JUST LIKE THE SON is a poignant feature film written and directed by Morgan J. Freeman ("Hurricane Streets") that chronicles a petty thief's mentoring of an apparent orphan, which takes a profound turn when he kidnaps the boy from a foster home and drives him cross-country to his sister's house in Texas. With powerful character performances from Mark Webber ("Broken Flowers"), Academy Award nominee Rosie Perez ("Fearless"), Brendan Sexton III ("Boys Don't Cry"), and the young Antonio Ortiz ("Knights of the South Bronx"), the film premiered to immediate audience and critical acclaim at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. It went on to win the Alice Nella Citta Prize for Best Feature Film at its European debut in Italy at the 2006 Rome Film Festival, the Spirit of Independent Award at the 2006 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Grand Prize for Best Feature at the 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival.
JUST LIKE THE SON was released in North America by BREAKING GLASS PICTURES.
PLOT SUMMARY
The film chronicles twenty year-old Daniel Carter's (Webber) attempt to help an eight year-old, Boone (Ortiz), find a better life. Daniel First meets Boone while doing community service at an East Village grade school. The boys strike up a friendship during which Daniel learns that Boone's mother is sick and may be hospitalized. He also learns that Boone has an older sister, Charlotte, who lives in Dallas. When Boone does not show up for school a few days later, Daniel begins to ask questions and learns that Boone was placed into a temporary foster care in Upstate New York. After being turned down as an adoption candidate, and failing to convince his Father to help him gain custody, Daniel decides to rescue Boone from the orphanage. He puts all his street smarts to use and they head to Dallas. While the goal is to locate Boone's sister, the heart of the story is the unexpected bond Daniel and Boone form throughout their road trip adventure.
COMPLETE LIST OF CAST AND CREW
Cinema Blend
“A bittersweet tale about friendship, self-sacrifice, and doing what you think is right even when all logic (and the law) would steer you otherwise.”
Miami Herald
“Sweet and tender without being sentimental or cloying, it’s the kind of personal, heartfelt picture that gives indie films a good name.”
Film Threat
“Light on over-the-top feel good mishy mashy, this road trip bonding experience is instead fueled by the natural chemistry between actors Webber and Ortiz, with little Ortiz stealing the show as Boone.”
Movie Freak
“The film is a small gem and a fitting valentine to ‘70s dramas.”
