The Unbreakable Boy

As we approach spring with Easter being in the near future, the inspirational films begin to emerge. As an occurrence that happens yearly, we are offered "The Unbreakable Boy" to kick off this period. Based on a true story, it is a film that will inspire all who sees it, whether one has a soft or a hard heart. 

When Scott and Teresa LeRette (Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy) respectively, learn that their son Austin, 13 yr. old (Jacob Laval), is autistic and, has Brittle Bone Disease where he has broken, at least, 45 bones, they initially worry about his future, however with Scott's growing faith and Austin's incredible spirit, they become unbreakable as they find joy, gratitude and courage in the most trying times. As Scott says at one of his trying moments, "I wish I could enjoy anything as much as Austin enjoys everything."

Others to round out the cast are Drew Powell as Joe, Patricia Heaton as Marcia, Scott's mom, Todd Terry as Dick, Scott's dad, Peter Facinelli as the preacher, Gavin Warren as Logan, Austin's brother (11yr. old), Pilot Bunch as Tyler, Bruce Davis as Autism doc, Kurt Yue as Brittle Bone doc and Eleanor Threatt as Principal Ilene.

This was directed with compassion while driving to a point by Jon Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "My Date with Drew" '04, "Like Dandelion Dust" '09, "Do You Believe?" '15, "The Week" '15,  "The Case for Christ" '17, "Ordinary Angels" '24). In the past, inspirational films used to be made with a maudlin and sentimental approach which ended up predictable, however as these films continue to be produced, the fresher, yet more realistic approaches have taken hold. This film isn't about Austin getting cured as much it's about Austin, in spite of his diseases, can meld into the public with a refreshing and captivating way, and this was showcased in spades through this director. He has proven himself many times over--just look at his resume.  It was also effectively written by Jon Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "The Week" '15, "I Still Believe" '20, "American Underdog" '21, "Jesus Revolution" '23), based on the book by Scott LeRette and Susy Flory. This film, as with many films based on a true story, is written as a flashback with the meeting of Scott and Teresa and subsequent birth of their kids, their marriage and their trials with having a child with Brittle Bone Disease and Autism. And considering it was penned in a flashback format, there were a couple of very small places of continuity issues, but one would have to be quick to pick them up. The emotions from these actors were real, whether they showed pain or excitement. Obviously Scott was one of the writers of the book that the film was based on, but this story had to be journaled. 

This film is for all to see, because if we think we have it tough, put yourself in the parents of Austin or even Austin himself. It screams the adage, "for the grace of God...". The best thing about the story is that how positive, happy and carefree Austin comes across, where it seems to be tougher on the parents than that of Austin himself, and this is a great example of how we need to look at our different issues and think, how would Austin deal with this?

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                           Rated: PG                                         108mins.