Growing Up Smith - Movie Review

Growing up Smith is a cross-cultural coming-of-age story set in the 1970s. The movie follows the travails of Smith Bhatnagar (Roni Akurati), a pre-teen Indian boy growing up in middle America. His father, Bhaaskar (Anjul Nigam), wanted to name his son a good American name to help him "fit in." He didn't realize Smith was a surname when he picked it. Bhaaskar is torn as well. He wants his family to embrace America while holding their Indian heritage sacred. This creates a source of conflict as the family navigates new cultural waters.

Smith is a natural target for bullies. Aside from looking different, he rides a girl's bike, he's awkward and he wears thick glasses. He also has a love interest, Amy Brunner (Brighton Sharbino). Brunner's father, Butch (Jason Lee) is the neighborhood cowboy. He likes Smith and runs static for him with the neighborhood bullies. The film is narrated by an adult Smith, who is recalling the two loves of his life. His childhood is seen as a flashback as he ponders his life and looks for an opportunity to bring his life full circle.

Growing up Smith is a decent film. I watched it on an airplane, so it didn't cost me anything. It was interesting enough that I didn't switch to some other free movie. The film was somewhere between a comedy and a drama, but it seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis. It was decent at both, but did not excel as either. The writing was okay. The comedy was mostly situational. Although the film dealt lightly with some serious issues that seemed a bit unbalanced. The pacing could have been better. The narrative arc was good and in the end, there were no loose ends. It ended as a "feel good" movie, which was mildly rewarding.

I didn't recognize the actor who played Butch. It is only when I researched the film that I realized he was "Earl" in My Name is Earl. I liked that show. I just couldn't place the actor. Jason Lee did an exceptional job. I also recognized Brighton Sharbino as the sadistic sister in The Walking Dead a few seasons back. She was excellent. Her chemistry with Akurati seemed genuine and unforced. It felt like a natural friendship that was essential for this film to work for me. The casting was done well.

Growing up Smith received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. The rating is based on some language elements and some mild drug use. There was no nudity, sexual themes or violence. Over all, this film was just about "Hallmark" tame. With a couple of well placed "bleeps" or voice overs, this film will probably end up on that channel at some point. It is Hallmark material. And it seems this film would play well to younger audiences as well as old. If you stick with it.

Growing up Smith is a feel-good film. It was nominated for a bunch of minor awards and won several. There is nothing exceptional about this film, but it was rewarding nonetheless. The pacing was sluggish and some of the situations felt unbalanced. The acting was superb and the story was unique. Overall, this film had an after-school-special feel to it, but I didn't regret watching it. I would recommend it. 6.5/10.