kaptainsnot

For Caroline (2002)

Alan, an orphan living with his grandmother, is faced with the fear that he may never fit in.

Johnny Cenicola is amazing as the boy Alan, from his jittery excitement to the slack hopelessness he displays at seeing his parents through the only means possible -- a video cassette. This is the first I see of him, but now I am sure it won't be the last time. He is interesting and beautiful, especially in the capable hands of cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco, who really made this into quite a gem. As the previous comment here mentioned, the film stumbles a few times, as is often the case when portraying young points of view, but ultimately is redeemed by the very idea that gives this film life -- that Alan could merit such scrutiny, and learn to spread his wings beneath its merciless light.