A Boy Called Po
| A Boy Called Po | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | John Asher |
| Screenplay by | Colin Goldman |
| Produced by | John Asher Rod Hamilton |
| Starring | Christopher Gorham Julian Feder Kaitlin Doubleday |
| Cinematography | Steven Douglas Smith |
| Edited by | John Asher |
| Music by | Burt Bacharach |
Production companies | Commonwealth Film Manufacturing New Coast Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
A Boy Called Po (also known as Po) is a 2016 American drama film directed by John Asher and written by Colin Goldman, based on a true story starring Christopher Gorham, Julian Feder, and Kaitlin Doubleday. When his wife dies of cancer, an overworked engineer struggles to care for his son with autism. In response to bullying, the young boy regresses into a fantasy world escape. The score for the film was composed by Burt Bacharach.[1][2] [3]
Cast
- Christopher Gorham as David Wilson
- Julian Feder as Po
- Kaitlin Doubleday as Amy
- Andrew Bowen as Jack
- Sean Gunn as Ben
- Caitlin Carmichael as Amelia Carr
- Bryan Batt as Randall Bane
- Fay Masterson as Valerie
- Brian George as Bill
- Tristan Chase as Taylor Martz
Reception
RogerEbert.com states: "The intentions behind "A Boy Called Po" are not only good, but honorable."[4] Film Daily less favorably states, "A Boy Called Po might have the best of intentions, and Asher clearly meant well with it, but that doesn’t cure its cloying and saccharine tone, falling prey as it does to the same old autism fiction tropes."[5] Dove.org considers: " Po is an inspiring story about a committed father, David Wilson Christopher Gorham, and his love and concern for his autistic son, Patrick, fondly called “Po”."[6] Movieguide.org states: "A Boy Called Po is an engaging, low budget movie with a strong, powerful climax. There are a few endings after the climax, but they each resolve several important issues. The heart of this movie is the relationship between the father and his son."[7]
Awards
In 2016, the film won the Gold Remi Award at Worldfest Houston, the Festival Award for Breakthrough Feature at the San Diego International Film Festival, Best Feature at the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, Music, at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Best Actor (Julian Feder) at the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience, Best Actor (Julian Feder) at the Young Artists Awards as well as being nominated for many other accolades.[8][better source needed]
References
- ^ Burlingame, Jon (January 5, 2017). "Burt Bacharach Writes From the Heart for 'Po' Score". www.variety.com.
- ^ Shaundel, Noelle. "Mind Palace: Easy Ways to Connect With Your Child's Creative Mind". autismparentingmagazine.com. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ Burges, Megan (August 31, 2017). "'A Boy Called Po': An Honest Look at Autism". autism awareness.com. Archived from the original on August 24, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ O'Malley, Sheila (September 1, 2017). "A Boy Called Po". www.roberebert.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ "'A Boy Called Po': Cloying, cliched magical autism". filmdaily.co. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ Carpenter, Edwin (April 26, 2016). "A Boy Called Po". dove.org. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ "Parental Love Smashes Communication Barriers". www.movieguide.org. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ "A Boy Called Po". IMDb. Archived from the original on 2017-09-22. Retrieved 2020-03-19.