technique / Tye Sheridan in Mud

My only frustration with the film was its finale, which somehow undermined the great impact of the otherwise well-told story. An open-ended dénouement would have been much more suitable than the “Fine-Tuning” the director/screenwriter opted for.

Mud is one of the best Coming-of-Age films I have seen, and I don’t hesitate to extend my highest recommendation.

Mud – Official Trailer

Book Review: See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

“Who are you?

What do you look like?”

The wild-eyed curiosity of 11-year-old Alex Petroski (the central character of the novel See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng) grabs one’s attention from the very beginning. And, not only grabs your attention, but swirls it, bounces it around and holds it tight and undivided till the very last page.

You may have read books in which you have identified with the protagonist, but I doubt you have ever thought of the protagonist as one of your best friends. The character of Alex is so dynamic that you feel like you are growing up alongside him. To read this book is to learn or rediscover things about life, to remember things about your own life and the people and the whole universe which you grew up in. It’s all about discovering the meaning of love, bravery and truth among many other things. Alex’s childish innocence brings a humorous vibe to the story but at the same time it is what makes his character so much more believable and real.

“…One time Benji asked me do I feel bad about not having a dad and I asked him, Do you feel bad about not having a dinosaur? Benji said he’s not sure because he’s never had one, and I said I feel the same way about a dad. Benji said it’d be so cool to have a triceratops though…”

If I’m getting ahead of myself, it’s only because it’s difficult to hold in one’s excitement when reviewing such a rejuvenating and original novel. In a standard review you would have read the premise of the book being reviewed by now – so here it is: Alex is an 11-year-old boy with a responsibility level of at least a 13-year-old. He is obsessed with rockets and astronomy and the story begins with his first rocket launch at a rocket convention (to which he goes by himself), followed by a discovery that takes him across the US in a search that’s assisted by his family and friends – many of whom he meets along the way. The story is told in the first person by Alex himself, through audio recordings he creates on his iPod so that he can send it into space for aliens to find and learn more about our planet.

PRH Audio · See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng, read by Kivlighan de Montebello, Various

There are so many things I could write to describe the story – as it’s filled with interesting events, meetups and fascinating characters such as: Steve, Zed, Terra, Ronnie, the older kid, Alex’s dog Carl Sagan (named after Alex’s favorite astronomer) …and the list goes on and on. But going into more detail will spoil the book for you, and you will definitely enjoy experiencing the story for yourself.

Instead, I will recommend for you to pick up the audio book of See You in the Cosmos as this is the perfect way to immerse yourself into Alex’s world. It is vividly narrated by a young actor by the name of Kivlighan de Montebello and, thanks to him, one can feel the excitement, sadness, confusion, joyfulness and even determination of the book’s protagonist.

See You in the Cosmos is aimed at young readers, but the themes it features, and the way the story is told, ensures that readers of all ages will enjoy it. For fans of the Coming-of-Age genre it is a must and I don’t hesitate to extend my highest recommendation.

Swing (2002)

Across the world, gypsies are known for their passion for music and rhythm. And yet, to some extent, they have always lived on the outskirts of society.

Tony Gatlif`s 2011 French film Swing offers a touching portrayal of the gypsy lifestyle and culture through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy determined to learn to play the guitar.

While enjoying summer vacation at his grandmother’s Victorian mansion, Max (Oscar Copp) stumbles upon a bar at which Miraldo (Tchavolo Schmitt), a gypsy guitarist, entertains the guests. Captivated by the musician’s virtuosity and the magic of his music, Max decides to acquire a guitar of his own and then asks Miraldo to agree to tutor him.

Oscar Copp and Lou Rech play the lead roles in Swing.

In the neighbourhood where the gypsies live, Max meets a young girl named Swing (Lou Rech), and the two of them soon become best of friends. Swing’s tomboyish appearance made me (and likely Max too) wrongfully think of her as a boy at first. As Max learns the art of music, Swing protects and guides him into the life of her people and the delightful world of youthful affection.

Oscar Copp as Max in Swing (2002) — Oscar Copp as Max in *Swing* (2002)

The musical score in Swing plays an essential role. For all intents and purposes, it becomes a plot device and a character all its own. It dominates the picture — integrated with the visual, dramatic and rhythmic elements of the film.

Tchavolo Schmitt, as Max’s newfound tutor Manolo, is one of the most renowned guitarists in the world. So by just being himself, he can captivate not only his young pupil but the film’s audience as well (I haven’t stopped listening to gypsy music the whole day after watching Swing).

Swing (Lou Rech) running through the French countryside

It’s rare to stumble upon a film like Swing that genuinely tells a life story without exaggerating (for the camera). That authenticity comes at the price of some slowness in plot development but is more than compensated for with both beautiful music and stunning cinematography.

