Growing Up Smith (2015) Poster

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7/10
The first crush.
Reno-Rangan24 January 2018
The film was completed back in the T15, but it only released recently. Another Hollywood's Indian connection theme. This is about an Indian family living is the United States. Everything was told from a young boy's viewpoint. Growing up in a traditional Indian house, daily facing the western society, his struggle on caught between two cultures were shown to us as a hilarious life adventure.

I have been waiting for this film, at some stage I had forgotten its existence. When I came across an old trailer I've had saved in my hard drive, immediately I started to stream the film. It does not have big stars nor the big budget. It was a simple comedy about the culture collision. So there's no reason to expect it to surprise me. I enjoyed just as the way it was.

The original title was 'Good Ol' Boy', upon release, it was renamed. Both the titles justifies on what the film had narrated. It was a 70s tale, a little Indian family in the United States is almost living the American dream had to face the cultural differences. A young boy from the family named Smith is obedient to his parents, but when love bug bites him, all are going to change forever.

When a most famous family in their neighbourhood becomes close to them, kids from both the families develops a think friendship that goes all the way from their homes to the school. But it was more than a friendship for them. As the days of months of cultural exchange between them while their parents struggling to get along, finally, what brings the twist in the tale takes us straight to the finale.

-xX] There she was, a touch of heaven a mere 30 yards from me, yet a heaven unreachable. [Xx-

The story was a flashback. The old Smith recalls his childhood memory, particularly his first crush. The cross culture narratives are really fun, especially when they highlight the outcome. Because the outcome is not same for everybody, but how they make it for their comfort. It was a typical Indian parenting. But the kids wanted to experience the real America. Just like the Oscar nominated animated short 'Sanjay's Super Team'.

I think the writing was good, that included writers from both the cultures. Yet there were some scenes, too offendable, if you are an Indian. Because Indians easily offend for everything. Since it was a comedy flick, those things do not mean anything so seriously. It was just a way to make it very funnier, but the things became sillier. That's a traditional way of making a Hollywood comedy. If you are familiar with that, you will get it. But they have pushed it hard, yet the film was not harmed with boring cliches.

From the picture colour tone to everything, takes us to the 70s, like it was made 30-40 years ago. Nice casting too. Particularly the boy. And not to forget his father as well who might have been a supporting character, but a show stealer. Jason Lee too had a decent role and so the rest of them. A feature film directional debut for the filmmaker and he was not bad at all. He should only get better from here on.

It is entertaining. A good timepass film, a good weekend film to watch with family and friends. It was a nice comedy that's gone unnoticed for several reasons which are common for such small titles. But in this digitally streaming world at your finger tip, that's should not happen. If you are reading this, then I say try it. Of course it was not a great film, but one of the best films of the year. The critics say it was a nice film and so those small chunks of people who saw it also thumb upped. Now it's your turn to join them or go against than totally ignore it!

7/10
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8/10
Feeling great movie after years
shanikayrs18 September 2019
"Movies which make you feel grate" - well that is my classification. It is indeed a great come back of the long gone feeling of enjoying a movie for me. The movie kept my on pleasing feather-light entertainment walk where you didn't find many such big bumps, crazy surprises or emotional strikes. Of course the creativity of everyone contributed must to be in exact harmony to bring such a lovely piece of work. Recommended holiday flick.
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7/10
A feel good movie
srd-3065917 August 2019
Growing up Smith can give you a freshly happy times. An Indian family of parents with an elder daughter and a younger son is in "States" to make a good life, earn well as CPA and though, doesn't say so but return to a comfortable retired life in India. It is hard work and harder still to see that American culture does not wash away the Indian values. But it is difficult for kids not to be affected by the culture they become part of every day. And there lies the little lovable tale beautifully directed by Frank Lotito. There are nuggets of humours spread around to bounce up your mood for happy viewing. Everyone plays the part perfectly well but not for an Oscar. Watching "Growing up Smith" just after I read Fatima Mirza's "A place for Us" brought me out of the gloom of Rafiq's family saga of moving to US. I am also reminded of Mira Nair's "The Namesake". Making a life in a different culture has many such stories. This one is "Cool" as they will say in the land that builds dreams; "The United States of America" Watch it, you will love it and feel had a good time
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6/10
Won Me Over
larrys313 June 2017
Set in 1979, this film centers on 10-year-old Smith who has emigrated to America with his parents and sister from India. He is trying to adjust to the American way of life amidst some bullying, racism, and an old school father who doesn't want Smith to stray from the Hindu culture and religion.

