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Little Men

Little Men (2016)

August. 05,2016
|
6.7
|
PG
| Drama

Jake is a quiet, sensitive middle schooler with dreams of being an artist. He meets the affably brash Tony at his grandfather's funeral, and the unlikely pair soon hit it off. The budding friendship is put at risk, however, when a rent dispute between Jake's father, Brian, and Tony's mother, Leonor, threatens to become contentious.

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Reviews

ReaderKenka
2016/08/05

Let's be realistic.

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StyleSk8r
2016/08/06

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

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BelSports
2016/08/07

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

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Mathilde the Guild
2016/08/08

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

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RockyCZ1
2016/08/09

This is a very moving, quiet little story about the friendship between two sensitive, artistic boys. It's a realistic but somehow very sweet portrayal of life in Brooklyn, and how the problems of adults can affect their children. The entire cast is first-rate and the performances of the two boys were outstanding - Michael Barbieri is one to watch out for in the future and Theo Taplitz was also excellent.

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Ironically Unimpressed
2016/08/10

Had this movie been more about the boys and less about the hard-to-like adults, it could have been something pure, fresh, exciting. Unfortunately, it turns out to be nothing but a constant skidding into the margins of a plot that never gets past the original idea.Was this filmed with the sole purpose of indulging the viewer with a superbly shot, colorful urban reality? It gains ground there. Maybe we were supposed to pour out our emotional responses on account of Greg Kinnear's, admittedly very talented, ever-downcast writhing eyebrows? Because that would be another minor win for Little Men.Alas, I don't think either of those points carry any sort of validity so, all in all, it all wraps up into a sad 'no'.

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namashi_1
2016/08/11

Ira Sachs knows how to tell stories about humans, a bit too deeply. He stirs up the scenario with joy & sadness, but offers something pure. 'Little Men', THE Finest English Film I've seen this year so far, is a tale on family, friendship & loss. Sachs, in a crisp 84-minutes, successfully delivers a story that touches the core of heart, without ever getting melodramatic. Need I say more?'Little Men' Synopsis: A new pair of best friends have their bond tested by their parents' battle over a dress shop lease.'Little Men' is engrossing, from start to finish. You're invested in the lives of these people, you're with them in their happy times & you sulk when they are beaten by circumstances. Sachs & Mauricio Zacharias's Screenplay is excellent. The Writing is self-aware & its approach to narrate its characters, never falters. Sachs' Direction is simplistic, yet effective. I hope there is Oscar chase for this man. 'Little Men' isn't an easy film to make, but Sachs has handled it like a true pro. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, merit a special mention.Performance-Wise: Greg Kinnear is marvelously restrained, delivering an absolute master-class in acting. Jennifer Ehle is top-notch. Paulina Garcia is flawless. Theo Taplitz & Michael Barbieri are remarkable. The kids match up-to the seniors at all times & that's no small achievement! Talia Balsam leaves a mark. Alfred Molina is exceptional in a cameo.On the whole, 'Little Men' is unmissable! Two Big Thumbs Up!

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Amari-Sali
2016/08/12

Review (with Spoilers)I don't necessarily know what I was expecting. Two boys nearly being torn apart by their parents. In this world we live in, it is hard to know whether that is a setup for a relationship of a platonic or romantic nature. This is especially true after movies like Moonlight and Departure which lead one quiet kid finding an extrovert and falling for him. But whether or not the same can be said for Tony and Jake, well, look below.Characters & StoryJacob (Theo Taplitz)After his grandfather dies, Jake finds himself moving into his old house. Beneath them is a shop Leanor (Paulina Garcia) works in. For a long time, she was Jacob's grandpa's main friend and confidant. So when Jacob's father Brian (Greg Kinnear) speaks on raising her rent and more, there is a sense of betrayal and audacity.Tony (Michael Barbieri)But what especially makes things difficult is Jacob has become close with Leanor's son Tony. Perhaps one of the few boys to every really take to Jake, and perhaps one of the few people to pursue his friendship. The two boys dream of attending LaGuadia High school, famous for its music and arts programs. Tony wishes to be an actor and Jake an artist. But will either one's dream come true? Much less, with how much their parents are pushing them apart, and Brian is threatening Leanor's livelihood, will they even get to stay together through high school?HighlightsThe Beauty of FriendshipWhile there is this weird vibe coming from Jake, it is hard to know whether he just appreciates Tony's friendship or there is the ever slightest bit of feelings there. But, even with that said, at the film's heart is was just about whether this friendship could survive the drama of the parents. So once you consider how lonely Jake's life seems, and how Tony not only pursues Jake's friendship but defends him against people calling him names, much less seems to be OK with Jake maybe being curious, bi, gay or whatever, the film becomes so beautiful to watch. To the point, you hope that the film follows these two throughout their lifetimes.CriticismParental DramaSo, Leanor was friends with Brian's dad and she thinks this is good enough reason for her $1100 per month rent to not be raised to $3300? That is pretty much her repeated argument. "Your father" wouldn't want this. Not how she maybe a single mother, not that this shop was her dream and Brian is ending it, or any real reason to take her side. Then, on Brian's half, again it is simply about money. It isn't about him wanting to really, perhaps finally, be able to consistently contribute to his household after his wife footing the bill. It isn't about his sister perhaps having money issues, or anything which may push you toward his side. No, it all boils down to Leanor thinking her playing some sort of nurse or friend to Brian's dad has entitled her to low monthly rent and Brian's counter is he and his sis need money.On The FenceBarbieri's ActingThe problem could be Taplitz had more experience or that Barbieri was trying to hone his charm. Either way, there were the occasional cringe worthy moments. Mostly when it came to possibly hinting Jake may have been queer and discovering this through the closeness of his relationship with Tony.Overall: Mixed (Home Viewing)The issue here is that the drama which is supposed to test the boy's friendship isn't that developed. Leonor skirts around what she and Brian's dad may or may not have had and the pettiness is focused on more than how both parties need that money. Leonar needs it for the story Tony may have been told about his dad may very well be a lie. As for Brian, it is to contribute to the household, perhaps redeem himself in some way, much less his sister could have had some sort of issue too. But, instead, things are kept rather surface level and the most interesting thing about this film is whether or not Jake is queer and we are seeing the early stages of him discovering so.

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