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Cast: Lily Javaherpour, Bella Thorne, Zach Mills, Mira Simhan, James Morrison, Allison Brie, Randall Batinkoff, Maulik Pancholy
Raspberry Magic is a coming-of-age story about Monica Shah, a deeply intelligent and imaginative 11 year-old girl who takes a school science competition to the next level. Set within the backdrop of a beautiful forest, Monica sets out to prove that human warmth and kindness have the ability to actually make plants grow. So, when a bushel of beautiful raspberries seem to respond to her touch, Monica is convinced by the power of the human heart and its ability to connect with the world around her.
I had a felling this little comedy/drama was going to be entertaining but I didn't expect it to be this good. The story focuses on Monica, a 11 year-old who enters into her school's science competition. Monica's project is to prove that human touch and interaction with a raspberry plant will cause it to grow. Then there's the connection with raspberries and her family, she remembers happy times when the plants were plentiful around her house, when her parents got along and were not fighting as much. Lack of any consistent work for her mother and father plus home repair bills have taken their toll on their marriage and Monica believes if the raspberries begin to grow again her parents will again be happy.
Monica and her raspberry plants might seem like the story here but the real story is about the pain that comes when a family is on the verge of separating and the love that binds. While Monica struggles to prove that human interaction will help a plant flourish her sister and herself struggle as their parents are on their way to splitting up for good. Both young girls are confused and angry and just want to see their parents happy the way they use to be.
Writer/Director, Leena Pendharkar does a terrific job telling this unique little story that not only sends strong messages about family and love but it also shows the importance of our young participating in such things as science which can be both fun and educational. Leena also made sure her got a cast that would make the film work and she couldn't have picked a better group of both young and older actors to play the characters. Monica, is played by the charming Lily Javaherpour (You Don’t Mess with the Zohan) and what a joy she was to watch. But she is not alone, the film also stars Bella Thorne, who stars as CeCe Jones in the hit Disney Channel series, Shake It Up; Zach Mills, (Super 8, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium), Mira Simhan (TV’s House, Nip/Tuck); James Morrison (TV’s 24, Six Feet Under); Allison Brie (The Five-Year Engagement, TV’s Mad Men); Randall Batinkoff (Kick Ass, X Men: First Class); Maulik Pancholy (TV’s 30 Rock, Weeds). I was really impressed with all the young actors here and it made me feel good that we will be able to see this young talent mature into adult actors for years to come, things are certainly looking up when the future of film when you have this much young talent waiting in the wings to become stars.
"Raspberry Magic" is a story of drenched in family drama and turmoil but it's also at times a funny and joyful film that delivers strong and important messages. A beautiful film that captures the heart and imagination and by the time the credits begin to roll you will be left with a smile on your face that will last for days. You can order the DVD HERE.
Released by Osiris Entertainment
**** Out Of *****