Smith also befriends and has a huge crush on Amy, the girl next door, despite the fact that his father has prearranged a marriage for him when he reaches the age of 22. I might note that Jason Lee is excellent here as Butch, who is Amy's father and tries to help Smith in various ways.

I thought some parts of this movie were cute and humorous, while other parts proved awkward and just didn't work well, so a mixed bag here. However, it ends in a most heartfelt and uplifting way, which greatly enhanced the film. There's also a wonderful musical soundtrack to enjoy consisting mainly of oldies. I might note there were no subtitles of my DVD copy, but I was able to obtain them by using the closed caption option on my remote.

All in all, this movie, directed by Frank Lotito, doesn't always work but with some solid performances, an enjoyable soundtrack, and a strong ending it won me over.
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7/10
Hindu Americana
SnoopyStyle25 March 2018
It's 1979 America. Smith Bhatnagar is a 10 year old Hindu American boy. He is introduced to the two loves of his life. His father tells him about his arranged marriage expected when he's 22. There is also Amy Brunner, the girl next door. His older sister is secretly dating a white boy. He gets bullied at school often rescued by Amy's father Butch (Jason Lee). Amy's parents, Butch and Nancy (Hilarie Burton), are the wild, fun couple of the neighborhood which hides some inner conflicts. Smith deals with the culture clash while Amy deals with a disintegrating home life.

There are some funny insightful takes on an immigrant boy in the white suburban world. The two kids are endearing although less narration would help. The narration gets used as Smith's inner voice whereas I would prefer the character to say many of those things out loud. There is a couple of incidents where it should be his inner voice. There are scenes that surprise me. I'm taken by Butch's talk with the bully which is something I've never seen before. The adult Smith section is missing a couple of scenes. It's missing him with his sick Indian wife and it's missing him with an Adult Amy. They don't have to add much but I would have liked visual images of the two women. I just have a lot of little issues with new director Frank Lotito. For example, the closing song is "I can't help myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" from The Four Tops. That's a 60's song and this movie is almost 80's. A better filmmaker would figure that out.
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9/10
Fun, heartfelt, and relatable!
eptiger-16 June 2015
I was so glad that SIFF decided to show this movie because it was a real joy to see! It reminds me of movies like ET, Super 8, and Moonrise Kingdom - a coming of age story with the twist of Indian culture. Having grown up in an Indian family in America, I can relate to a lot of quirkiness in the movie (though we weren't Hindu) - as crazy as some of the stuff may seem, it's very believable. The acting was also really impressive - Roni Akurati is a star all on his own, Anjul Nigam came up with a very realistic portrayal of an Indian father new to America trying to carefully navigate American culture, Jason Lee is amazing as always in the role of a very fatherly neighbor, and Poorna Jagannathan nails it as the loving but stern Indian mother. You don't have to be Indian to appreciate this movie, you just have to have an open mind and an open heart.
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6/10
Growing Up Smith review
JoeytheBrit25 June 2020
This tale of an Indian boy's attempts to assimilate into 1970s USA while his father remains rooted in the culture of his homeland probably has more resonance for co-writer Anjul Nigram (who also plays Smith's father) than anyone who lived through the era, as pop culture references are kept to a minimum and its undersized hero's situation isn't relatable to many people. A winning performance from young Roni Akurati helps keep it afloat and overcome the unconvincing relationship between him and the father of the girl next door, but the ending is rushed and the whole thing feels too slight to sustain a feature-length pjcture.
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10/10
Wonderful Piece of Cinema
info-71893 February 2017
Full disclosure: I am a filmmaker myself, I watch films not only as entertainment, but always tend to evaluate and study each and every element that goes into making a hopefully successful film. Watching this film wasn't only entertaining, it was a monumental achievement.

Growing up Smith is an engaging story about a boy who is an Indian immigrant growing up before our eyes, falling in love with his first crush, dealing with bullies and an ever-changing family dynamic... No this isn't the story of January 2017, it is actually set in 1979. However timely this film may be, it goes beyond the preferential force feeding you may come to expect from films that are socially or politically charged in today's climate... It hits you where it hurts most, your heart. You see, this film connected with me on numerous levels, not because I am Indian or an immigrant, I am neither. I am an American born in Virginia. It hit me hard because it tapped into the innocence we are all born with as children. That innocence that knows no skin tone, no material objects, no predisposition to one's background, only the natural, visceral feelings we have as kids.

