The Adventure Club

The Adventure Club is a 2017 family-friendly adventure film that comes as a charming exploration of the boundless worlds of childhood imagination, friendship, mystery-solving, and innate curiosity. Directed by Geoff Anderson and featuring a talented young cast- Sam Ashe Arnold, Jakob Davies, and Dalila Bela, this hair-raising movie exemplifies how an unassuming find in an old attic can lead to remarkable, thrill-filled escapades.

Sam Ashe Arnold stars as Ricky, the de facto leader of The Adventure Club. He lives with his grandmother and spends most of his time in the expansive, memorabilia-filled attic belonging to his late grandfather. His grandfather was a reputed explorer and the attic serves as a veritable treasure trove of antique artefacts and relics from his expeditions, weaving tales of his amazing travels. One day, while rummaging through the attic, Ricky stumbles upon a mysterious artefact that sets the wheels of the narrative in motion.

Joining Ricky on his journey is Jakob Davies as Bill and Dalila Bela as Sandy. Bill, Ricky's best friend, is a bit shy and always worried, but nonetheless always along for the ride, showcasing his loyalty and the depth of his bond with Ricky. Sandy, on the other hand, is fearless, intelligent, and skeptical, the one who keeps Ricky and Bill grounded.

The trio, racked by curiosity and fuelled by the thrill of a secret quest, forms “The Adventure Club", and with unwavering enthusiasm, they set out. The film adeptly depicts the challenges they face, the riddles they must solve, and the startling discoveries they make. They encounter a colourful array of characters through their expedition—some helpful, others scheming, all adding an extra layer of intrigue, suspense, or hilarity to the storyline.

Even as the kids embark on their enthralling treasure hunting escapade, the film touches upon the importance of human relationships and the magic of child-like wonder. It succeeds in layering the fantasy and adventure components with emotional subplots and moments of personal growth.

Arnold, Davies, and Bela’s performances are commendable, bringing their characters’ unique personalities to life with both hilarity and sincerity. The dynamics between the three friends forms the emotional core of the film, with moments of humour, tension, disagreement, fear, courage and determination heaped together, reminding audiences of the complexities of childhood friendships.

The intricate plot of the film promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the film’s portrayal of how children view the world around them adds depth to its storytelling. There are themes of bravery, resilience, friendship, leadership and coming-of-age defined beautifully throughout the movie.

Steadfastly paced with likable characters, the film treats its young protagonists with dignity and respect, celebrating their quick thinking and resourcefulness. It drives home the narrative that children can be heroic in their ways and are capable of achieving significant things. The narrative also provides a big-hearted message about honouring the past, cherishing familial legacies and valuing friendship above treasured possessions.

Visually, the film is a treat to watch. The cinematography gracefully captures the nostalgic, magical quality of the kids' adventure. The various locales- from the cramped attic filled with hidden artefacts to the unique locations the kids visit in search of their quest- are beautifully filmed, adding to the film's enchantment.

The movie's musical score complements the film's adventurous spirit, evoking the perfect mood of whimsy, excitement, suspense, and anticipation, and serving as an additional narrative tool.

The Adventure Club proves to be an engaging, heartwarming, and wholesome watch for audiences of all ages. Its grand escapades peppered with a strong bond of friendship will undoubtedly win your heart. The movie beautifully captures the wide-eyed innocence and tireless curiosity of childhood, along with the invaluable lessons learned along the way. It’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the lure of adventure, and the limitless possibilities born from the imagination of children.

In essence, The Adventure Club is a wonderful, family-friendly film that operates on both a thrill-driven and an emotional level. It's an endorsement of friendship, courage, and the adventurous spirit that thrives in every child's heart.