Fun for all ages(quotes?) is one of those terms that is always greeted with a decent amount of skepticism, especially when it comes to movies. Many people scoff as how can a film simple enough to entertain an eight year old really have enough going on to also capture the mind of an old and weary adult. However, every once and a while a film does indeed come along that grandparents all the way down to elementary students can equally enjoy, usually in the form of a movie that has a both a large amount of fun and smarts. Add a large dose of heart to that winning formula and you have the new film Son of Rambow.

Kids will immediately be drawn to Son of Rambow due to fact the two leads are children. Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) is the quiet and artistic son of a widow who belongs to the Plymouth Brethren, a religious group who practices a simpler way of life. Will is not allowed to watch TV, even at school he must wait outside when his class watches educational videos. Will is not too bummed about this, as this time in the halls allows him the opportunity to draw whatever he would like. However, one day Will’s doodling in the halls is disturbed when the clever and always scheming Lee Carter (Will Pouter) is set out in the halls for punishment. Despite being very different on the surface, the boys eventually become friends, mostly through Lee’s craftiness and Will’s wholesome gullibility. Soon, a visit to Lee’s home causes Will to accidentally see a pirated copy of Rambo: First Blood. Would you like to guess who videotaped this illegal copy. Of course, it’s that lovable little scamp Lee Carter (haha!). This viewing of Rambo triggers Will imagination, which leads Lee and Will to film a sequel to Rambo, called The Son of Rambow.

Both of the two leads were found during opening casting calls at various schools throughout London, which is a decision that pays off well for the filmmakers as the scenes between the two boys never seem forced or as if they two are only acting like friends. You can tell these kids really had a great time together making the film within the film; these young actors’ joy translates into much fun and laughter for the audience. You can’t help but laugh as the goofy Will goes along with whatever dangerous or silly stunt Lee has in mind for him. Theses scenes will most likely cause the audience members to fondly look back at some of their younger years.

Although the film revolves around two children, adults will find plenty to smile about and keep their attention in the Son of Rambow, as director Garth Jennings brings a refreshing sense of imagination and humor to his latest film. Jennings creates several memorable comedic gags and jokes; there is an especially funny moment involving a flying fake dog and a pair of scissors. Jennings also does a great job of making us remember why it was so great to be a kid with an unspoiled imagination by showing various episodes imagined by Will, including the creation of the plot of his and Lee’s movie.

Son of Rambow might seem like one of those movies that features an idea that would work best as short film or skit but not meant to be stretched into a feature length film. However, the film remains engaging throughout, containing many opportunities for the audience to laugh as they quietly root for the film’s leads to complete their project despite the many obstacles that come in their way, including Will’s religion and the flamboyantly fashionable French exchange student Didier (Jules Sitruk). The filmmakers certainly have a great time harmlessly making fun of the character of Didier, showing just how silly young people can be in their attempts to be cool.

This summer promises many extravagant action sequences and special effects with the release of many big budget studio films, and I’m sure many of these films will be very thrilling and exciting. However, the sweet and enjoyable for everybody film Son of Rambow can serve as a nice heartfelt break for anyone who needs a little breather between this year’s various summer blockbusters.