In 1986, The Boy Who Could Fly quietly flew under the radar in cinemas, earning favorable reviews and less-than-favorable box office. From director Nick Castle (The Last Starfighter), the film surely left audiences scratching their heads. A mix of drama, comedy, and fantasy, The Boy Who Could Fly must have been a difficult film to market. I recall seeing a small write-up of the film in G.I. Joe Magazine (the reason that magazine promoted the movie becomes obvious upon viewing), but never heard anything else about it. I finally visited this film some thirty years later and while it still remains a mixed bag, it is a total blast from the 80's past.
When the Michaelson family, which includes recently widowed mom Charlene (Bonnie Bedelia), daughter Milly (Lucy Deakins), and rambunctious son Louis (Fred Savage), move into a new neighborhood, they each have trouble adjusting. Milly can't seem to fit in at school while Louis is bullied by neighborhood kids who won't let him ride his Big Wheel in peace. The kid next door, Eric (Jay Underwood) is autistic and seemingly mute. Eric is often found on the roof of his house with arms outstretched, as if preparing to fly. As the family copes with their new surroundings, a bond forms between Milly and Eric that culminates with a fantastical escape from Eric's pursuers.
The Boy Who Could Fly, as previously stated, works best as an 80's nostalgia trip. There is much about the movie that feels like an 80's time capsule, with one of the most resonant features being the heavy G.I. Joe references. Obviously product placement, but well-placed for childhood fans of the franchise. The film does boast some solid performances from the cast, who take dramatic turns in tone in stride. Oddly enough, two of the stronger performers, Lucy Deakins and Jay Underwood, didn't pursue much more acting after this film.
Anyone approaching this movie simply looking for a family drama or teen romance will likely be disappointed. For fans of 80's movies, or 80's nostalgia in general, there is a lot to like here. The Boy Who Could Fly may not be remembered as a genre classic, but it will reward nostalgia buffs with what they're looking for, a trip down the memory lane of the feel-good 80's.
