DVD/VIDEO: Little Manhattan

LITTLE MANHATTAN (2005)

My Rating: **** (out of *****)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Charlie Ray, Bradley Whitford, Cynthia Nixon
Director: Mark Levin

My Review:
Do you remember your first crush? You know, when the opposite sex seemed to suddenly transform from those “weird” others with “cooties” into attractive and intriguing people that you would give anything to be close to? Little Manhattan - a tiny 2005 release that barely made it into theaters - invites you to travel back in time to that place of confusion, uncertainty, joy, pain, and raw wonder. The journey, it turns out, is well worth taking.

Ten-year-old Gabe (a winsome Josh Hutcherson) lives in New York City with his parents (Whitford and Nixon), who appear to be in the early stages of a divorce. Gabe – who narrates the film from a witty and mostly successful screenplay by Jennifer Flackett – reports being happy and contented without romance in his life, until one day, Rosemary Telesco (charming newcomer Charlie Ray) walks into his afternoon karate class and changes things forever.

Gabe falls head-over-heels for Rosemary, who doesn’t seem to mind or to fully comprehend Gabe’s new state of being. They become sparring partners in karate (guess who always loses?), cavort around the city on Gabe’s scooter to a bouncy pop soundtrack, and go out on a “real” date with Rosemary’s parents, where Gabe finally musters up the courage to hold Rosemary’s hand.

This all occurs within a couple of short weeks, and then, casually, Rosemary drops the bomb. She’s leaving shortly for summer camp (for six weeks – an eternity to Gabe), and upon returning, will be going to private school (Gabe, of course, attends public). Crushed, Gabe faces a crucial event that will affect his worldview forever: With his parents’ failing marriage as an unhappy but solid foundation, will he conclude that “love always has to end?” You’ll be surprised by the film’s answer to this crucial and relevant question.

Little Manhattan is marvelously knowing. Director Mark Levin’s ode to first love accurately portrays the wild thoughts and emotions that this singular occurrence brings to a young person’s heart and mind without condescending to him or her (with the exception of one sequence in which Gabe’s tears are played over-the-top for humor). As such, the film is very accessible to the age group it portrays. Little Manhattan’s clever dialogue - and the fact that it plays out in classic romantic comedy format – helps to endear adult viewers as well.

This film is incredibly entertaining and heartwarming. Inventive cinematography and visual effects couple with a fetching collection of love songs to create a tender, magical experience that can be enjoyed again and again.

PG, for some mild thematic elements, fanciful action sequences, and brief language