CLOUDS – A Review by John Strange
No one provided me with a free copy of the Digital HD I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.
Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus) is a seventeen-year-old cancer survivor in his senior year of high school. As if that isn’t enough burden for one to shoulder, this gifted young man finds out that his cancer has returned when he is forced to make a side-trip to the hospital on his way to the first date with the girl of his dreams (sadly, she thinks he stood her up). The cancer is stage 4, terminal.
But this young man has a strong will and a stronger family backing him. Opting out of more chemo, he is determined to take his new girlfriend to the senior prom before the cancer wins.
Zach is a talented singer/guitar player. His best friend since childhood, Sammy Brown (Sabrina Carpenter), also sings and writes songs. The two write one together they call “Clouds”. They post the video to YouTube. It goes viral which brings them to the nation’s attention.
This film is a heartbreaker due to Zach’s fate but it’s also a heart warmer thanks to his iron will and amazing attitude. The supporting cast includes Neve Campbell (Zach’s mom, Laura), Tom Everett Scott (Zach’s father, Rob), Madison Iseman (Zach’s girlfriend, Amy), and Jason Mraz (as himself). They are amazing.
The music in this film is excellent. The story was written by Casey La Scala, Patrick Kopka, and Kara Holden. Kara Holden is also the screenwriter. Clouds is taken from the book “Fly a Little Higher” by Laura Sobiech (yes, Zach’s real mom).
This is a great reason to subscribe to Disney+. Clouds is a 5-star film, but please, remember to have that box of tissues at your side as you watch it.
Director: Justin Baldoni
Cast: Fin Argus, Neve Campbell, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Iseman, Tom Everett Scott, Lil Rel Howery, Summer H. Howell, Vivien Endicott Douglas, Dylan Everett, Jason Mraz
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for brief strong language)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 121 Min.
Movie Site: Clouds on Disney Plus
Trailer: CLOUDS (2020) Official Trailer – Disney+
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
