When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

I thought this movie was very entertaining, in the spirit of "Stand By Me" but more life-affirming.

The movie was well cast. In particular I thought the characters of Cal and Scarlett were well portrayed.

I also enjoyed the "small town" feel. (It was filmed in Granger, Texas.)

If you read the book, the movie is a little different, (It's a modern setting, and the cafe is not in a bowling alley.) but the spirit of the book is intact.

I enjoyed getting the opportunity to view this particular film at the Paramount during the film festival. As I watched it, some aspects of the film reminded me of the movie "Stand By Me". Perhaps, I felt a connection between the portrayal of the strong relationships and endearing and poignant journeys of the three young boys in "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town" and the group of boys in "Stand By Me". Although, it was obviously adapted some from the book, (which so many films are); I felt like it was successful in capturing what to me was the most important message, Acceptance. Furthermore, the film portrayed a wide range of examples of acceptance... (acceptance of self, differences, life and death,) which not only included the primary characters, but also involved the whole town in the film. I appreciate when a film actually contains meaningful and relative lessons in life, yet remains equally entertaining at the same time. The film, "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town", is definitely one that can evoke a wide range of emotions on the viewer's part. Hopefully, it will make it to the "Big Screen" in some form or fashion, so others can get a chance to enjoy it.

I never saw WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN when I was a child because it never arrived in Italy and wasn't even aired on TV. However, as I decided to watch as many of Eric Stoltz's movies I could find, I had to watch this one even tho he plays the supporting role of the lead's father. And despite it's a family movie, I am glad that I saw this because I nearly loved it.

Toby (Jonathan Lipnicki) is a 13 year old boy that lives in Texas with his parents but one day his mom (Jane Krakowski) goes to Nashville for trying to become a singer and then is nowhere to be seen. The day after Toby and his friend Cal McKnight meet sideshow attraction Zachary Beaver known as the fattest boy in the world, that spends his time in his silver trailer with his legal guardian. Toby and Cal manage to sneak in the trailer and gradually become friends with Zachary. After various misunderstandings with Cal, Toby will manage to make Zachary escape from his trailer and get him baptized in Gossimer Lake because baptized individuals have a chance of going to heaven after their deaths, and after this Toby and Cal's friendship will be rekindled.

The acting was great by all. Lipnicki (when his days as Stuart Little's brother were over) gives a convincing performance as a young lead and Stoltz was great as usual in his few moments. However, what I loved about this movie was the message that gives about accepting the different because Toby is the first one to see that Zachary Beaver is a nice guy despite being huge. And the ending after the baptism, it came out of nowhere: Toby's dad Otto freed lots of bees and they all flew together in the sky with the background music of the 1812 overture by Tchaikovsky and everyone looks at them surprised... I mean, you just have to see it!

Overall, a forgotten family movie that should be rediscovered because of all the aforementioned reasons and let me say it, it's worth your time.

I have seen this movie every year for over five years with my 7th grade students. As an adaptation of the novel, it's both good and bad. It does follow the story, but it adds all sorts of weird things to add action. But what gets us every time is the deplorable acting of the kids.

If you are watching this just as a film to watch with the kids, you'll probably not be that impressed, but it's fine. If you're a teacher watching it with your students, expect some commentary!

1st watched 4/8/2006 - 5 out of 10 (Dir-John Schultz): OK family drama about how life changes when a traveling sideshow exhibitionist enters Granger, Texas displaying possibly the fattest boy ever, Zachary Beaver. The changes don't come because of Zachary but instead they just happened to occur when he enters town. One family breaks apart when the mother leaves to become a country singer. Another family has a member go into the Army, and Zachary's partner and legal guardian disappears. At this point, Toby from the 1st family, and Cal from the 2nd try to get to know Zachary. First as a joke and later more seriously because of their own personal losses. We get to see Toby try to grow up despite not being in the best of circumstances and as things get worse he tries to escape but obviously can't. An interesting story with inconsistent acting and direction makes for a so-so experience in what could have been a much better movie. Attempts are made to pull at our heartstrings but even Sasha Neulinger's appealing portrayal of Zachary can't help the movie from falling a little flat.