4 out of 5 Stars
Directors: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Starring: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie and Mary Lynn Rajskub
Category: U.S. Dramatic
Recommended to: Those looking for a different kind of the coming-of-age drama.

Since his mothers death the divide between teenager Joe and his father Frank has grown to the point that the only remedy that Joe can find for the situation is to leave. So when Joe finds the perfect spot to build a house in the middle of the forest he convinces his best friend, Patrick, and the social misfit known as Biaggio to run away with him. Theyre woefully unprepared to survive on their own, but teenage anarchy has its own benefits.

Toys House is a wildly entertaining and hilarious ride that celebrates what it is to be young, idealistic, shortsighted and tremendously nave. Moises Arias performance as Biaggio is a scene-stealing Sundance classic (Hot Topic can start printing the t-shirts now), but it is the combination of Gabriel Bassos well-meaning Patrick and Nick Robinsons brooding turn as Joe that make the film something special. Not that any of this would have been possible if it wasnt for Chris Gallettas inspired script and director Jordan Vogt-Roberts and cinematographer Ross Rieges ability capture what it is to be young in such a pure and wonderful way.

-Ryan Michael Painter

(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcast Group)