Sadie Turns Seven

This film is a breathe of fresh air. The story is very simple but completely engaging. Todd Tinkham really takes in the atmosphere at the beach, so much so that I feel like I was there. He's patient in revealing the story without being too slow. He lets the audience take it in and relax. There wasn't more dialogue than was necessary. And the visual elements were so strong you would understand the whole film even with the sound turned down.

Sadie Zimet was just adorable as Sadie. I think sometimes children in films can be pushed at us too much that their cuteness is forced, but this isn't the case with Sadie. She was naturally cute with a strong presence to drive the film.