DVD - Twelve and Holding

Source: The List (Issue 573)
Date: 11 April 2007
Written by: Brian Donaldson

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Twelve and Holding

(15) 95min (Lionsgate DVD rental/retail)

COMING OF AGE DRAMA

When a prank goes horribly wrong with one boy being burned alive in a tree house, his closest allies cope with the loss in their own ways. The dead lad’s brother Jacob, born with a massive birthmark, goes on a mission to make the incarcerated prankster’s life hell; the obese Leonard tries to shed the pounds and take his large mum with him; and Malee, a therapist’s daughter, fixates on an unbalanced ex-firefighter.

This moving pre-teen drama is only spoiled by an over-emphasis on elemental symbolism (mainly fire, but also gas and water), and some glaring flaws in its storyline. But with impressive performances from its young leads, and a lack of fear in tackling some tough issues, Twelve and Holding makes its impact count. No extras.

More: Coming-of-Age, Twelve and Holding, Reviews (Film), Drama (Film), DVD (Film)

Last updated: 5 Jul 2007 14:08 BST