Johnny Cenicola is amazing as the boy Alan, from his jittery excitement to the slack hopelessness he displays at seeing his parents through the only means possible -- a video cassette. This is the first I see of him, but now I am sure it won't be the last time. He is interesting and beautiful, especially in the capable hands of cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco, who really made this into quite a gem. As the previous comment here mentioned, the film stumbles a few times, as is often the case when portraying young points of view, but ultimately is redeemed by the very idea that gives this film life -- that Alan could merit such scrutiny, and learn to spread his wings beneath its merciless light.