About Scout

"Scout" (2015 release; 90 min.) brings the story of Scout (played by India Ennenga), a 15 year old high schooler. As the movie opens, we see Scout waking up and getting ready for another day. We soon realize that Scout is pretty much responsible for taking care of her little sister Lulu, as they live her their ailing grandma (played by an unrecognizable Ellen Burstyn) and there is no sign of mom or dad. That changes, though, when no-good loser dad shows up and 'claims' Lulu. Before we know it, Scout hits the road to track down and hopefully reunite with Lulu. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: first, this movie is written and directed by Laurie Waltz, based on a story from Waltz and Ennenga herself, no less. Second, it is very clear that this movie was made on (less than) a shoes-string budget. Yet that doesn't stop Waltz from extracting commendable acting performances, none more so that Ennenga in the title role. There are a number of small roles for bigger names like Danny Glover (I guess he still does make movies!) and Jane Seymour (same comment for her!). The other lead performance comes from James Frecheville, as the troubled teenager with whom Scout connects on the fly (and these two clearly have a good screen chemistry).

I recently caught this movie during a return transatlantic flight on Virgin Atlantic. The selection of movies was okay but not great (as compared to the flight over on Delta). I had never heard of this movie (turns out this has been sitting on the shelves for almost 2 years), but in the end I liked its free spirit and can-do attitude. If you like indie movies, I'd readily recommend you check this out, be it on VOD or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray.

Looks like I'm in disagreement with the other reviewers so far on the site, as I found this indie rang false with me pretty much from start to finish. India Ennenga and James Frecheville have good screen presence in their lead roles here, and there are some endearing moments along the way.

However, to me, I just thought the plot elements were absurd, the dialogue weak, the characters surfacy, and the movie just left me with a pervasive sadness and hollow feeling. There are plenty of name actors in supporting roles in the film, but they can only do so much with the stilted and lifeless script.

Overall, I just couldn't buy into what this indie was "selling", although I see the movie struck others quite differently.

A sweet little flick with likable characters! And some big names - Danny Glover, Ellen Burstyn, Nikki Reed and Jane Seymour. This is more a story of a young independent minded girl full of courage; and not rebellion as the description claims.

Here's the setup - Scout & Lulu are sisters with quite a few years difference in their age. Scout is a teenager and Lulu is still a very young child and both live with their sickly grandmother. Scout & Lulu are very close. Their carnie ne'er-do-well father shows up one day and takes Lulu away with him. In the meantime Scout has befriended an emotionally damaged young man who is a resident in a very posh psychiatric hospital and dealing with his suicidal thoughts. These two decide to go on the road to get Lulu away from the father.

This is a fine road movie with mostly unbelievable characters but the performances by the actors bring these characters to life which makes for a good story and a nice movie. Of course there is sorrow, loss and happiness along the way. It's well worth watching for light entertainment!

This is a charming 'Road Movie' about a girl trying to keep her 'family' together. Great performances by Onata Aprile and India Ennega. Danny Glover was strong as a supporting actor as was Ellen Burstyn, Nikki Reed and Jane Seymour. India Ennega's star role as Scout takes her through situations most teen actors could not embody. She breaks the law in the desperate need to 're-claim' her sister. She is bold and determined but still shows a vulnerable side to her character. Young Onata Aprile is also amazing as Scout's young sister. Danny Glover plays a believable 'bounty-hunter with a true heart of gold. Jane Seymour in a role as a not so nice mother was a the first time I can remember that she doesn't play a perfectly nice person. This movie is a delightful exploration into human behavior.

I would have given this 6 stars, but felt I needed to rate it higher than that, in order to make up for two ridiculously low votes this film received. I am glad I watched this film because the subject matter is serious, yet it doesn't drag us through the seriousness of the situation - - how two "throw away" kids in a dysfunctional family, in a dysfunctional universe, have learned to cope against all odds.

I enjoyed watching the writer/actress India. She has a strong screen presence and I will look for more from her in the future. Her character, Scout, is brave and clever. And even though so many people in her life have betrayed her and let her down, she still has the discernment to be able to trust someone who is emotionally handicapped, but with good reason.

I enjoyed seeing Scout and Sam connect, in a series of scenes that showed the progression of trust and care between the two of them. And I appreciated that friendship was the core of their connection. To have one friend in this life who truly cares about you and whom you can truly trust to look out for your well being -- well, that trumps just about anything the world can throw at you.

In ABOUT SCOUT, a serious subject has been handled with enough truth to make it believable, enough heart to make it endearing, and enough hope to make it inspirational. Yep -- definitely worth watching.