At the center of this story is Smith, played effortlessly by newcomer Roni Akurati, a young boy who deeply yearns to be an American. He wants to eat apple pie, listen to the Bee Gees and eat KFC. He also falls in love with his first crush, the figurative and literal girl next door, a young blonde, blue eyed girl, the enchanting and lovable Amy, played by Brighton Sharbino. As the two become friends, his desire to be American grows as he befriends her father Butch Brunner, played by Jason Lee. On the surface, I don't have to tell you much about Butch Brunner you can't already surmise from his name. Glad they stopped short of naming him Biff a la Back to the Future. What is different about Butch is that despite his exterior, he too is an endearing figure that we can all relate to. He is the hard working, beer drinking, meat loving, full bearded white guy from Oklahoma who like many Americans struggles to make ends meat, raise a family and find happiness in this world. The two form a bond, a friendship that transcends their age, their race or their position in life.

There are many layers and subplots to this film which uncommonly do not detract from the main story-line. There is the overly-strict Indian father constantly battling the urge to have his family assimilate, but not lose their own identity and culture. His wife who tries to hold the family together. Butch's wife who has the impossible job of sticking by her husband and supporting his wishes and dreams like keeping his motorcycle, however balancing the looming monthly elephant in the room called mortgage, bills, life.

This was as honest, entertaining, heartwarming and evocative a film as I have seen. That isn't hyperbole, it is simply the humble feelings of a filmmaker who recognizes "okay, the bar's been set". The subtlety, the sincerity from scene to scene and character to character made this not only an enjoyable film, but one I truly respected and will hold close.

In closing, I must say that maybe equally as impressive as the film itself, is the fact that this is an Indie. This film was made for 2 million dollars which on its own is an outstanding achievement. The film being set in 1979, having star quality talent both on screen and off. I don't recall an Indie this well-crafted. Masterfully directed by Frank Lotito, beautifully shot by Thomas Scott Stanton, and what a terrific script by Paul Quinn, Gregory Scott Houghton and one of the film's stars Anjul Nigam. I could go on and on, the production design, music, all of the performances, all of these visual components contributed to make a timeless film that if you told me was a major Studio release-50 million dollar film, I wouldn't think twice. It is that complete.

Not sure if this film is considered in this past year's flock of films (It is listed 2015, but releasing 2017) but if it is, it is certainly in my top 10 of best films of the year. Hat's off to all involved, you made a tremendous film.
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2/10
Heartless not heartfelt
stevepat9914 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Read 4-5 great reviews with such as 'fun friendly' and 'hearfelt.' And for the most part the film delivered. Smith is a very young kid (age 10-12?) doing everything and more to become as American as apple pie. His next door crush, Amy, is his true first love soul mate though, from Amy's perspective they are simply 'best friends.' All actors are fine and we care about all of them. We know there will be a clash of cultures via summaries that give away the fact that Smith will eventually go back to India and return 19 years later.

With that said, the circumstances in the final act are atrocious, unfriendly and heartless. His sister Asha has lied about her secret American boy friend and at age 14-15 is found by the parents making out in a car at a local lover's lane. Smith for his part blurts out nothing more then his childish 'I love' Amy. At age 12 or so this can easily be dismissed. After all there is zero between the two other then friendship. They are too young for any serious romance and there is in fact no romance, not even holding hands so of course not so much as a kiss.

Does the family come down on daughter Asha who they note is a "whore" "no man from India will marry." Nope, Asha stays in the USA. Smith, who has never even held Amy's hand is sent to India. Smith will be damaged goods, having been abandoned by both parents at age 12 or so, never to see his loving sister or parents until his he returns to visit them 19 years later. Culture aside, I am thinking just how devastated and damaging such a cruel abandonment would be for any young child.

The Smith family reunion is bazaar, as if we was away for a few weeks at summer camp rather then abandoned by his parents for 19 years.

I am at a loss for all the positive reviews for a screenplay that causes utter emotional destruction of 12 year old Smith.
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10/10
Clever. Witty. Heartfelt.
wtdscasting1 February 2017
Just saw this film and had to say something! THESE are the kinds of films we've been missing all these years. Growing up Smith is the perfect combination of a family-kid friendly film with some teeth to it. Lighthearted with a message, funny, exuberant and most timely in today's America.

This film won't preach to you and I can't put my finger on just one thing in particular, but it left me feeling euphoric walking out. Nostalgia, memories and emotions flowed through me. It hearkens back to a time where we were all innocent. As kids emulating our parents and yearning to break out.