As a fan of the Coming-of-Age genre and the talent of young actors, I found the greatest gratification in observing the wonderful performances of Oscar Coop as Max and Lou Rech as Swing. The charisma and mischievousness of these two actors, as well as the chemistry between them, made the scenes in which they appeared a joy to witness. Excellent framing and an abundance of close-ups allow for a sense of intimacy with both characters as they discover the joy of music and friendship.

Ah, but all beautiful things come to an end, and the film’s finale, although not unexpected, is kept in line with the film’s prevailing authenticity. The DVD of Swing features English subtitles, and you won’t make a mistake by watching this film.

The trailer of Swing

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307538/combined

Western Lights

Do you believe in Atlantis?

History is full of mysteries and legends: Atlantis, the Mayan civilization, the Olmec. Will a group of young French students be able to solve some of them?

Set sail with twelve young explorers who decided to follow the route of Christopher Columbus from Spain to the New World. Be a sailor, an archeologist, a diver and a student with them – and experience their adventures.

Several years ago I had heard of the French documentary Western Lights, yet I doubted it would be worth my time. Having seen it now, I must admit that I should have seen it earlier, as it really filled me with the desire to find out more about the voyage of Columbus and the civilizations he encountered.

For the most part, the atmosphere of the film is similar to that of the travel documentaries one can expect to find on television channels such as National Geographic. Twelve French boys, accompanied by their teachers (they appear so rarely on screen that one can easily remain with the impression that the kids are sailing by themselves), cross the Atlantic using navigation equipment similar to that which Christopher Columbus had back in the 19th century. They are travel on an old Breton traditional sailing ship of 48 tons, the Karrek Ven, which was built in France at Douarnenez in 1943 and is frequently used by organizations and schools for the training of youth in search of the world and an active lifestyle.

On their way, they stop at the Canary Islands, The West Indies, Venezuela and various other locations. At each stop they conduct research on the historical voyage of the past by having conversations with local scholars, launching archeological expeditions into jungles, and explore volcanoes.

Western Lights is similar to the Charles-Hervé Gruyer series Fleur De Lampaul – the aim of which is to educate children about the ties between man and nature, on the eve of the new millennium. By deciding to focus on the daily routine of the explorers, the film’s director, Bernard Poggi, manages to keep the attention of young viewers who may be been bored otherwise (as it is often the case with many educational documentaries). The uniqueness of this film lies in how it manages to balance entertainment and education.

Western Lights features some astonishing panoramic shots and underwater photography. The film’s editing is quite basic (but then again the film was released back in 1990), yet the overall quality of the documentary doesn’t suffer from that. On the negative side, as interesting as the story is, I found the film to be a bit lengthy with its over 120 minutes of footage.

Toast (2010)

Freddie Highmore was the initial reason I chose to view the DVD of Toast. His performances in the 2004 film Finding Neverland and 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made a huge impression on me (and apparently many others, as he is frequently referred to in reviews as one of the best young actors of recent years). I did not realize that Freddie’s appearance in the film was limited to the last 20 minutes in the role of the grown-up Nigel Slater, a young boy whose Coming-of-Age story is told in the movie.
I was deceived by the DVD cover on which Freddie was featured led me to believe he had a more featured role.

One would think that such a discovery would disappoint me, but the charming story – filled with optimism and humor (along with some dark moments as well) – and the incredible performance of Oscar Kennedy as the younger Nigel Slater grabbed my heart. Oscar, being a newcomer, is certainly not the most well-known or experienced actor in the film. Other actors such as Helena Bonham Carter or Freddie Highmore are certainly more prominent veterans of the big screen. Yet Oscar handles himself in such a professional manner that I couldn’t find a single fault in his acting. In addition, Oscar even looks like Freddie Highmore did at his age.

Oscar Kennedy as the younger Nigel Slater in the BBC film Toast

The plot of Toast is adapted from Nigel Slater (he is an English food writer and journalist) memoir of the same name in which he recalls his childhood – his “story of a boy’s hunger”, which is to be taken both literally with regards to food (Nigel’s mother was such a disastrous cook that most of the family meals ended up being canned food or toast with butter), and also metaphorically with regards to the struggle for the recognition and acceptance from the young hero’s distant, uncaring father.

Rarely have I experienced such sensual storytelling during which I did not feel at all manipulated by the filmmakers, but moved and entertained throughout. It did not come as a surprise when I found out that Billy Elliot screenwriter Lee Hall was involved in the production (you may also recall his work in the 2001 drama Gabriel & Me which, combined with the success of Billy Elliot, gives him a certain prominence in the Coming-of-Age genre).

The film’s story is set in the 1960’s and the sets, costumes, and even the music bring that special nostalgic sentiment typically reserved for some of the best Coming-of-Age classics. A lot of attention has been paid to detail, and some scenes were even shot at the Black Country Living Museum (an institution that pays tribute to the people who once lived in the heart of industrial Britain). It’s BBC perfectionism at its best!

