It's hard to know exactly what films will affect you indelibly, forever altering the way you look not only at cinema itself, but the world. For those who fall hard for the allure of the projected image at an early age, the works that provide that fateful push can range from respectable (I, like many others, first went gaga after seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark) to really odd (I actually know some friends of mine who flipped for Short Circuit; to each their own, I say). So what's to stop some impressionable youngsters from having their minds blown by the Sly Stallone epic Rambo: First Blood?

It's that simple premise upon which writer/director Garth Jennings builds the foundation of Son of Rambow, an altogether sweet, wistful and amusing coming-of-age dramedy that slipped barely noticed through the nation's multiplexes. Hopefully, the filmmakers take some measure of pride (with a hefty does of irony) that it's on DVD where their work will have its greatest impact.

Bill Milner stars as Will Proudfoot, a sheltered young lad whose father died when he was barely able to comprehend it, leaving him with his mother Mary (Jessica Stevenson, of "Spaced" fame) and sister Jess (Tallulah Evans). The Proudfoots (Proudfeet?) are an intensely religious clan, part of a lesser-known sect that seems like a hybrid between Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses -- at any rate, the family's beliefs prevent Will from partaking in such things as TV or movies. Not so for Lee Carter (Will Poulter), a trouble-making classmate of Will's who has secret aspirations of filmmaking.

Will and Lee join forces (after a rocky start) to make a loose adaptation of Rambo: First Blood, informed by their respective imaginations -- think Chris Strompolis, Jayson Lamb and Eric Zala's much touted shot-for-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark -- and healthy doses of gumption. Toss in a handful of French foreign exchange students, led by the ineffably cool Didier Revol (Jules Sitruk), flying dogs, murderous scarecrows and Will's possible excommunication and you've got Son of Rambow.

If that synopsis sounds as though Rambow is a little pell-mell, it can be at times, but in truth, that boundless exuberance seems to fit, reflecting the frantic energy of its lead characters. Jennings expertly captures a moment in time -- the early Eighties -- as well as the budding friendship between two pre-teen boys absolutely drunk on the possibilities of make-believe.

The cast acquits themselves well, with Milner and Poulter doing much of the heavy lifting. While there are moments where credibility is strained -- not in the narrative, mind you, just the boys' relationship -- the fine acting from both young men carries the film over its few rough patches. Their unforced, genuine chemistry is, in many ways, reminiscent of the children in Danny Boyle's Millions.

Son of Rambow is a sly, touching and altogether fanciful piece of work that marks a distinct shift from Jennings and producer Nick Goldsmith's previous film, the adaptation of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," but one that suggests they're far more comfortable relating human stories such as these, rather than galactic epics.

The Video:

Presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, this anamorphic widescreen transfer sparkles throughout, handling the shifts between slick, 35 mm compositions and jittery, hand-held videotape. The cuts between film stocks are never jarring and aside from the inherent flaws in the video, there's little to complain about. An all-around great image.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track gets a few instances to show off -- during the handful of action sequences -- but is mostly relegated to conveying dialogue cleanly and clearly, with no discernible distortion or dropout. A very smooth, immersive aural representation. An optional Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track is included, as are optional English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Jennings, along with producer Nick Goldsmith (the pair who comprise Hammer & Tongs), Milner and Poulter sit for a commentary track that, almost immediately, is diagnosed as not a "high-minded track," which is a cheeky way of suggesting that nothing of much importance will be discussed. But the track is, like the best commentaries, a chance to feel like you're watching the film with the cast and crew, rather than being subjected to inane observations and blustery insights. A great listen. The 26 minute, three second featurette "Boys Will Be Boys: The Making of Son of Rambow" (presented in anamorphic widescreen) has much of the same feel -- and indeed, all four commentary participants turn up. Son of Rambow's origins are revealed with the inclusion of Jennings' 1986 short film "Aron, Part I," which runs 10 minutes, 47 seconds and is presented in fullscreen (appropriately, it was shot on video). The Son of Rambow Web site winner's five minute short film (presented in fullscreen) is included and trailers for Shine a Light, Drillbit Taylor, American Teen, The Love Guru and The Duchess complete the disc.

Son of Rambow is a sly, touching and altogether fanciful piece of work that marks a distinct shift from Jennings and producer Nick Goldsmith's previous film, the adaptation of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," but one that suggests they're far more comfortable relating human stories such as these, rather than galactic epics. Recommended.