Watch Cardboard Dreams
- 2010
- 1 hr 46 min
Cardboard Dreams is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama film that premiered in 2014. Directed by Stuart Heimdal and starring Nathan Coenen, Tyler Desharnais, Sarah Hazen, and Evelyn Iocolano, Cardboard Dreams tells the story of a group of childhood friends who rediscover their passion for imagination and creativity during a summer filled with adventure and challenge.
The film starts with the introduction of four best friends – Tyler (Nathan Coenen), Jake (Tyler Desharnais), Bella (Sarah Hazen), and Lizzy (Evelyn Iocolano). They all live in the same small town and share a love for all things creative, especially building things from cardboard.
As summer approaches, the group of friends spends their days imagining and building cardboard-themed worlds in Tyler's backyard. They build everything from forts to castles and even a pirate ship. But as they soon discover, building cardboard worlds is not their only challenge for the summer.
Tyler's family is struggling financially, and he's barely hanging on. His father is an alcoholic, and his mother is working two jobs to support the family. Lizzy's parents are splitting up, and Bella is dealing with the pressure of her parents' expectations. Jake is struggling to find a sense of purpose and direction in his life.
As the summer progresses, the group of friends faces various obstacles and challenges, including Tyler's family home being foreclosed, Bella's parents pushing her to focus on academics instead of creativity, and Jake struggling with his self-worth.
Despite these challenges, the group of friends rise to the occasion and work together to overcome them. They come to realize that with creativity, imagination, and hard work, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Whether it's using their cardboard creations to save Tyler's home or helping each other deal with their personal struggles, the friends support each other through thick and thin.
At its core, Cardboard Dreams is a story about friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination. It reminds us that we are never too old to dream and that, with the support of our friends and family, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. The film's message is not only inspiring but also a call to action for viewers to chase their dreams and never give up on what they believe in.
The film's beautiful cinematography captures the small-town charm of the setting and brings the characters to life. The excellent performances by the lead actors, especially Nathan Coenen's portrayal of Tyler, add depth and emotional nuance to the film. The film's soundtrack, featuring original indie music, adds to the film's emotional impact and helps capture the spirit of the story.
In conclusion, Cardboard Dreams is a charming, heartwarming film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It's a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the power of friendship to overcome life's obstacles. The film's message is clear - never give up on your dreams, and with the support of your friends, anything is possible.