Scene from the BBC movie Toast

The film editing, montage, and camera work (with its numerous point-of-view shots) draw attention to the story without distracting the viewer with unnecessary gimmicks one often finds in independent, made-for-TV production. Since Toast’s story focuses on the development of a refined taste for food and interest in its preparation by a young boy, the food – a character in the film in its own right – is shot in such a skillful, glamorous manner that you better have a good meal before you start the film, or else its tempting look will further boost your involvement with the story.

The Coming-of-Age value of the story is to be found in Nigel’s journey to independence and acceptance – even for his own feelings regarding sexuality and attraction to the same sex. I have to warn you that some may find the Wolverhampton accent spoken by the actors (intended undoubtedly to boost realism) hard to follow without subtitles. At least that was the case for me. But having watched so many foreign films, the subtitles hardly presented a hurdle to my enjoyment of the film.

Not being from the UK, I am not familiar with the television appearances of Nigel Slater, the person whose story is told in the film. Yet, after watching the movie, I can’t wait to experience the book that it’s based upon and further immerse myself in his captivating story.

Did I like the film? No. I LOVED it and so will you!

Toast Trailer

Toast (2010)

In short

Set in the 1960’s, Toast is the Coming-of-Age memoir of Nigel Slater, an English food writer, journalist and broadcaster. Did I like the film? No. I LOVED it and and so will you!

5

Our Rating

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

Come Morning (2012)

Some fans of the Coming-of-Age genre (I would include myself here) love dark themed films that realistically portray the process of loss of innocence. Derrick Sims`s 2012 flick Come Morning delivers a poignant story just for them.

An ill-fated hunting trip in the woods of rural Arkansas forever changes the lives of a granddad (Michael Ray Davis) and his 10-year-old grandson (Thor Wahlestedt). The deer that they were after turns out to be their trespassing neighbor – now lying lifeless on the ground. Bullets can’t be taken back…

But a simple summary of the plot will not suffice. One has to watch the film to appreciate the deepness of its story and the unforgiving, yet beautiful manner in which it is directed and presented.

The melancholy soundtrack, combined with the harshness of the setting and the characters, result in a hopelessly gloomy mood that prevails throughout the film. Still, what happens is primarily important because it helps the viewer to peak into the mind of a young boy whose innocence is lost forever. This character emphasis and the relatively slow pace of plot development are traits that are often featured in psychological Coming-of-Age dramas.

Acting wise, a lot is asked of young Thor Wahlestedt. Yet, despite his relative lack of experience in front of the camera prior to Come Morning, the young actor manages to portray the dynamics of the changes that occur to his character in an impressive manner.

Michael Ray Davis and Thor Wahlestedt in Come Morning

Admittedly, not everyone will enjoy the hopeless atmosphere of the film and its lack of surprising plot twists. Yet most people have been in a situation in which the fine line between right and wrong is thin (or even non-existent). That alone is enough to be able to associate with the protagonist of the film and writhe alongside him as confusion and fear engulf his youthful spirit.

Recommended!

Come Morning Official Trailer

Gift (2013)

“Being rich is not about how much you have, but about how much you can give.”

Do your parents embarrass you?

Children don’t always appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents. It’s a fact – and I have to admit that, at times, I was/am also one who wished that my parents were rich and famous. But as does the protagonist of the 2013 Singaporean short film Gift (directed by Daniel Yam Kum Tim), I have learned to value other things and actions more than money.

The premise of Gift is simple: a young boy (Yoro Tan) despises his father for being poor and unsuccessful. Years later the boy, now a busy yuppie, comes to the realization of how wrong he was in judging his father.

The movie offers a touching and profound story with a message that one can’t remain indifferent to. Admittedly, I had tears in my eyes while watching the film, not tears of sadness, but because of the emotional way in which the story is told.

I found the story in Gift truly inspirational and urge you to watch it and recommend it to your peers.

You can watch the entire film below:

Tommy (2011)

“There are two things you can run and not hide from: God and a dysfunctional family”.

~R. Alan Woods [2012]

Growing up in a dysfunctional family is a circumstance no one wishes for, yet many experience. The matter is frequently addressed in Coming-of-Age movies, yet I have never seen as shocking, yet effective, an attempt at depicting it than in the Arnold de Parscau 2011 short film Tommy.

The story is told in the first person by its young protagonist, nine-year-old Tommy (Elia Blanc), who recalls the events that occurred during a family dinner. His memories, visualized in his mind and on screen, are so horrific that witnessing them is guaranteed to cause a weighty sense of distress in the viewer.

The young Mr. Blanc gives a credible performance, enabling the viewer to perceive the story through his eyes. Excellent product design and special effects further enhance the impact of his tale.

Ingeniously combining grotesque fantasy and reality, Tommy emphasizes the influence dysfunctional families have on children in a manner which, while shocking, delivers a strong message.

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Then…

… And Now