Watch Grow Up, Tony Phillips

Grow Up, Tony Phillips is a coming-of-age film that follows the life of high school senior Tony Phillips. The movie is set in a small town in Texas, where everyone is obsessed with Halloween. Tony has grown up in the shadow of his older brother Pete, who was the star of the town's Halloween parade. The pressure on Tony to perform well in the parade is immense, and he struggles to live up to his family's expectations.

Tony is a bit of an outsider in his school. He is not a jock, nor is he part of the popular crowd. His best friend Roach is a goth, and they both share a love for horror movies. They both dream of one day making their own horror movie. Tony is disillusioned with high school and looks forward to college, which will take him away from the small town life.

The movie begins a week before Halloween. Tony is devastated when he finds out that his school is no longer going to have a Halloween parade due to budget cuts. This news hits him hard, as he sees Halloween as the one thing that brings him joy in his mundane life. Tony takes it upon himself to revive the parade, and he begins to rally his schoolmates and the community.

The movie explores the themes of growing up, taking risks, and finding your identity. Tony's journey of self-discovery is at the center of the story. The film highlights how important it is to let go of old expectations and to carve one's own path. Tony's relationships with his family, friends, and love interests also play a significant role in his character development.

The movie is a tribute to Halloween and horror movies. The film features several scenes from classic horror movies and pays homage to famous movie directors like Wes Craven and John Carpenter. The horror motif symbolizes Tony's journey from a scared teenager to a courageous young man. The movie also explores how horror movies can be a form of catharsis, a catharsis that Tony desperately needs.

The cast of the movie is superb. Tony Vespe, who plays the lead role, is a natural performer. He brings both humor and pathos to his character. AJ Bowen, who plays Tony's father, is also impressive. He essays the role of a father who wants the best for his son but struggles to understand him. Similarly, Katie Folger, who plays the role of Tony's love interest, is charming and makes for a convincing girlfriend.

The film's direction is also noteworthy. The director, Emily Hagins, was only 20 when she made Grow Up, Tony Phillips. Despite being young, she has captured the essence of small-town life perfectly. The film's cinematography is also impressive. The movie features beautiful shots of autumn leaves and pumpkin patches, capturing the beauty of the season.

The movie's soundtrack is also fantastic. The film features classic Halloween songs like "Monster Mash" and "Thriller." There are also some original songs that fit well with the movie's themes of growing up and finding your way in life.

Overall, Grow Up, Tony Phillips is a delightful movie that will appeal to anyone who has felt lost in their teenage years. The film is heartwarming, funny, and nostalgic. It is a reminder that life is not about living up to others' expectations but about carving your own path. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves Halloween, horror movies, or coming-of-age films. It is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered.

Grow Up, Tony Phillips is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.