Take 27: Sketch (2025)
Sketch is the story of a father and his two children dealing with the recent loss of the mother. In order to help his daughter cope with her feelings, it is suggested that the girl, Amber, express the emotions is feeling in an art journal. Her feelings aren’t always roses and butterflies- there is definitely some angst there. This becomes an issue when her sketchbook falls into a strange pond that fixes whatever falls into it and, in the case of her drawings, brings them to life. At the same time, her brother Jack contemplates places is mother’s ashes there in hopes of brining her back.
This movie doesn’t actually open until August 6th. I saw it early as part of the Cinemark Secret Movie Series. My history with this continuing roll of the roulette wheel has been…. spotty to put it kindly. I usually check to board for predictions on what the movie might be. This one was a strong contender and to be honest, I didn’t know if I wanted to see it. I have been burned, by these, but since my work schedule doesn’t always allow for me to go to these, the fact that I could actually go weighed heavily only my decision, so I went, albeit a little reluctantly.
I am so glad I did.
This movie was absolutely delightful! The kids, Bianca Belle as Amber, Kue Lawrence as Jack, and Kalon Cox as Bowman Lynch were wonderful! The story was relatable. We all have had to deal with grief unfortunately, so boy did I get it .But the way it is dealt with was so sincere and delicate. And the overall vibe of the film took me back to a Gremlins or Goonies, this movie could be that kid adventure that reasonates with kids that age that in beds itself in childhood. It’s a bit campy, a little scary-ish but not too much, with a wholesomeness that makes takes you back to a simpler time in life. The kids really are the stars of this one and the adults are there for support. All the kids get to shine at various points and Bowman is an unexpected favorite.
It’s clearly not big-budget film. The biggest cast member is Tony Hale who plays the father, Taylor. He has been in a lot, but mostly voiceovers and one of those background supporting roles you have seen hundreds of times but definitely not a lead. Someone you’ve seen before but can’t exactly place where you know him from but you know him. That said, a lot of the effects are a little crunchy because it DOESN’T have that huge budget but they really do work here. The fact that we are getting this sketchy kid’s drawings brought to live and they don’t look like something from George Lucas adds so much charm.
Is it perfect? As I am recalling elements of the movie, I see where things are kinda off or don’t make sense. But did they really take away from much enjoyment of this. Absolutely not! What it lacks in finesse, it more than makes up for in heart. My notes are minimal. I have been playing around with the point system so not sure of the reasoning behind my exact calculations, but 9.7 feels correct. If you want to take a break from the big-budget blockbusters that are doing to be just fine, check out this movie. The word-of-mouth has been good and it’s definitely well-deserved.
So do you agree with my review, or is a little Sketchy? Let me know in the comments. Until next week…
