Watch My American Cousin
- PG
- 1985
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6.3 (673)
My American Cousin is a heartwarming Canadian film from 1985 about a young girl named Sandy Wilcox who lives on a remote farm in British Columbia. The movie is a coming-of-age story that is set in the late 1950s and is full of nostalgia, humor, and small-town charm. Sandy is a twelve-year-old girl who is bored with her life on the farm and dreams of adventure and excitement. Her parents are preoccupied with their work, leaving her to her own devices. One day, Sandy's American cousin Billy comes to visit from California. Billy is a rebel, a cool teenager who rides a motorcycle and listens to rock and roll. Sandy is fascinated by him and the world he comes from.
The movie is a delightful blend of humor and drama as Sandy learns about life, love, and growing up through her relationship with Billy. Margaret Langrick gives a charming performance as Sandy, capturing the innocence and naivety of youth, while John Wildman is perfect as the rebellious and carefree Billy. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their relationship is at the heart of the movie.
Richard Donat is excellent as Sandy's father, a hardworking farmer who is stoic and reserved but ultimately loving and supportive of his daughter. The supporting cast is also fantastic, especially Jane Mortifee as the glamorous and sophisticated Aunt Butch, who represents another world entirely from the one Sandy knows.
The movie is set against the backdrop of the beautiful British Columbia countryside, with stunning vistas of mountains and lakes. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the natural beauty of the region and contrasting it with the small-town life on the farm. There are also some great scenes of Billy riding his motorcycle through the countryside, which add to the sense of freedom and adventure that he represents.
One of the things that makes My American Cousin such a special film is its attention to detail. Set in the late 1950s, the movie is full of nostalgia for a simpler time, but it is also a realistic portrayal of life in a small town. The costumes, sets, and props all add to the authenticity of the film and transport the viewer back in time. The soundtrack is also great, with classic songs from the era that capture the spirit of the time.
Overall, My American Cousin is a heartwarming and charming coming-of-age story. It is a movie about the joys and pains of growing up, about the importance of family and friendship, and about the transformative power of new experiences. It is a movie that will make you laugh, but also tug at your heartstrings. If you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a real treat.