336. C'mon C'mon; movie review

 

C'MON C'MON

Cert 15

109 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

Ah, children. We love them with all our hearts but bringing them up is certainly no picnic.

Few films have reflected both the joy and frustrations as well as Mike Mills' C'mon C'mon - a triumph for both Joaquin Phoenix and the remarkable Woody Norman.

Phoenix plays Johnny, a childless uncle who agrees to look after his nephew (Norman) while his sister (Gaby Hoffman) tries to help the boy's dad (Scoot McNairy) resolve serious mental health issues.

He has considerable empathy with children because he is involved in a radio project interviewing boys and girls across America about how they see the current world and the future.

Thus, he willingly steps into the breach when needed but doesn't fully realise the complexities of parenting.

Because how difficult can it possibly be to entertain and educate an 11-year-old as well as be their emotional support?

As Johnny discovers, it is the most physically and mentally demanding task he could ever face.

While young Jesse is probably more needy than most because of his difficult home life, many of the scenarios played out in C'mon C'mon will be familiar to all parents.

Just one example is the daily ritual of getting the child to bed and then keeping them in the same one throughout the night.

C'mon C'mon is a quiet movie but it will prompt many a nodding head from mothers and fathers who will recognise how simultaneously strong and delicate the bond between adult and child can be.

Some may think it is a shallow attempt to show how children can widen horizons but the truth is they do and Johnny already knows that from the fascinating interviews he carries out.

But it also demonstrates the reality that some situations simply cannot be resolved.

It is therefore, ironic that it should be filmed in black and white when life is cast in shades of grey.

Anyway, Mills' film certainly struck a chord with Mrs W and me. We found it thoughtful and powerful.

Reasons to watch: Wonderful performances

Reasons to avoid: Short on action

Laughs: Two

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Joaquin Phoenix received the first critical acclaim in his acting career for the 1989 film Parenthood in which he appeared as the withdrawn teenage nephew of Steve Martin’s character. 

The final word. Having a kid, being around a kid all the time, and being in love like you’ve never been before, but also the amazing challenges and the stakes of raising a person or them needing you so much, and then needing them yourself. That’s the most consistently meaningful thing that’s ever happened to me. AnOther

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