Review of The Black Balloon (2008) by Eric F — 15 Feb 2009

"The Black Balloon" is one of those movies that offers absolutely no surprises, especially if you've seen films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". The charming "Little Miss Sunshine"-esque ending can be seen a mile away, and there's never any question where the story is headed to. That being said, however, it's such a well-spirited and cute little movie that it's impossible to protest. With great intentions and performances, "The Black Balloon" is an endlessly endearing dysfunctional family saga that makes for a more than satisfying two hours.

Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) is a shy 15-year-old new to his community. His father is with the army, and this is already his second high school. There are many scenes of Thomas taking lifesaving classes that go less than well because he can barely stay afloat. To further pressure Thomas, his brother, Charlie (Luke Ford), has severe autism and ADHD. Charlie lives in his own world and can dramatically change moods within the snap of your fingers. At a grocery store, Thomas and Charlie's father, Simon (Erik Thomson), has to put items back to afford the items. Charlie is outraged and has a tantrum, sitting on the floor and screaming. Thomas is growing to hate Charlie.

One day, Charlie runs out of the house in his underwear and stumbles into the house of Jackie (Gemma Ward), an attractive girl from Thomas' lifesaving course. Thomas chases Charlie into the bathroom where Jackie is taking a shower, and thus Thomas and Jackie meet and puppy love ensues. At first, Thomas is ashamed of Charlie - but when Jackie discovers Thomas' brother, she begins to care for him as an older sister.

Meanwhile, the mother, Maggie (Toni Collette), is pregnant and due any day now. She goes to the hospital to relax as her stress is no good for the baby, but the household is out-of-control without Maggie to help care for Charlie.

Luke Ford, who also starred in "The Mummy III: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (needless to say, this is a better film) is exceptional in his role and it exceeds mockery. Charlie has another mentally-disabled friend played by a much less talented actor, and the difference between great performance and exploitation is incredibly apparent.

While "The Black Balloon" is very sweet and tender, it's also unsentimental. Rather than saying "we love Charlie just the way he is", the family admits to wishing he was normal. The burden on Thomas is remarkable and he hates him for it. It's not an aggravated view at the complications of having an autistic brother, however, rather it's sort of a look at how much you'll go through and bare just for family. First time director Elissa Downs grew up with two autistic brothers, so it's safe to say that she is doing everything but exploitation.

"The Black Balloon" is predictable and sugar-sweet, but it's also very smart and truthful. It's an endlessly charming and moving film, and you'll be sad to see it end. I liked this a lot.