3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
INSPIRING and REFRESHING, March 5, 2002
I just watched this film on the Disney channel, along with my 8 year old niece and brother-in-law. It was so touching and refreshing to see inspiring true stories, such as Justin Yoder's receiving such exposure in mainstream television. What a great role model for young and old alike. Justin's spirit really shines through with Muniz's portrayal - ALL of the supporting cast were excellent! The film touched on so many different aspects of children and disabilities, along with how it impacts the family and friends in so many intense ways. And yet, it didn't focus on the issue of Justin's disability. Rather, it simply told a heartwarming story of just how powerful one individual's spirit can be. I highly recommend this film.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Sophisticated Theology, May 4, 2001
By A Customer
Along with an entertaining plot, this film contains some surprisingly sophisticated theology (particularly for a children's film). The five "God" vignettes demonstrate five different ways that humans view God as well as track Justin (a boy with spina bifida) in his pilgrimage to understand why, if God doesn't make mistakes, he was born with a birth defect.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet and Realistic, January 2, 2001
By A Customer
Justin just wants to fit in. He wants to be like all of the other kids. But Justin is paralyzed. Does that stop him? Heck no.
He decides to race in soapbox derbies. And he gets good with the help of his supportive family and neighbor. Along the way, he discovers more about his inner self and begins to appreciate who he is, wheelchair or no wheelchair.
But what made me truly appreciate this movie was the way the filmmakers accentuated the reality. They not only carefully hit upon Justin's trials as a paralyzed kid, but also upon his brother's (Seth) own issues with Justin.
My brother has a disability as well, somewhat different from Justin's problems, but their portrayal of Seth was what made the movie more authentic and helped me to personally relate to the characters.
Making an audience relate to the characters is what makes a movie work. This movie worked. Kudos to Disney for creating this wonderful film.
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