Reel Fun Film Festival Presents: Labou
Dog and Rooster Productions/Lubu Productions
Directed by: Greg Aronowitz
Principal Actors: Bryan James Kitto, Darnell Hamilton, Merissa Cuevas, Chris Violette, Kelson Henderson, Earl Scioneaux, Barnie Duncan
Date of Showing: March 2, 2008
Genre: Family/Adventure
Length: 95 mins.
Rated: G
http://www.labouthemovie.com/

3 Stars

Reviewed By: Breanne Cursley

Delightful, cute and appealing, Labou is a movie for the whole family to watch together.  Friendship and humour are just two of the things found on this adventurous romp of a movie, something kids everywhere can take delight in.     

Labou is the story of three kids; Todd (Bryan James Kitto), Gavin (Darnell Hamilton), and Emily (Merissa Cuevas), who go get lost in the Louisiana Bayou while looking for treasure.  And not just any treasure, but the long lost treasure of the pirate Captain LeRouge, which has been lost for two hundred years.  As the movie progresses they encounter many different obstacles; the discovery of the endangered Labou species, an evil father-son duo who are determined to rip down the bayou in search of oil, and soon their adventure becomes much more than searching for the lost treasure. 

This film was charming, and it certainly had a lot of heart to it.  Bryan James Kitto, Darnell Hamilton, and Merissa Cuevas really stole the show, playing the three children who get lost while looking for treasure.  They all played very good parts, and seemed truly dedicated to getting their characters just right.     

One thing that brought Labou down was the somewhat disorganized plot.  I found that it kind of flitted from one sub-plot to another, and there wasn't exactly one strong central plot line to concentrate on.

Labou is a heart-warming film with a genuine feel to it, even if the plot has some shortcomings.  It would be a great movie to see with the little one in your life, it is sure to be something they would enjoy.