ReelBob: ‘Mighty Oak’ ★★★★

By Bob Bloom

“Mighty Oak” is a gentle story about shattered dreams, second chances, fate and faith.

The movie, directed by Sean McNamara, also tests your belief in the concept of reincarnation.

Gina Jackson (Janel Parrish) manages the rock band Army of Love, whose leader-frontman is her brother, Vaughn. When Vaughn is killed in a car accident, Gina’s world collapses.

For 10 years she is simply sleepwalking through life, spending her time grieving and gambling.

Her life changes though, when Pedro (Carlos PenaVega), a former band member and Gina’s one-time boyfriend, contacts her to tell her that their friend, DB (Rodney Hicks), has given Vaughn’s guitar to Oak Scoggins (Tommy Ragen), a 10-year-old prodigy.

The angry Gina is later mollified after hearing Oak play some of Army of Love’s songs, which he taught himself by watching videos of Vaughn and the band.

Listening to Oak gives Gina the idea of managing and resurrecting the band with Oak as the frontman. At first, the other band members, drummer Darby (Ben Milliken) and bass guitarist Alex (Nana Ghana), are skeptical — until they watch Oak play and sing.

Gina not only sees Oak as a lifeline to rekindle her life, but, because of a series of events and observations of Oak, she begins to believe that he is the reincarnation of her brother.

As far out as that may sound, McNamara and writer Matt Allen keep the story grounded. No supernatural events occur, while the filmmakers use Pedro as the audience’s voice for the skepticism viewers may be feeling.

Also, “Mighty Oak” is so sincere and warm that you simply accept the premise because, subconsciously, you may believe Oak is the second coming of Vaughn.

The sweet and natural performance by young Ragen as Oak is the film’s driving force. Neither in his performing nor his dialogue does he hit a false note. He acts like a little boy thrown into a world of adults — excited, happy and a bit dazed and confused.

Ragen’s quiet self-assurance keeps you focused on him and his world — which happens to be dark. He lives with his single mother, a drug-addicted Army veteran, whom he tenderly cares for.

Parrish’s performance is more complex. She is torn, first viewing Oak as her return to the music world. Then — as she begins to seriously consider that he is inhabited by her brother’s spirit — becoming more possessive and protective of Oak.

She eventually becomes obsessed with the reincarnation possibility, but it only makes her more caring of the young boy.

Despite some clichés, “Mighty Oak” is a tender, positive and empathetic feature that will touch your heart. And the music is a bonus that helps elevate the film.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

MIGHTY OAK 4 stars out of 5 (PG-13), substance abuse, language, disturbing accident images, suggestive comments