Grow Review – A Polished Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent
This lively British children's film features five different writers credited with the script, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the narrative rhythm progress with clockwork accuracy, and the characters feel as if they were developed in a controlled environment. Paradoxically, the backdrop is a family-run farm where farm-owner Dinah, an agronomist chooses organic methods motivated by her magical niece Charlie, who feels the feelings of plants through touch.
A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin
Recently introduced, for reasons the otherwise polished script fails to explain, Dinah and Charlie get to know each other across a few seasons – which aligns with the duration needed to cultivate a pumpkin for the annual village competition. Charlie aims to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have left for pursue stardom in the US.
The ensemble cast is filled with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors.
Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals
The mother character eventually appears played by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, comes from in popular series. Additionally, the cast includes a quirky horticulturist portrayed by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. At the same time, Tim McInnerny and Jane Horrocks play the Smythe-Gherkins, the evil local elites set on winning the competition purely for prestige since they don’t need the monetary reward.
- Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist.
- The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals.
- The youthful Dominic McLaughlin stars as Charlie’s pal Oliver.
Youthful Talent and Directorial Flair
Though his Scottish accent appears a bit random in this context, his dry underplaying and comic timing are so adept it’s expected he was chosen for a leading part in an upcoming series. Director John McPhail maintains a lighthearted humorous vibe and doesn’t interfere with what is meant to serve as pre-bedtime entertainment for a specific seasonal period.
