Watch Heyday!
- 2006
- 1 hr 32 min
-
7.0 (52)
Heyday! is a 2006 Canadian drama film directed by Gordon Pinsent and starring Adam Butcher, Peter MacNeill, and Joanne Kelly. Set in 1940s Newfoundland, the film tells the story of a young boy named Copper Penny who idolizes his father and dreams of becoming a heroic pilot like him. When his father dies unexpected, Copper is forced to confront the harsh realities of life and the challenges of growing up.
The opening scenes of the film are set against a backdrop of war, and we see Copper's father, played by MacNeill, preparing for a dangerous mission in his aircraft. Copper watches admiringly as his father takes off into the sky, but as the plane disappears from view, we see the fear and uncertainty in the boy's eyes. From here, the film shifts to the small coastal town where Copper lives with his mother, played by Kelly, and his grandfather, played by Pinsent.
Copper is a curious and energetic boy, always eager to explore his surroundings and to learn new things. He spends much of his time with his best friend, Buttsy, as they roam the streets of the town and get into mischief. However, Copper's biggest passion is flying, and he spends hours tinkering with model airplanes and dreaming of taking to the skies himself.
When Copper's father dies unexpectedly, the young boy is devastated. He struggles to come to terms with his loss, and his mother and grandfather try to help him through his grief. However, Copper is consumed with thoughts of following in his father's footsteps, and he becomes fixated on building a full-sized airplane that he can use to fly like his dad.
Throughout the film, Copper faces a number of challenges as he tries to build his airplane and realize his dreams. He has to deal with the skepticism and ridicule of many of the adults in the town, who see his project as foolish and dangerous. He also has to overcome his own doubts and insecurities, as well as the physical obstacles of working with limited resources and inexperience.
The film is beautifully shot, capturing the rugged beauty of the Newfoundland coastline and the simplicity of life in a small town. The performances are also strong, with Butcher carrying much of the emotional weight of the story as Copper. He does an excellent job of portraying the boy's wide-eyed wonder and unflagging determination, as well as his moments of doubt and despair.
At its core, Heyday! is a coming-of-age story about a young boy learning to cope with loss and to find his place in the world. It is a poignant and heartfelt film that explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of dreams. While it may be a bit slow-paced for some viewers, it is a touching and rewarding film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to follow their passions in the face of adversity.
Heyday! is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.