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Radio Flyer is a 1992 film that weaves together both fantasy and reality. Directed by Richard Donner and scripted by David Mickey Evans, this movie is a heartwarming tale of two young brothers as they navigate through a challenging childhood in suburban California. The film takes place in the 1960s and follows the story of two brothers, Mike and Bobby. Their father has left them in the care of their abusive stepfather. Like most siblings, the two are close, and their bond forms the foundation of the movie. The older brother, Mike, is played by the talented actor, Elijah Wood, while his younger brother, Bobby, is played by Joseph Mazzello.

The younger brother, Bobby, is the protagonist of the film, and it is through his eyes that the audience experiences the story. Bobby is a sensitive and imaginative child who often retreats into his own world to escape the harsh realities of his life. After watching a documentary about a flightless bird that eventually learns to fly, Bobby becomes convinced that he and his brother can build a similar contraption to escape their current situation.

To accomplish their goal, the brothers turn to their trusty Radio Flyer wagon, which they believe will become their wings. Together they set out to build their flying wagon, which becomes the centerpiece of the film. While they work on their project, the boys face numerous obstacles, including their stepfather's abuse and the fact that they have to keep their project a secret from the rest of the world.

As the boys continue to build their wagon, they become increasingly desperate to make it work. Bobby becomes more convinced that their wagon has the power to fly, and his faith inspires his older brother to believe too. However, the longer they work on their project, the more it becomes apparent that their plan is not foolproof. Despite Bobby's unwavering belief, they begin to realize the danger of their proposed flying wagon.

The film is not just about the construction of the Radio Flyer, but also elements of childhood fantasy and magic. The story is set in a time when kids played with their imaginations more than toys that were ready to be purchased at the store. Bobby and Mike are imaginative kids who have a strong bond that allows them to bring their dreams to life. Their wagon takes on lives of its own, making its way through the air for the purpose of both fun and escapism.

Lorraine Bracco and John Heard play Mary and Daugherty, the boys’ parents. They support their children as best they can, hiding the abuse that Bobby faces to keep the family together. The supporting cast also includes Adam Baldwin, who plays the boys' gentle and loving neighbor, The King. He provides the boys with support, guidance, and a safe haven when life becomes unbearable. Baldwin and the child actors work well together and deliver touching performances that feel genuine and heartfelt.

The film is filled with touching moments of brotherhood, innocence, and love. Though the story is not unfamiliar to movies of this kind, it becomes fresh and original as it suggests a positive shift of attitude to life. The movie conveys a message of hope and the power of imagination. Despite the film's serious themes, the comedic moments keep things light and provide a sense of balance to the film. The cinematography is also impressive, with the film having a dreamlike quality. The use of bright colors and a gentle score give the film a nostalgic vibe.

In conclusion, Radio Flyer is a coming-of-age story that explores issues related to abuse, family, and the power of imagination. The strong performances by the leading and supporting cast along with its touching story make it a must-see film. The movie will have you feeling all sorts of emotions - you'll be moved to tears, laugh out loud, and find yourself rooting for the young protagonists to prevail. It isn't until the closing moments of the movie that the true nature of the tale is revealed, and the audience is left with a sense of hopefulness and optimism for the future.

Radio Flyer is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.