Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This upbeat British children's film boasts a team of five scribes listed with the script, including two who contributed “additional material”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities seem as though they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a homestead farm where agronomist-owner Dinah chooses organic methods after being inspired by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another over several seasons – which aligns with the time required to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie aims to utilize the award cash to find her mother, rumored to have left for pursue stardom in California.
The supporting cast is filled with delightful humorous roles from seasoned UK performers.
Star-Studded Appearances and Antagonistic Foes
The maternal figure eventually appears portrayed by a familiar face, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Additionally, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who offers advice on growing pumpkins for the duo. At the same time, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition for glory alone as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists add comedic tension as wealthy rivals.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this context, his subtle performance and humor sense are so adept it’s no surprise he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
