In Manhattan, the 10 ¾ years old Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) finds his first love when he meets his former kindergarten mate, the eleven years old Rosemary (Charlie Ray), in his karate classes. Confused with his new feelings and with the divorce process of his beloved parents, Leslie (Cynthia Nixon) and Adam (Bradley Whitford), he experiences the delightful unknown sensation of being in love for the first time.
Directed by
Mark Levin
Written by
Jennifer Flackett
Starring
Josh Hutcherson (Gabe); Charlie Ray (Rosemary); Bradley Whitford (Adam); Cynthia Nixon (Leslie); Willie Garson (Ralph); Tonye Patano (Birdie); J. Kyle Manzay (Master Coles); Josh Pais (Ronny); John Dossett (Mickey Telesco); Talia Balsam (Jackie Telesco); Jonah Meyerson (Sam); Michael Bush (Max (as Michael Anthony Bush)); Brian W. Aguiar (Jacob); Nick Cubbler (Daryl Kitzens); Anthony Laflamme (Tim Staples). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Points in the Right Direction
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Overall I think Little Manhattan tips the scales in the right direction. I was hesitant about watching the film in the first place because anything along the lines of a romantic-comedy for 11-year olds sent alarm bells ringing in me - I think kids should be kids, and even when they grow up I would still want to direct them away from most romantic-comedies. *Plot revelations ahead* But overall I think the film finished on a positive note; making it clear that Rosemary was Gabe's first love, but that there would be other girls along (hopefully dismissing any tendency for either getting angry or reminiscing on something that wasn't meant to be). And also the film pointed firmly in the direction that Gabe's parents getting back together again was a good thing - with an acknowledgement that his Dad being honest with his Mum and talking to her was the breakthrough that had been missing. One or two cautious notes should be sounded though; the separation his parents went through was handled quite casually, with apparently little, if any, negative emotional effect on Gabe - unrealistic I think. I also take issue with the whole Karate thing; this isn't something I think kids should turn to protect themselves. When all's said and done, children of this age do start to develop feelings for others of the opposite sex though, and this film may help in pointing them in the right direction.
