CAPTION: “The Unbreakable Boy” stars Zachary Levi and Jacob Laval. CREDIT LIONSGATE
By Dan Deming
I’ve long thought more people need to show empathy, understanding and appreciation for children and parents dealing with special needs. A movie now showing in Hutchinson that has received little local or national attention does exactly that while bringing out the hurt, love, crying and laughter sought by Scott LeRette. He wrote a book about his son Austin and how his family was torn apart but then put back together because of Austins’ battle with brittle bone disease and autism. The book came out in 2014 as an autobiography and the “Unbreakable Boy” movie was four years in the making before its’ 2025 release.
This movie will never win an Academy Award because of how the Hollywood elect act. But it features more than adequate acting, is guaranteed to touch your heart, and is based on a true story that is inspirational, highly emotional and faith-based without trying to convince audiences that turning to God and church will resolve all problems, at least on this earth.
The movie pulls no punches in focusing on Scotts’ alcoholism, which caused the family to fall apart, wife Teresas’ less open but still deep problems and their raising of Austin, played extremely well by Jacob Laval, along with his younger, steady influence brother. Austins’ unbreakable spirit dominates the film including his narration of the numerous “breaks” as his autism progresses and one of the most inspiring scenes comes as the closing credits are streamed. Screen notes are posted telling how the LeRette family has been revived and refocused in recent years.
Austin, who the film takes into his middle school years, is now 30 years old and while still struggling has become the inspiration and enlightenment that has brought the family back together. “The Unbreakable Boy” is an experience that most Midwest families are going to enjoy and appreciate. Taking kids under ten probably isn’t advisable but it is a G-rated, sometimes tear-generated life story that needs telling. It’s a movie that should be appreciated by many adults who are tired of the violence, bad language, sex and bombastic, unrealistic special effects that dominate most of today’s offerings. You’ll find it for a limited time at the Hutchinson Malls’ B and B Theaters. Dan Deming
