Just Like the Son

The police are pursuing Daniel Carter and Grant Bills for a misdemeanour. In court, the judge sentences Daniel to community service at an elementary school. In-between mopping the floors, painting over graffiti and peeling chewing gum from desks, he reads to kids. Six-year-old Boone befriends Daniel. They go for a walk in the park, eat ice cream, play basketball and drink coke. Boone tells Daniel about his terminally ill mum. If she goes back to hospital, he has to stay at Red House, the place 'kids go without parents'. Boone tells Daniel about his sister who lives in Dallas.

The next day Boone doesn't turn up for school. Mrs. Ponders, the principal, is not at liberty to discuss the situation with Daniel. He asks his dad for advice. He won't do anything so Daniel steels his car, drives to the orphanage and rescues Boone. They take a road trip to reunite Boone with his sister. If the police find them, Boone will go back to Red House and Daniel, the Big House. Even though Daniel is breaking the law by 'kidnapping' a kid, he feels he's doing the right thing.


Just Like the Son (2006) is an independent road movie directed by Morgan J Freeman (Hurricane Streets [1997]). It stars Mark Webber (Daniel), Antonio Ortiz (Boone), Rosie Perez (Mrs. Ponders) and the acting genius that is Brendan Sexton III (Grant Bills). It poses an important question: is it right to break the law in order to protect the happiness of a child? This is heavy stuff but Freeman deals with the issue in a playful manner. He doesn't preach his concerns in a pretentious way. He focuses on the theme of injustice and moulds it into a road movie about self-discovery and friendship. At the beginning, Daniel is a petty criminal who doesn't take responsibility for his own actions. As the film progresses and he takes Boone on the road, he quickly learns about looking after himself and caring for a youngster who has fallen through the system. Just Like the Son focuses on the most important ingredient of the road movie: the journey. The trip is not about reaching the destination; it's about the experiences that occur along the way. It is endearing and heart-warming.


Special Features: The standard treatment: making of, cast interviews, trailer and a director's statement.

Verdict: Just Like the Son is an exceptional piece of independent cinema. It's a well-rounded, realistic depiction of friendship, the joys of being on the road and a heartfelt example of courageous behaviour in the face of adversity. Freeman fills the film with tender 'Shane Meadows' moments.