WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
The relationship between father and son. It could be argued that this is one of the most important aspects in a young boy’s life especially, to have that firm but stable hand and voice of authority present as part of growing up. But, when circumstances occur that shake up that bond, how it’s handled becomes even more vital. Take the situation we find with Jason (Timothy J. Cox), recently windowed, and having the desire to take a new try at love. However, Jason’s other responsibility, his young son Frankie (Joseph Di Stefano), is one priority he’s had a delicate and tenuous hold upon.
Wanting someone to not just engage with, but to also offer support in getting over the loss of his mother, Frankie makes his attempts to re-connect with his father via asking to play games or otherwise just spend time with him. Jason, though, is still set on discovering a new relationship, and hence often puts aside or delays spending this needed time with Frankie. Finally having opportunity to do this, Jason gets drawn into a fantasy adventure Frankie has cooked up, much to his ultimate disinterest.
A later situation occurs when Jason takes Frankie with him on a date to the movies with new interest Kaitlin (Monica Servellon), whose less than enthused about it, moreso when she begins indicating kids are not a favorite or even wanted element in a relationship. So, with Frankie also exasperating the situation, Jason comes to a realization of where his precedence should reside.
Next, my Mind:
Echoing similar thematic elements from the beloved classic “Sleepless In Seattle” while infusing the overall narrative with a deep sense of mild humor plus lessons in family dynamics and what’s truly important in life, writer/director April Schroer’s ode to the challenges of single parenthood carries some solid dramatic weight underneath its smoothly executed and well-acted veneer. Even without having actually experienced the scenario presented, Schroer’s words very much take in the viewer to the extent that one could honestly see the validity in both lead character’s actions, one wanting a return to a more innocent childhood life and normalcy while the other is now longing again for that warmth of human love and connection.
Actor Timothy J. Cox continues his amazing run of quality short films with “Sky’s The Limit” via his lead role as Jason, providing the straightforward and genuine depiction of a man hurting from loss, trying to rediscover love, all while also attempting not to lose the love and connection with his son. Through both frustrating and enlightening moments Jason experiences, it is hard to ever doubt Cox’s intent and portrayal. Di Stefano certainly has several scenes that both steal the show and also place the more deep-seeded message of the film on full display as Frankie, a boy whose only interest is to spend time being a kid with his father, which we see is easier said than done, and hence is what makes sequences like the movie theater all the more potent.
Add the comically disturbing supporting appearance by Servellon as a rather prickly and perhaps not so age-appropriate Kaitlin, and a somewhat enigmatic turn by Ryan Moore as The Sky King, the film’s overall aspirations are made complete. In summary, “Sky’s The Limit” serves up a satisfying slice of indie short film delight while continuing to illustrate the genre’s very consistent delivery of stories that are simply human.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
