IMDb.com
By Keith Walther
Once again, Angel Studios brings audiences a meaningful story that could end up being their biggest financial success to date. “Sketch” is a family-oriented movie that combines the imagination and power of art with a heartfelt, soulful message that will connect with audiences of all ages. Fine storytelling with an adventurous spirit is sure to put smiles on audiences’ faces.
As a widowed father of two, Taylor Wyatt (Tony Hale) has had his share of struggles coping with the loss of his wife while trying to raise his young children, Amber (Bianca Belle) and Jack (Kue Lawrence). The kids are also processing grief in their own way, which has led to trouble at school for Amber. Her outlet has been drawing in her sketchbook an assortment of violent monstrosities that have solicited concern from the school.
When Amber’s collection of art inadvertently falls into a magical pond by their house, all her drawings come to life, wreaking havoc on the town. While the kids try to find a way to eliminate these imaginative creatures, their father races to find them, battling these monsters along the way. The family must come together and face their truth if they hope to defeat these nightmarish beasts.
“Sketch” is the feature film debut for writer/director Seth Worley, who crafts an imaginative, spirited story fit for the whole family. He achieves the right amount of balance between dark, grieving undertones and a fantastical sense of adventure that will captivate children while still holding adults’ interest. Worley does an outstanding job of portraying familial grief from the loss of a parent/spouse and how everyone processes that grief differently, but he buoys the mood with childlike imagination, incorporating these magical creatures that truly look like a child’s drawings. He even brings in a good sense of humor to further lighten an otherwise gloomy subject.
The visual effects are surprisingly intricate, showing these sketched monsters in the form of the drawing instrument used, whether it was crayon, chalk, or marker. The cinematography is equally up to the task, harnessing some good suspense that holds viewer attention. In this way, Worley is able to tap into the horror genre a little bit, almost fashioning an introductory horror film for kids, kind of like “Goosebumps,” but with a much deeper, more evocative storyline.
For those unfamiliar with the comedic acting talents of Tony Hale, go check out TV’s “Arrested Development” and “Veep,” for which he won two Primetime Emmys. This is an accomplished veteran actor who gets to show some versatility in this role as the grieving widower struggling to understand how to connect and help his children. He adeptly brings humor to an otherwise serious role through sarcasm and deadpan delivery, but he also shows a sadness in his eyes that will pull on viewers’ heartstrings. This is a well-rounded, enjoyable performance that underscores his ability to bring more than just comedy to his roles.
The challenge with making a memorable family film is finding child actors who have enough talent to convincingly play their roles, but they find some good ones and Worley helps bring out their best. Bianca Belle is a young actress who turned some heads in her breakout role in TV’s “Sweet Magnolias.” Here, she has a starring role with added responsibility, and she rises to the challenge. Her sullen, reclusive portrayal as the grief-stricken daughter, whose only outlet is putting her feelings in her art, draws empathy from the audience. Then there’s Kue Lawrence, who plays her brother, and adeptly puts on a façade of normalcy, burying and avoiding his grief for the sake of his family. Finally, Kalon Cox makes his feature film debut as the sibling’s eccentric friend, providing some comic relief of his own with his rambunctious, energetic nature.
This is the kind of family film that last year’s “Harold and the Purple Crayon” wished it could be with an adventurous storyline of creativity and purposeful depth. “Sketch” is easily one of the best films this year in this genre. Bring your kids or just bring yourself if you don’t have kids and enjoy it on the big screen, it’s a movie for everyone that promises entertainment and meaning.
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