Disconnect - A Relevant Movie - A High Recommendation

Studying this definition, a thought occurred to me;  To disconnect implies we are already connected to something or someone in the first place. I understand this definition is literal - we really are connected to the telephone, to the computer, to the headset.  The problem with the"cyber world" we all live in is that we are NOT connected to those we encounter on the other "side". We may hope we are - we may truly believe with all our hearts that we are.  But the sad truth is, there are many, many lonely people - adults and children alike, who are making life and death choices with every click; without really knowing who is on the receiving end.  The families who love and care about them may never know this loneliness until it is too late.

 

Disconnect is a movie I couldn't wait to see.  The trailer had just enough Creep Factor to intrigue me; just enough of a Soundtrack  to send me running for the first tickets I found on Groupon.  The summary is this:  

•  A hotshot attorney, played by the gorgeous Jason Bateman, is a Dad we have all come to love and hate at the same time - so busy trying to support his family that he tends to forget he even has one.  He and his wife are raising a daughter who dines at the cool kids table, and a son  who is seemingly invisible to everyone else.
• A young couple working their way through a tragedy who find themselves turning to people they meet online instead of turning to each other.
• A widowed ex-cop trying to raise a mischievous son, while trying to be his friend.
• And a sexy young journalist chasing a story that will make or break her career - finds herself  way too entangled with the young runaway she befriends.

The film is written in the style of 2004's Crash; all the characters are strangers until their stories collide in a "hold your breath" ending.

My heart broke for Ben Boyd (played skillfully by Jonah Bobo). I had watched the trailer over and over again - and based on this characters appearance in the trailer - thought I had him all figured out.  Sounds about right in today's world, doesn't it?  We are so quick to judge children by the protective garb they wear on the outside without getting to know their heart.  Their souls.

At the end of the movie, I thought more about connecting, than disconnecting.  A thought provoking movie for sure - one I recommend to every parent - every brother, every sister, every friend.