Watch Billboard

Billboard is a heartwarming drama that touches on themes like family, grief, and music. The film, directed by Zeke Zelker, follows the story of a young boy named Casey (Oakes Fegley) who sets up a roadside billboard advertising agency with his dad, who is also a struggling musician, on the highways of rural Pennsylvania. The father-son team aspires to make a name for themselves in the world of advertising, whilst also pursuing their own individual passions.

The cast brilliantly portrays the emotionally charged characters. Eric Roberts plays the role of Casey's father, who is a talented musician but has struggled to make it big due to past mistakes. Heather Matarazzo plays Lauren, Casey's supportive mother who provides emotional support to her family while navigating the difficult waters of marriage and motherhood.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that the characters are on their own unique journeys of healing and self-discovery. Casey is dealing with the loss of his older sister and trying to make sense of what it means to grow up fatherless. Roberts' character, on the other hand, is trying to overcome a tumultuous past, while Lauren is wrestling with the stress of being the glue that holds her family together. Amidst all this, the viewers can feel the growing tension between them as they struggle to find common ground in both their personal and professional lives.

The movie thrives on its soulful musical score, which includes several original tracks composed by the critically acclaimed Philadelphian band, The Band of Rivals. These tracks are flawlessly interwoven into the story, emphasizing the importance of music in the characters' lives.

Furthermore, the film does a brilliant job in exploring the economic struggles of small-town America. The father-son duo's advertisement agency sets up shop in their hometown and is hoping to make it big. The film provides a glimpse into the harsh reality of small-town economies and the struggles that come with it. This is illustrated in the film's depiction of various side characters like Casey's friends and acquaintances who are also struggling to make ends meet.

What sets Billboard apart from other coming-of-age dramas is its ability to keep its audience invested until the very end. The film opens with a shot of a billboard announcing that Casey's sister is missing, leading the viewers to be curious about the story's resolution. It then explores the ups and downs of Casey's family and the obstacles they face in their lives, both personal and professional. The film manages to balance the lighthearted moments with poignant, emotionally heavy scenes within a well-written script that never feels forced.

To sum it up, Billboard is a remarkable film that explores the complexities of family, loss, and economic struggle whilst placing music at its core. If you're looking for a touching story that deals with human emotions with just the right mix of drama and lightheartedness, then Billboard is the perfect choice.

Billboard is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 24.