Review of The Boy Who Could Fly (1986) by Jon T — 03 Jul 2012

Great family films are the kind that offer something for viewers of all ages, not just children. THE BOY WHO COULD FLY is one such movie. Children will obviously cheer little Fred Savage on as he struggles to make his way around the block and outsmart neighborhood bullies (as well as a ferocious Doberman).

Teenage girls will swoon at the puppy love story between Lucy Deakins and Jay Underwood (there's a romantic dreamy nighttime scene midway through the film). Anyone older will be very touched by the very realistic relationships depicted in the film, particularly the one in which lonely Deakins befriends the autistic, mostly mute Underwood who sometimes is seen standing with his arms spread like an airplane.

But of course, the title of the movie clearly gives away the notion that Underwood's character actually CAN fly. (Kids, however, should note that they should NOT attempt to step off a window sill or roof expecting to do the same in real life.

) Despite the occasional shades of PETER PAN, however, the fantasy element is mostly kept to a minimum; this works in favor of the story's credibility as a family drama. A sweet-natured, touching little treasure, THE BOY WHO COULD FLY is the stuff that true family films are made of.