Since the central character is a 12-year-old boy, you might think this film is aimed at kids, but the subject (while appropriate and timely) is approached as an adult experience. Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong play the parents of a feisty 6^th grader (Banks Repeta) in 80s Queens. His dreams of being an artist are challenged by his working class family’s values and unfriendly school experiences. His main solace is his grandfather (Anthony Hopkins), who offers him life lessons, especially dealing with their own Jewish heritage and coping with conflict, sometimes around race. Repeta creates a charming, spirited character and the rest of the cast is strong. Writer/director James Gray has revisited his own youth in this understated, mildly sweet and easily forgettable drama about morality and family. (3 / 5)

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