Small Time

Small Time is a heartwarming and emotional movie that takes us on a journey through the life of Freddy Klein (played by Devon Bostick), a 15-year-old boy who lives with his father Al (played by Christopher Meloni) and helps him run a used car dealership in their small town. The movie is directed and co-written by Joel Surnow, who is well-known for his work on the hit TV show 24.

The story begins with Freddy struggling to find his place in the world. He doesn't fit in with the popular kids at school and is constantly getting into trouble. He also has a strained relationship with his father, who is more interested in making a quick buck than spending quality time with his son.

However, things start to change for Freddy when he meets Joey (played by Dean Norris), a local mechanic who used to work for Al but was fired for stealing from him. Joey takes a liking to Freddy and takes him under his wing, teaching him about cars and giving him the fatherly attention he craves.

At the same time, Freddy starts to develop a crush on Becca (played by Bridget Moynahan), a girl from school who works at the local diner. Despite his awkwardness, he manages to pluck up the courage to ask her out and they begin a tentative relationship.

As Freddy's world begins to expand, he starts to see his father in a new light. He realizes that Al's tough love and focus on making money are driven by his desire to provide for his family and give them a better life. Freddy's newfound empathy for his father is put to the test, however, when he discovers that Al has been lying to him about the true nature of his business.

Small Time is a well-crafted movie that blends elements of drama, comedy, and romance to create a poignant coming-of-age story. The performances from the cast are strong, with Bostick delivering a standout turn as the troubled but endearing Freddy.

One of the movie's strengths is its portrayal of the relationship between father and son. Al is a flawed character who makes mistakes, but Meloni imbues him with a deep sense of love and protectiveness towards his son. Freddy, in turn, is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who struggles to reconcile his own desires with his loyalty to his family.

The movie is also highly effective at capturing the atmosphere of small-town America. The setting of the used car dealership and the quirky cast of characters who work there give the film a distinct sense of place, while the cinematography and soundtrack help to evoke the mood of a lazy summer in a rural community.

Overall, Small Time is a charming and well-executed movie that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. It offers a poignant and nuanced exploration of family, love, and growing up, and is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking to tell meaningful stories.