Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film features five different writers credited with the script, with a pair who provided “extra content”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who can sense plants’ emotions through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Contest-Winning Gourd
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Villainous Rivals
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a well-known actress, who, like Rosheuvel, comes from in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features an eccentric gardener portrayed by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the competition for glory alone as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost shines as a hippy horticulturist.
- The foes add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Filmmaking Style
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so adept it’s expected he has been cast for a major role in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail keeps a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
