Little Wing movie review

IN A NUTSHELL:

At the beginning of the movie, we read on the screen words that inform us that Americans move, on average, every five years; pigeons almost never move. Racing pigeons have a fixed, profound and nearly incontrovertible sense of home.

And thus begins the symbolism of a 13-year-old girl who is dragged into the world of pigeon racing as she deals with her parents’ divorce and the impending loss of her home.

The film was directed by Dean Israelite. Writing credits go to John Gatins and Susan Orlean.

THINGS I LIKED:

• Brooklynn Prince does a fantastic job portraying a moody, frustrated teen trying to navigate her parents’ divorce, losing her childhood home, and finding her place in the crazy world.
• Brian Cox adds the perfect element of a crusty, old mentor.
• I’ve always liked Kelly Reilly
• Che Tafari gives us an adorable best friend for the protagonist. We won’t talk about the fact that he screams like a girl. Ha ha
• I remember the day I found out my parents were getting divorced. I was only 10 years old, so it felt like my whole world was falling apart. It was devastating and confusing and hard.
• The movie takes place in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been there a couple of times and saw signs around town, bragging that the city is the “Weirdest City in the World.” They have a rival though. Austen, Texas has the slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” Ha ha I’m going there in April, so I’ll keep you posted on who I think the winner is.
• Slow-motion walking always makes me laugh out loud when characters are trying to be extra cool and tough.
• The title is really great and refers to a kid who is learning, as well as to pigeons.
• The last few minutes brought tears to my eyes.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Who gives pigeons as a gift to a 13-year-old girl to help her get over her parents’ divorce? Strange gift, right?
• There’s a plot point I didn’t understand. If a pigeon will only return to its home that it loves, what good would it do to steal or buy someone else’s pigeon to try to win a race? Wouldn’t that pigeon just return to its original homeowner?
• There’s a scene that’s kind of a heist and all of the characters make a lot of noise yelling at each other in the street for everyone to hear. Not smart, right?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Teens going through their parents’ divorce will definitely be able to relate to this story.
• Talk of making out and kissing with tongue
• No profanity except words like “woopty friggin doo” and “pissed”.
• Talk of suicide as a “permanent solution to a temporary problem”
• Talk of the Vietnam War
• Teens do some dangerous things.
• Kissing

To see my full review, go to my Movie Review Mom YouTube channel!