The performances are just as impressive. Jason Lee appears in a role I've never seen him play, and plays it to perfection: The beer drinking role model... Hilarie Burton and Poorna Jagannathan play characters who couldn't be more opposite, yet are equally as endearing. Anjul Nigam was terrific and relentless. At times I felt as though he was the film's hero and others it's villain. Lastly, the kids stole the show. Brighton Sharbino and Roni Akurati were delightful. They had tremendous rapport with one another and delivered as authentic performances as I have seen kids deliver in a film!

If you want to have fun, if you want to laugh, if you want tears in your eyes and if you want to remember the good old days, THIS is the film to see! Very impressed, Bravo!
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9/10
The most fun family-friendly ride of the year.
kylemahaney24 January 2017
Despite some incredible films made last year, Growing Up Smith remains one of the most fun films I saw a screening of. It's lighthearted, family-friendly, and just a great ride that puts a smile on your face throughout. It's smart and doesn't pander to its audience. It's been a long time since I've seen a coming of age comedy that hits all the right notes so fluently, it's heartfelt and intelligent. The music cuts fit the film really well, and the pop culture awareness for its period is spot on without feeling contrived. The child actors are particularly good, complimenting Jason Lee and Anjul Nigam well. A must see when it releases in theaters next month.
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9/10
Excellent coming of age story, though some parts may be off colour
mancinibrown18 August 2017
Growing Up Smith is a coming of age story for a 10 year old Indian boy, whose family has moved from India to middle America. His parent's dream is for them to retain their Indian values while living the American dream, hoping to make enough money to return to India as kings. The kids just want to be normal (to their surroundings) kids.

The movie opens with Smith, the 10 year old boy, being shown a picture of his future bride in India for when he's 22. Smith, meanwhile, is pining for the girl next door. The two families try and act neighbourly, with some lighthearted culture clashes happening along the way. However, Smith and Amy (the neighbor) do become close and that leads to a fatherly relationship with Butch, Amy's father.

Smith, thus grows up with different life lessons coming from both of his father figures, his father and Butch, which does result in conflict with his more traditional Indian father. There may be parts of these lessons which some may see as racist, or as the white father figure showing the proper way over the Indian father. To me, though, they seemed more the way life was in the 70s. Kids would dress up in Native American costumes for Halloween. Parents from a foreign country would, and still go, get upset for leaning too heavily towards Western culture.

The film is lighthearted, fun to watch, and while not brimming with laugh out loud moments funny in its own way. The last 10 minutes of the movie are melancholy compared to the first 90, but they do seem real to the story, and anything else would likely be a betrayal to the characters.
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9/10
Great movie!
stfaustina6 March 2018
Refreshing! I'd like to see more movies like this. Jason Lee anchored it for me. His character was a good character and he played it very well. Brighton Sharbino was a good decision on the casting director's end too. Everybody was great. I never wrote a review on IMDB but felt compelled to write one for this movie. Enjoyed it a lot.
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9/10
Endearing
reporttogreco26 September 2018
Something here for everyone. not just another throw-away coming of age movie. Jason Lee as Butch Brunner was outstanding. There was a definite bodhisattva vibe to his character that was truly compelling.
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10/10
Must Watch Movie
meenasharwanmeena26 July 2020
Wonderful Movie as Acting done by child artish very well
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10/10
Charming and relatable
ModGoviya22 October 2019
S a Sri Lankan who lived in London for a while as a child, this movie about an Indian boy living in the US was so very relatable. The bedrock of this movie was the basic KINDNESS of ALL the characters. Sure they weren't the most enlightened about different cultures, and it isn't a politically correct movie in many ways but that IS the charm of it. That's why it's so refreshing to watch. Life is portrayed exactly as it was. I absolutely loved this movie.
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10/10
Great feel good movie...
vincentenos24 May 2020
Searched everywhere for a feel good movie, tried the Richard Curtis movie Yesterday, and switch off and put this one on. What a difference, acting, storyline excellent and very funny too, everything a movie should be. Would recommend as a great family film.
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9/10
Childhood memories
alatlantic25 December 2023
A movie about growing up in the US in the late 70s/early 80s. In a lot of ways reminiscent of The Wonder Years, except in a disapproving Indian family instead of an American one.

I was excited to see Jason Lee here - he isn't in a ton of movies, and he always commanda every scene he's in. Nothing different here, he plays his role as a prominent side character masterfully as always.

There is one pretty huge surprise - other reviews mention it but I won't spoil it here. I think it'll make a lot of American viewers uncomfortable, but thinking about it rationally, you can see both sides.

Maybe it's nostalgia of my own childhood, maybe it's Jason Lee, but I really loved this one and couldn't turn away. Highly recommended - I'm surprised it wasn't a much more popular movie.
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