The Boy Who Could Fly

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
The Boy Who Could Fly Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

A charming fantasy with a lot of heart.

PG 1986 114 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a fine family film with no objectionable content. It's a gentle fantasy about an autistic boy who has a strong positive affect on his neighbors, not an action-packed fantasy.

Community Reviews

Gidgy
Gidgy Adult
December 29, 2018
age 8+

Inspiring Movie to Watch & Discuss

This is a very moving and intelligent story about the powers of a young boy with autism. A key message is to follow your dreams, be patient and kind, and stand up for what you believe in. There is a scene in the movie in which two 14 YO girls sneak alcohol. This scene lasts 5 minutes or so and is followed by a scene in which one girl attends school with a hangover. Additionally, there is a scene in which a 14 YO girl hears about a suicide. That scene is also very brief. The rest of the movie is fine, but I found it necessary to talk about the dangers of alcohol with my children during the movie. Also, my 8 year old wanted to know what “suicide” means. Aside from that, it was an inspirational movie with no real violence/cursing/sex and a great message. My kids 8 and 12 loved it! If you are comfortable having these two conversations with your kids, then go for it. The positives outweigh the drawbacks in my book and the tough conversations do need to happen at some point. I think a child younger than 8 or 9 may struggle to find this entertaining, but we will be discussing this movie more in the future and embracing all the positives.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
eam4603
eam4603 Adult
July 22, 2012
age 13+

Avoid this movie

This was really disappointing and I am very surprised with the Common Sense Media rating. I would stay away from this movie entirely, as the positive aspects do not outweigh the negative aspects (which include glorifying sneaking alcohol when parents are out, with no negative repercussions). In fact I was horrified by this movie and struggled with when to cut it off that wouldn't leave the children (ages 8.5 and 11) either more scared or more intrigued. By consensus, we stopped before the end.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Milly (Lucy Deakins), her mother, Charlene (Bonnie Bedelia), and her brother, Louis (Fred Savage), move into a new home, still feeling bereft over the loss of the father of the family. Milly sees a mysterious boy (Jay Underwood) on the roof next door. She learns that Eric is autistic, has never spoken, and ever since his parents were killed when he was five, he's believed that he's an airplane. Adjustment to the new environment is difficult. Charlene is overwhelmed by the computers at her new job. Louis is terrorized by bullies and dog Max by a Doberman. At school, Milly befriends Eric and a teacher asks her to work with him, telling her that he doesn't need a doctor as much as he needs a friend. After a near fall from a bridge, Milly tells her psychiatrist that Eric really can fly, and a series of events lead to the pair being chased up to the roof of the high school. Eric and Milly float off together, as the astonished community watches. Eric speaks at last, telling Milly he loves her, and flying away forever. She realizes why he had to leave when the scientists and journalists arrive the next day.

Is It Any Good?

THE BOY WHO COULD FLY is a charming fantasy with a lot of heart and outstanding performances by three terrific kids who keep up with some of the finest adult actors in movies. Eric and Milly heal each other by responding to each other. For him, she provides the first reason he has ever had to try to make contact with another person. For her, he provides a reason to feel, and to give to another person, especially important after the loss of her father.

Eric's character reminds us, among other things, that anything is possible. "He made us believe in ourselves again...We're all special. We're all a little like Eric. Maybe we can't soar off into the clouds. But somewhere, deep inside, we can all fly." There are strong themes of faith in oneself, and bravery, and Eric's influence continues. Charlene masters the computer. Louis triumphs over the bullies. Max even scares away the Doberman.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Eric was so important to Milly. What did Eric teach Milly's family? Where do you think he will go next? Why did Louis get so upset about his action figures being out in the rain?

Movie Details

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Themes & Topics

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