Billy Elliot

Some of the best feel good movies that are out there involve children realizing and succeeding to reach their dreams, this is just such a film. As the story unfolds you're drawn into young Billy Elliot's struggle to find out who he is and just what he's suppose to do with his life. Having the film shot on location helps with the claustrophobic feel of the neighborhood and how close some of these families had to live in order to survive. This was a nice launching pad for Jamie Bell, he's done some nice work over the years, and most recently he had a part in Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers.A young boy, who is trying to be all he can be for his father, realizes that ballet is the only thing that makes him happy but his career may be over before it ever gets to start. Set in 1984 in a Northern England coal-mining town the hardships that the local families have to go through while a strike is going on are heart breaking. There are some comedic moments that are not to overpowering but help give the film a warm and fuzzy feeling about the story and characters. Billy is played expertly by Bell who shows such a range of emotions throughout the film that he comes off as if its second nature, so when he cries you just want to reach in and hug him.
This is one of the cutest movies I've seen in a long time and it deserves to be watched teenagers that are striving for their dreams, this film shows that some hard work, sweat, and strong drive they can accomplish what ever they set their minds to. The final scenes are a nice culmination of the story and leaves enough open for the audiences minds to fill in the gaps. Dreams are an important part of life and every one should have one or two to reach for on a continuing basis, for without dreams life is just not worth the aggravation. Other than some harsh language this movie could be watched by almost every one the family, and they would all enjoy it.