The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)

71% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(9,030 ratings)

Jay Underwood plays an autistic boy who provides a source of fascination to a new family in town. Never uttering a sound, Underwood spends hours in his backyard, attempting to fly like the birds. Lucy Deakins, the daughter of the new family, befriends Underwood; she is encouraged by teacher Colleen… More Jay Underwood plays an autistic boy who provides a source of fascination to a new family in town. Never uttering a sound, Underwood spends hours in his backyard, attempting to fly like the birds. Lucy Deakins, the daughter of the new family, befriends Underwood; she is encouraged by teacher Colleen Dewhurst to try to draw the boy out of his shell, and to keep a journal on the subject. Rendered unconscious in a fall, Deakins dreams that Underwood can fly. The boy is suddenly whisked away to an institution, and Deakins despairs that she'll never see him again. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Nick Castle Jr., Nick Castle
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Aug 15, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Jul 8, 2003
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
A charming fantasy with a lot of heart.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
One of the best family films of the 80s. Lucy Deakins and Jay Underwood are delightful. A film you'll cherish forever.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
One of the hallmark films of the 1980s, full of whimsical charm.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
It's sweet, it's touching, it's occasionally pretty corny -- but I've got a soft spot for this one all the same.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A feel good movie about a teenager who cares deeply about another person and, in the process, experiences the renewal of her mind and spirit.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I really liked this movie when I was a kid, I thought it was cool, and it has Fred Savage from the Wonder Years. Now, it seems kind of silly and predictable, but it's okay.
Anthony L

A childhood favourite, it?s not really a 4 star film but it is to me!
Nani V

Aww...I remember watching this in either 4th or 5th grade.
Jason S

I like it. It's simple but it has a good story and some funny parts to help it along. And who doesn't want to fly?
Curtis L

I remember this movie from childhood. All I can think of is he's like retarded and flies out the window or something. I should probably see it again before you take this review seriously.
Dean M

A surprisingly downbeat fantasy that never really gets off the ground until its rather silly ending.
Leigh R

Well done acting.

Read all 7 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Lucy Deakins as Milly

            Jay Underwood as Eric

            Bonnie Bedelia as Charlene

            Fred Savage as Louis

            Colleen Dewhurst as Mrs. Sherman

            Louise Fletcher as Psychiatrist

            Fred Gwynne as Uncle Hugo

            Cameron Bancroft as Joe

            Michelle Bardeaux as Erin

            Mindy Cohn as Geneva

            Thomas Heaton as Dr. Nelson

            Jake as Max

            Sean Kelso as Bad Boy

            Dwight Koss as Dad

            Janet MacLachlan as Mrs. D'Gregario

            Jennifer Michas as Mona

            Terry David Mulligan as Mr. Brandt

            Betty Phillips as Institute Receptionist

            Aura Pithart as Colette

            Jason Priestley as Gary

            Meredith Bain-Woodward as Female Administrator

            Dan Zale as 2nd Attendant

            Warren Carr as Guest Coupe

            Tommy Lee Wallace as The Coupes de Villes

            Angela Gann as Mrs. Betuel

            Scott Irvine as Officer

            James E. McLarty as Tour Guide

            Tannis Rae as Ms. O'Neil

            Karen Siegel as Dr. Karen Siegel

            Raimund Stamm as 1st Attendant

            Barbara Miller
            
            John Carpenter as The Coupe De Villes
See full cast