I love this film. It is so multifaceted. The basic premise of this movie: two boys build a magical flying machine out of an old Radio Flyer wagon so that the younger boy, who is abused by his stepfather - the King -, can escape the abuse. In the end, the machine works, and Bobby, the little boy, is able to get away, abandoning his mother, older brother, school, and life in the process. The ending ... read more
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The Fan Theory: Rather than riding his radio flyer off to salvation from his brutal father, the younger brother in Radio Flyer actually kills himself. Bummer.
Why It’s Mind-Blowing: Too obvious for you? Then perhaps the younger brother is a product of Elijah Wood’s imagination, and the “escape” is a desperate way to con himself that he himself might one day be free of his father. Equally depressing, mind…"
"Try Once Upon a Blue Moon
(Canadian film from 1995, I find it lame but it has a similar story-line).
Or The Boy who could Fly
or Jack the Bear (my fave of the three listed).
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"Well, of course the huge brand name here is the name of the movie: Radio Flyer. I was nine or so when I saw this movie and I loved it so much that, even though I thought wagons were for babies, I suddenly wanted a Radio Flyer wagon. Or one of those bikes "Fisher" has at the beginning.
Not to mention, both boys prominently wear black Converse All Star sneakers. I know Converse all-stars were big in the late 60s so it's not that weird, but this is a list of product placement. "
"Aw, can you imagine a cuter pair than little Bobby and Mikey? Sad movie, but their brotherly bond is quite impressive. Mikey even risks a beating for Bobby. That's a true sibling.
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