The Elder Son

Movie Room Reviews - The Elder Son
The Elder Son from Peace Arch Home Entertainment and Director Marias Balchunas is a quirky comedy-drama movie on DVD December 9, 2008. Bo (Shane West) and Skip (Eric Balfour) are a pair of car thieves looking for a new heist. Bo poses as the long lost son of a Russian immigrant clarinetist, Max (Rade Serbedzija), as part of their new scam.

Bo is quickly accepted by the loving Max and forms a bond with his new sister Lolita (Leelee Sobieski), and new brother Nikita (Reiley McClendon). Unfortunately, his plan turns sour when Bo unexpectedly falls for his eccentric and charming "sister". Bo must weight his loyalties to his friend Skip and his desire for a more stable existence and a chance for love. Of course, Lolita's fiance Greg (Brian Geraghty) might be an obstacle as well.

Meanwhile, Max is hiding a secret about his position as a clarinetist in the local LA symposium. A proud man with a strong Russian heritage, Max wants to protect his family and provide...

Rade & Leelee
This film is worth watching just to see Rade Sherbedgia. I'm giving the film four stars simply because he's the star and does a great job. He's a tremendously talented actor and this is a great role for him. Leelee's beautiful and does a good job with what she has to work with. Shane is believable. And Eric Balfour has a couple of really funny moments. The movie is thin and the love story could use more. It's still entertaining, however, and the ending makes the movie worth the 84-minute ride. I agree with the other reviewer that the lighting is uneven and too dark in places. I also agree that the director didn't create a cohesive style, tone or any real thematic underpinnings. It feels like a lot of the movie ended up on the editing room floor for whatever reason. Still, there are some genuine laughs. The soundtrack is great. And there's Rade and Leelee.

Could have been longer
I did like the movie & the Russian culture.I thought it was well acted- but felt it was so short it didnt feel like a movie.

Click to Editorial Reviews