Coming of age stories deserve their own genre within film. While they’re generally considered either a drama or comedy, there are particular subclass a film that not only inspires, but sincerely will make us root for the younger dog. Troop Zero is the perfect movie for this sub-genre. A perfect coming-of-age story and a true underdog story that is heartwarming and worth watching. Let me just say, I did enjoy this movie and if you’re wondering whether you should check it out on Prime video… the answer is absolutely! Simply put, It’s the kind of feel-good story everybody needs.
The movie stars, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, Viola Davis, and McKenna Grace. It’s the story of an unconventional scout troop who competes in a contest to have their voices recorded for the Voyager 1 Space Probe before it is sent out into space in the 1977. This scout troop are misfits, the kind of kids that get overlooked, but you know are going to do great things. They’re not the kind of kids that get picked first, but as we all know it’s usually the misfits that do change the world. I won’t tell you too much about the story because I don’t want to spoil it, but here’s what I loved about it. The performances are great especially the kids. McKenna Grace has already made a name for herself as a child actor, and you know she will be a star one day… no doubt about it. She certainly holds her own with great actors like Janney, Davis, and Gaffigan. She easily lights up the screen and it’s no wonder, she was great in one of my favorite movies over the last few years, Gifted when she start with Chris Evans. The best parts of the movie are the comedic performances especially that of Jim Gaffigan who plays a lovable, but sometimes goofy southern lawyer. This movie reminds me a lot of one of my favorites in what I consider kid movies, Little Giants with Rick Moranis, about an underdog football team where the best performances come from the kids.
The story is simple and at times predictable, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. It’s easy to root for misfits and underdogs but the kids are lovable and cute. They’re performances on screen we’re certainly on full display when I had a chance to interview McKenna Grace, Milan Ray, and Charlie Shotwell. They are the heart of this movie. And even though it’s not a perfect film. It may not win any awards, it’s one of those fun family movies that he’ll never be disappointed in. I have quite a few movies that that description. Little Giants as I mentioned before. Space Camp and Flight of the Navigator too. And let’s face it, the perfect coming of age movie with misfit kids that you want to root for is Goonies. I would put this movie in the same category as some of these films. It’s a fun movie, and it might be an even better series because there certainly more stories you can tell with this scout troop. However, my criticisms are far and few. These kinds of films don’t have to win major awards to be considered great, heartwarming and funny still makes for a good movie. If you’re looking for a good family movie then check out Troop Zero…you won’t be disappointed.
