[Review] Music Dramedy “Mighty Oak” Pulls At All Your Emotions (3.5/5 Stars)
“Mighty Oak,” tells the story of Gina (Janel Parrish, “Pretty Little Liars,” To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before), a band manager who struggles after losing her brother/lead singer (Levi Dylan, 12 Mighty Orphans) in a fatal car accident while traveling to a gig. A decade later, Gina meets a 10-year-old gifted musician named Oak, played by newcomer Tommy Ragen, a real-life prodigy whose music inspired the screenplay. Oak seems to possess the same qualities as Gina’s late brother, inspiring her to pull her life back together and try to reunite the band with Oak as its new frontman. (see the trailer below)
“Mighty Oak” is a strong story of family values and a gifted child musician. Due to the movie dealing with sudden death, substance use, and, at times, profanity, I wouldn’t recommend watching this with the little ones. It is, however, perfect for a Friday or Saturday movie night.
Director Sean McNamara shows this movie as a gifted child musician. It’s also a confusing mix of edgy, drama, and teenagers trying to balance life. It gives you a ‘Kidz bop’ feel but could have been much funnier. Gina, sister of the gifted child band, is fixated on the death of Vaughn, who was killed in a tragic car accident and Gina is unable to pick up the pieces of her life.
While Oak does have Vaughn’s talent and some of his traits, Gina’s friends become concerned with her decision to re-launch their long-dormant band with Oak as the frontman taking Vaughn’s place.
Oak comes from a disadvantaged household and as he is thrust into the spotlight, he finds that music is the perfect escape and the much-needed outlet for his pain. Gina in turn finds an outlet for her grief and a way back into living life out loud and to the fullest.
“Mighty Oak” is a movie that is sure to pull at all your emotions. I experienced many during this movie…laughter, tears, happiness, sadness, hope, and at times, I even felt like dancing.
There are a lot of lessons packed into this movie, which become relevant throughout the entire 102-minutes of the film. It will also teach you to never give up on your dreams, no matter what. The biggest lesson is that ‘family’ does not always mean biological, but a friend that can help you through the journey. For these reasons, I’m giving “Mighty Oak” 3.5 stars out of 5.
The music dramedy “Mighty Oak” is available, having been released on July 7, on digital platforms from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Directed By: Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Spare Parts)
Screenplay By: Matt R. Allen (Four Christmases)
Cast:
Janel Parrish (“Pretty Little Liars,” To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before)
Carlos PenaVega (“Big Time Rush,” Spare Parts, “Life Sentence”)
Alexa PenaVega (Spy Kids, “Nashville”)
Tommy Ragen
Levi Dylan (12 Mighty Orphans)
Raven-Symoné (“That’s So Raven,” Dr. Doolittle)
Nana Ghana (What/If, White Rabbit)
Rodney Hicks (Rent, Come From Away)
Gianna Harris (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock Broadway Musical)
Ben Milliken (“Bosch,” Blue Crush 2)
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content involving substance abuse, language, some accident images, and brief suggestive comments
Available On Digital Platforms: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sony PlayStation Video, FandangoNOW, and more.
Runtime: 102 Minutes
Instagram: @mightyoakmovie
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