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Lightning Bug is a 2004 coming-of-age drama film directed by Robert Hall, which stars Bret Harrison, Laura Prepon, and Kevin Gage. The film follows the story of a young aspiring special effects artist named Green Graves, played by Brett Harrison, who is growing up in the small town of Alabama in the 1970s. Green's passion for creating horror movies effects is rock solid, yet it brings conflicts with his low-income, fundamentalist Christian family.

Green's life becomes more complex when he falls in love with Angevin Duvet, played by Laura Prepon, a new and somewhat exotic girl in town. As their romance progresses, Green's overbearing father, played by Kevin Gage, discovers their relationship, threatening to destroy it all. Green must fight to keep his dreams alive while navigating the trials and tribulations of growing up in a small town.

The film is set against the backdrop of southern small-town American life, and it addresses deep themes of family, love, and pursuit of dreams. The film is a deeply emotional and moving coming-of-age story that explores the challenges of growing up and discovering what is important in life.

Bret Harrison delivers an outstanding performance as the lead character, Green Graves. He portrays Green as a teenager with a non-conformist spirit, trying to find his place in the world. Green's character is a passionate artist who is dedicated to creating horror effects for the movies, and his struggle to make something of himself in a town that doesn't understand him is relatable.

Laura Prepon's performance as Angevin Duvet is touching, and she brings an air of mystery to the film. She's an opiate-addicted runaway who is trying to find her place in the world, similar to Green. Angevin is drawn to Green's creativity and passion for life, and their chemistry on screen is palpable.

Kevin Gage is excellent as Green's father, Earl. Earl is a misguided and abusive father, and he's conflicted about his son's artistic pursuits. Gage does a great job of portraying the inner turmoil of an adult in conflict with the current culture, and he brings a sympathetic edge to the character.

The rest of the cast does a great job, creating a world that feels like a small southern town in the 1970s. The film's direction and pacing are excellent, and the cinematography is stunning. The use of colors in the movie brings out the essence of the small town, and the contrasts between the warm and friendly atmosphere of the small town and Green's rebellious spirit are striking.

The film is not just a simple coming-of-age drama, and it tackles deep issues and themes. It's a story about the struggles of finding one's identity, following one's passions, fighting to overcome self-doubts and societal pressures. Green's character resonates with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or out of place, making Lightning Bug a relatable and moving film.

The film also portrays how challenging it can be to break away from prescriptive societal norms and family expectations. It speaks to the human condition and showcases how unconditional love and acceptance can flourish in adverse situations.

Lightning Bug is a genuinely excellent film that provides a unique perspective on individuality and the pursuit of dreams. The film is an honest portrayal of the experience of being an artist in a small town and the struggles that come with such a life. It's a story about overcoming adversity and refusing to give up on one's dreams, and its portrayal of the small southern town of the 1970s adds an immediate sense of nostalgia and timelessness.

Overall, it's a well-made and well-acted film that tells a relevant story that will stay with viewers long after leaving the theater. It is an excellent coming-of-age film, offering a real insight into the struggles of growing up in a small town, and the importance of chasing one's dreams, regardless of what the world may think.

Lightning Bug is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.