The Tiger Rising

This movie is absolutely beauttiful. It is the perfect story for middle-aged kids, parents, and the dynamic between a hardworking father and a son who is navigating grief was delivered with perfect execution. It's funny, heartwarming, tear-jerking, and just all-around a fantastic family film. Quaid's performance as Beauchamp was spot on, and Queen Latifah was a no-nonsense truth-teller in the most beautiful way, per usual. This is an incredible film.

After a boy's mother dies, he lives in a motel with his father (Sam Trammell), while trying to cope with their tragedy. Things change when he discovers a tiger caged in the woods nearby. The boy is played by Christian Convery, who proved impressive in Netflix's Sweet Tooth and again demonstrates an uncanny ability at a young age. His new friend (Madalen Mills) also proves a spunky presence. Dennis Quaid swings big as a crusty redneck, while Queen Latifah adds sympathy and guidance. She also has the movie's only funny line, "The only thing I gotta do is stay Black and die." Since this is aimed at kids, the script deals in broad strokes and obvious emotions (not to mention the general absurdity of the premise). Unfortunately, the writing also revels in bad grammar, which isn't great for kids to hear, even if they are trying to portray working class Floridians. There are elements of fantasy to lighten the mood and make this somewhat heavy-handed and predictable story more palatable from a young audience.