Customer Reviews

The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although, hard to find, this movie is worth the effort. (We bought our copy through a Canadian company.) This hilarious coming-of-age movie appeals to everyone: Jews, non-Jews, kids and adults. We've watched it many times with friends and family and EVERYONE has loved it. I highly recommend it. Just wish it were available in a DVD version as well.

I can't believe I'm the first one to review this particular feature. It involves a very cute, young Jewish boy (played by Noam Zylberman) and the adventure of this pre-adolescent growing up in the Canadian Praries. A humourous movie, for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Can't wait for it to come out on DVD, so I can happily add it to my collection.

I've never written a movie review but, this Canadian National Film Board movie is well worth the watching. While it is a "Jewish" story, the movie can be viewed, understood and, most importantly enjoyed by everyone. The Canadian praries are the backdrop for the meeting of a young Jewish boy studying for his Bar Mitzvah with his new teacher an Ultra Orthodox Rabbi whose real desire is to become a stand up comedian.

I first saw this movie during the dinosaur age, when CD's and DVD's were locked away in experimental Geek laboratories. I liked it so much that I decided I had to watch it again. Horror of horrors, it doesn't exist on Netflix, which in my mind takes that organization right down to four stars. I began a search for it and found that it doesn't exist on USA compatible DVD, so I ordered it on VHS. I like it that much.

I'm a sucker for coming-of-age stories, and this is one of the very best. It's poignant yet light hearted, fun yet substantive. It's a Canadian film, which probably explains the choice of substance over technical glitz and the subtlety of wit and intelligence in the screenplay.

It's a wonderful movie, probably destined for the media storage units of story buffs like me rather than big reviews. If you like uplifting ideas that stick with you for awhile, and if you like the believability of celebration in the midst of human angst, you'll love this film.

I grew up in upstate NY in the 50s. Though the setting of this movie took place in Canada, so much of the sentiments expressed struck home. They reflected what I saw and felt during that time.