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Recalling the great road films of the 1970s while exhibiting a definitely new-century attitude, the warmhearted, poignant and totally engaging Just Like the Son, from writer-director Morgan J. Freeman (Hurricane Streets, TV`s "Dawson's Creek"), gives voice to a thrilling new talent on the independent movie scene.
Told with equal parts eloquence and passion, the story follows 20-year-old Daniel Carter (Mark Webber, Shrink and the upcoming Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), a petty thief performing community service at a Greenwich Village elementary school. There, he befriends eight-year-old Boone (the adorable Antonio `A.J.` Ortiz). When Boone`s mother is taken ill and the youth is sent away to a foster school, Daniel "rescues" him and together they set out on a road trip - funded partly by shoplifting and burglary - in which friendship, redemption and adventure are all within one's grasp.
Co-starring the dynamic Rosie Perez (Fearless, Pineapple Express) as the school principal, Just Like the Son`s story of two outcasts searching for identity resonates with heart, warmth, humor and hope as its touching tale of fraternity and sacrifice unfolds in poetic and unsentimental fashion. If you liked Wendy or Half Nelson, you will love this wondrous gem.
Rosie Perez