My mom is the coolest. Back when we were still at home she used to come home every once in a while with some video she picked off the shelf at the grocery store’s miniature rental area and claim that we would enjoy it. Usually she was right.
When she brought home Radio Flyer she probably had no idea just how right she was for my young 13-14-year-old mind.
Originally released in 1992, Radio Flyer is one of my all-time favorite movies. I bought it a few months ago after re-realizing that I didn’t own it and that it hadn’t been available on DVD all of the previous times I have checked in the past few years!
Tonight to close out our Christmas day, Jess and I sat and watched the movie in its entirety. Jess had never seen it and I hadn’t seen it since I was a teenager.
It blew us both away. Yes I cried. Yes she did too.
As soon as it was over I called my folks to thank Mom for being “that Mom” that brought home b-flicks from the shelf at the grocery store!
The movie revolves around two brothers, one who is being physically abused by their step-dad and both wiser than their years! Together they hatch the “big plan” that allows for the younger brother to escape the abuse while allowing the older brother to stay to protect their mother.
What takes place is nothing short of amazingly fantastic and it involves the rebuilding of the younger brother’s Radio Flyer wagon.
If you haven’t seen this movie and you live close-enough to us, please ask to borrow it. It may very well change your life. (or entertain your heartstrings for a couple of hours)
The best “nugget” from the movie is a list of seven lost “secret fascinations and abilities” that boys lose somewhere in-between 12 and 13-years of age.
They are:
01. animals can talk;
02. your favorite blanket is woven from a fabric so mighty, that once pulled over your head, it becomes an impenetrable force field,
03. nothing is too heavy to lift with the aid of a cape;
04. your hand, held forefinger out and thumb up, actually fires bullets;
05. jumping from any height with an umbrella is completely safe;
06. monsters exist and can be both seen an done battle with;
07. and the greatest, most special and regrettable loss of all: the ability to fly.
Those are worth remembering.
