The Black Balloon

Name: The Black Balloon
Genre: Drama
Released: December 5, 2008
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Luke Ford, Rhys Wakefield, Toni Collette

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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The Black Balloon

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Movie Details & Credits

NeoClassics Films | Release Date: December 5, 2008 | PG-13

Starring: Luke Ford, Rhys Wakefield, Toni Collette

Summary: When Thomas and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother has to take things easy, his father Simon puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie. Thomas, with the help of his new girlfriend Jackie, faces his biggest challenge yet. Charlie's unusualWhen Thomas and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother has to take things easy, his father Simon puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie. Thomas, with the help of his new girlfriend Jackie, faces his biggest challenge yet. Charlie's unusual antics take Thomas on an emotional journey that causes his pent-up frustrations about his brother to pour out - in a story that is funny, confronting, and ultimately heart-warming. (NeoClassics Films Ltd)… Expand

Director: Elissa Down

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 97 min

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Critic Reviews

Sheri Linden

For the most part, this unblinking family drama packs a visceral punch. Thomas' journey toward acceptance is blessedly free of noble lessons and filled with real people. Read full review

Kimberley Jones

Funny and fierce and deeply moving. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

Doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties faced by this family, but this small gem has a very satisfying ending. Read full review

Scott Foundas

Within its resolutely mainstream parameters, The Black Balloon courses with a firsthand feel for languorous Aussie summers, the shifting scales of love and hate in sibling relationships, and the earned wit that helps families cope with difficult situations. Read full review

Megan Lehmann

Much has been made of supermodel Gemma Ward's doll-like features, but there's nothing plastic about her debut performance in the charming Australian indie The Black Balloon. Read full review

Russell Edwards

Collette acts as an anchor for the ensemble, but the young leads credibly hold their own onscreen. Read full review

Andrea Gronvall

Cringe-inducing when it's not cliched, this brassy, vulgar 2008 comedy from Australia mines mental disabilities for laughs. Read full review

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