The Kids Grow Up

A child leaving for college is a time for reflection in families. In the case of Lucy Block, her filmmaker father, Doug, here exposes his reflections as he interweaves talks with the present-day Lucy about living independently away at college with footage of her since she was a toddler. He shares with his wife, father, other relatives, and friends his feelings about Lucy growing up and moving away. There are awkward moments when Lucy rebels about being filmed, but she always relents. Bonus material includes outtakes and director commentary. While at times Block (51 Birch Street) comes across as self-absorbed in his separation anxiety, nonetheless, the film does well in highlighting how life's rites of passage affect families and, in Block's case, the poignant relationship among a father, a daughter, and a camera. This film will resonate with and is recommended viewing for all fathers afraid of losing their little girls.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA