We saw this at the Sundance film festival at a showing in Ogden, which is an hour away from the main location of the festival (Park City). I have attended several screenings in this location as it is closest to my home, and in general, filmmakers do not attend screenings at this location as it is too much trouble. However, Melissa Painter, the director/writer of this film was a notable exception. We were absolutely thrilled that she came to the screening and did not mind at all (contrary to one woman in the front row who stood up to complain!...LOL...) waiting a few minutes for her! But I digress. The film told the compelling story of Jake, a homeless young man who is a kleptomaniac. Jake has never had the benefit of a loving family, and the film studies the effect this has had on his life. From the very beginning of the movie, I was drawn into the story of this young man and how he ends up living with a caring family, and his attempts to stay disconnected from them, while all the time being drawn to them. All of the characters are richly developed, and the beautiful location (Montana) adds to the film's visual appeal. The adventure always seems real, not using cliché to study Jake's life. All of the actors in this film did a fine job, especially the lead, Danny Alexander, who at 16 shows a lot of potential. Also wonderful were Hunter Parrish, as the boy Jake befriends early on in the film, and Cara Seymour and John Terry, who played the parents. The rest of the supporting cast was also wonderful. I recommend it!
