Snowmen

Snowmen is a 2010 independent drama-comedy movie that tells a poignant story of courage, friendship, and the vitality of life. Directed by Robert Kirbyson and starring talented young actors Bobby Coleman, Bobb'e J. Thompson, and Christian Martyn, the film offers a deep exploration of childhood experiences, life, and the innate urge to leave an outstanding legacy.

The narrative centers on Billy Kirkfield (Bobby Coleman), a vivacious 10-year-old who finds out he may not have much time left due to a serious illness. Billy lives in a quiet suburban area that's often blanketed by snow. Rather than being downcast by this sobering realization, he decides to seize each moment and create a meaningful impact in his small world. For him, it's not just about mortality; it's about leaving a legacy - a mark of his existence that extends beyond his time.

Billy’s best friends, Howard Garvey (Bobby J. Thompson) and Lucas Lamb (Christian Martyn), become his willing allies in this venture. Howard, an African-American boy adopted by a Caucasian family, is a tough kid with a big heart, while Lucas is the new kid in the neighborhood, adjusting to his surroundings and seeking acceptance from his peers. Together, they form an enthralling trio of friends, each bringing a different dynamic to their friendship and their newfound mission.

A significant part of Snowmen's plot revolves around the boys' efforts to make their mark in the local history by setting an impressive world record. No easy feat, but the boys are determined. Their idea? Building more snowmen in one day than anyone ever has. Despite the immense challenge, they are driven by the earnest wish to be remembered and are ready to stand up to anyone or anything that seeks to thwart their mission.

Director Robert Kirbyson skillfully uses the imagery of the snow and the snowmen to create an allegory for life and mortality. The snowmen, built to last by the energetic children, are destined to melt away with the change of weather, just like humans, whose existence is temporary and fragile. In subtle scenes, the movie encourages viewers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of existence and how we make our time count.

Apart from its profound exploration of life and the concepts of legacy, the film also delves into various issues faced by children. Billy, Howard, and Lucas, have to navigate various issues like bullying, the quest for acceptance, racial disparity, and family expectations. Each character has an arc that evolves throughout the film, which aids in creating an engaging narrative that resonates with both young and adult audiences.

Snowmen provides the viewers with an entertaining narrative imbued with humor and emotional depth to balance its profound themes. The young lead actors – Coleman, Thompson, and Martyn – each give a commendable performance, making the characters relatable and their plights meaningful. They capture the essence of childhood—the innocence, the naivety, the adventurous spirit, and yes, the unadulterated bravery.

Many scenes deserve special mention for their blend of comedy and deep emotional resonance, such as one where the boys venture into a 'no trespassing' zone, their trials and tribulations in building the snowmen, and their encounters with the local bully, all serving to highlight the boys' enduring spirit and unyielding resolve.

Apart from the central storyline, the movie is dotted with various subplots related to the boy's families and everyday lives that adds depth to the narrative. These subplots serve to provide context to the characters' actions, giving viewers a deeper insight into their behavior.

To sum it up, Snowmen is more than just a fun-filled family movie. It's a film with a soul, inviting you to reflect and, quite simply, to smile at the audaciousness of childhood. With its earnest performances, well-crafted narrative, and beautiful cinematography which aptly captures the white snowy vistas of suburban America, it truly makes for a delightful watch.