ALABAMA MOON

Directed by Tim McCanlies
USA, 2009, 96 min.
Recommended for ages 8 and up

Based on the acclaimed novel by Wyatt Key, this smart and heart-warming film tells the story of an isolated boy who learns the value of friendship and trusting others.

Content Advisory: Coarse Language

Eleven-year-old Moon grew up in the woods of Alabama with his antigovernment, survivalist father, who taught him to rely only on himself. When his father passes away following an accident, Moon decides to head to Alaska, where his dad told him people are still able to live in freedom on the land. He doesn’t get far before he is picked up by the mean-spirited Constable Sanders and sent to a boys’ reform school. There he strikes up a friendship with both gentle Kit and bullying Hal. Led by Moon, the unlikely trio escape from the school and head to the woods, where Moon teaches them how to survive and outwit Constable Sanders, who is on their trail. But as obstacles threaten to separate Moon from his new friends, he begins to question if living outside of society is what he really wants. Filled with wonderful performances, including up-and-comer Jimmy Bennett as Moon and veterans Clint Howard as Constable Sanders and John Goodman as a kindly lawyer, Alabama Moon combines adventure, entertaining moments of comic relief, and gripping drama. Directed by Tim McCanlies with an emphasis on story and character, Alabama Moon is a highly enjoyable and warmly memorable family film. Official Selection – 2009 SideWalk Moving Pictures Festival Official Selection – 2009 Austin Film Festival Content Advisory: Coarse Language