‘Unbreakable Boy’ Puts an Imperfect Family First

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Parenthood isn’t for the faint of heart.

Sleepless nights. Sudden illnesses. Bills atop bills. The Terrible Twos (and threes).

In the story “The Unbreakable Boy,” the central family encounters two extra challenges in their daily lives. Their cherished child has autism and a condition known as brittle bone disease, which makes his bones fragile.

The truth-rooted voyage provides a thought-provoking perspective on parenthood. While “Oz Man” is undeniably central to the movie, Zachary Levi’s character presents an uplifting portrayal of a courageous, yet imperfect parent.

The romantic journey between Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fay from “The White Lotus”) experiences an unforeseen twist. They discover that Teresa is expecting a child, leading them to make the decision to share a home and raise their baby together.

Austin (Jacob Laval, fantastic), is a charming young man who grapples with two health challenges. It took some time for his new partners to understand that he has autism. Additionally, he inherits a genetic condition from his mother which makes his bones susceptible to fractures.

It happens so often that Austin’s narration ticks them off like minor achievements.

Leaving any parent dizzy, even Scott, is no small feat. Yet, he finds solace in two remarkably contrasting manners. He has an imaginary friend from his past named Joe (portrayed by Drew Powell), a narrative trick that seems unlikely to succeed but frequently does, and quite effectively at that.

And Scott drinks when the stress becomes insurmountable.

In a more simplified manner, “The main issue with ‘Unbreakable Boy’ lies in its portrayal of Scott’s alcoholism. This part feels overly neat and inconsistent, failing to create the necessary dramatic impact. Moreover, the film’s PG rating means some harsh realities are left unseen, a decision made considering the movie’s positive, uplifting theme.

Audiences of all ages will savor Austin’s joie de vivre.

While Levi is typically recognized for his larger-than-life, sweet characters such as in “Shazam!”, he gives a subtle performance as a troubled parent. His struggle is largely hidden within, making his acting choices insightful and effective.

In a skillful manner, Director Jon Gunn (“Ordinary Angels”) deftly manages the changes in tone. It’s perfectly fine to enjoy Austin’s imaginative moments, all the while understanding the concern that he might have to return to the hospital due to his parents’ fears.

Or worse.

As a devoted fan, I firmly believe that Patricia Heaton should be given more on-screen moments as Scott’s mother. She portrays a character who is both nurturing and intimidating, a unique blend that has the potential to delve deeper into her complex psyche. Her screen presence significantly impacts Scott’s character, and it would be fascinating to see their relationship unfold with more depth and nuance.

Peter Facinelli, who played in “Twilight”, shares similar sentiments, finding his character Preacher Rick lacking in depth. He serves as a soothing presence in Scott’s life. The cinematic aspects related to faith, which are sprinkled throughout the film, suggest that faith may prove crucial in Scott’s possible redemption.

Different plotlines often bring about surprising outcomes, such as the antagonist focusing on Austin’s younger brother (Gavin Warren) instead.

Absolutely! “The Unbreakable Boy” may follow familiar patterns, but it does so in a reliable and sincere manner. The young actor, Laval, plays a crucial role in keeping the film engaging. If his portrayal had been overly saccharine, this “Boy” might have kept us at bay.

That’s hardly the case in this sweet and soulful drama.

Title Analysis: “A Hit or a Miss” – The film titled “The Unbreakable Boy” may have some imperfections, however, the delight in witnessing a resilient youngster uplift his peers and loved ones far outweighs these shortcomings.

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2025-02-21 18:03