BEAUTIFUL! Highlights the magic of childhood., Jan 8 2000

Through the thick and thin, Bobby (portrayed by the highly esteemed Joseph Mazzelo) struggles to remain whole, to fend of attacks from The King (his mother's new husband) and to live up to the expectations of his two-years-older brother, Mikey (played by a young Elijah Wood). Dramatic only in the sense that adults may feel some sense of loss for the beauty that is childhood, Radio Flyer is an uplifting excursion into the awed fantasies of a little boy. James Horner was the right man for the soundtrack, the cast was well-chosen, and there are enough humorous spots to deflect the attention from the more painful accounts of beating and belting. I watched this movie for the first time when I was 12, however, and felt outdated because, even then, I realized that that brief period in childhood that keeps you alive with hope, was over. However it was nice, even if only momentarily, to re-enter.

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The Wrong Message, Dec 9 2003

By	Mark Ebert (Lancaster OH) - See all my reviews

I really enjoy the performances of Elijah Wood and many of the other talents in this movie. The film is great until the last ten minutes or so. I am writing this because many people view the ending as a metaphor for suicide (many of the other reviews here have stated that or alluded to it).

It occurs to me that, as astounding as the performances and as well-written as the film is, I can't recommend this motion picture, it completely gives the wrong message.

The film is about two little boys who are being emotionally and physically abused by their step-father. They kept it to themselves and attempt to solve the problem in their own way. They could have told their mother, they could have told the policeman, or even the post man who delievered their potion. They didn't. Then, before the credits roll, the producers of the film, after having laid out the moral "put your problems in your own hands", gives a hotline number for abused children. It simply was irresponsible. The film should be rated R because children should not be able to see it and get the idea that if they are faced with a terrible problem they can only deal with it on there own.

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Touching, emotional, and a little bit complicated., Jan 3 2003

By	R. F. Garrity "RFG" (Destrehan, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews

The plot basically centers around the life of two brothers, the younger (Marzello), is abused by the boy's stepfather. Mickey, the older brother (Wood) tries his best to make sure his little brother is safe. The two build a flying machine on top of their Radio Flyer Wagon so Bobby can escape the beatings.

No matter what you believe about the end of this film, you must admit that it extremely touching. The last scene with the two brothers is one of the best performances by child actors I have ever seen. I am personally under the impression that Bobby never really existed and that Mikey made him up as an outlet to deal with the abuse. With that in mind, the movie takes on a whole new dimension. Howver, it may be a little hard for some people to pick up on these themes, as they are not well presented. Whether you belive that or not, Radio Flyer is a blunt wake up call to a problem all to common in our society. Not to be missed.

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