Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Filled with Perky Charm and Comedic Talent
This upbeat British children's film features five different writers listed with the script, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm unfold with clockwork accuracy, while the personalities feel as if they were developed hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who feels plants’ emotions by touching them.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which coincides with the duration needed to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie hopes to utilize the award cash to find her mother, said to have run off to become a movie star in California.
The supporting cast is packed with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Antagonistic Foes
The mother character later emerges portrayed by a familiar face, who, like Rosheuvel, has a background in hit shows. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides pumpkin-growing tips for the duo. Meanwhile, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks depict the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the contest for glory alone as they lack need for the cash prize.
- Nick Frost excels in the role of a bohemian gardener.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as affluent competitors.
- Young Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Young Actor's Skill and Filmmaking Style
While his Scottish tone appears a bit random in this context, his subtle performance and comic timing are so skillful it’s expected he was chosen for a leading part in a future show. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is destined to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.
