Let your imagination run wild.|Jan. 21, 2022|United States|102 Min.|PG
Genre: Adventure;Family
Description: “The Tiger Rising” lays out its plot and central theme right from the start, leaving little room for mystery or subtlety. Aimed primarily at younger audiences, the film, based on Kate DiCamillo’s children’s book, offers a straightforward and sometimes overly simplistic narrative. Directed by Ray Giarratana, it focuses on delivering an inspirational message, often resorting to heavy-handed storytelling. The movie follows Rob, a grieving boy, and his angry new friend Sistine, as they discover a caged tiger in the woods near their Florida motel. With the help of a kind maid named Willie May, they learn to break free from their emotional struggles.
The film emphasizes themes of overcoming personal barriers, symbolized by the caged tiger. Rob, dealing with the loss of his mother, finds solace in woodcarving, a skill passed down to him. His carvings of Sistine and Willie May come to life through his vivid imagination, adding a touch of whimsy to the story. Meanwhile, Sistine grapples with her father’s abandonment, channeling her anger into a fierce determination to escape her small-town life.
Though it carries a heartfelt message, “The Tiger Rising” may struggle to resonate with audiences beyond its intended young demographic. Its predictable plot and overtly inspirational tone make it a film that prioritizes moral lessons over nuanced storytelling.
Cast director: Ray Giarratana
Cast actor: Christian Convery, Madalen Mills, Dennis Quaid, Queen Latifah, Sam Trammell, Katharine McPhee, Angela Giarratana, Selah Kimbro Jones, Faith Dillon, Nicholas Ryan Hernandez
Original name: The Tiger Rising