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» » The Flyboys (2008)

Short summary

Two kids from a small town accidentally stow away aboard an airplane owned by the mob.

Although filmed in Utah and Nevada, the film is set in Arizona: the cars have Arizona license plates (at 01:32:08, 10:50, 21:31, 45:21, 01:18:49 and 01:27:32 in 99 minute version) and the boys land on Highway 89 near Cooper, Arizona (in newspaper at 01:29:46 in 99 minute version).

Four actors (Jesse James, Reiley McClendon, Garret Sato and Tom Sizemore) also starred in Перл Харбор (2001).

At one point, J. Todd Adams was forced to put down his gun prop by the town's law enforcement. The production team explained and he was soon allowed to continue.

Released in early 2009 on DVD as 'Sky Kids' in Europe. Despite being a US film, the release on DVD there is scheduled for summer 2010.

The final film of Harrison Young.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: terostr
    "What's wrong with Hollywood?" you say? Well, for one, there's no one there who recognized the genius in this film, released as "The Flyboys," rather than "Sky Kids," the original title. And let me clear the air right away by letting you know that I am in no way involved with this film and I don't know anyone who was. I just saw it at the Garden State Film Festival, where it won the top prize, as I believe it has at every other festival where it appeared. As someone else mentioned, the audience was cheering and applauding throughout the movie. How often does that happen when you go to a movie down at the Cineplex? The filmmakers did a beautiful job of capturing the excitement of the adventure while still maintaining the humanity and innocence of the two boys, played perfectly by Jesse James and Reilly McClendon. Yes, there's a hint of sappiness here and there, especially at the ending, but WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT? And while there may be a few elements too rough for the youngest viewers, this is still a great film for the whole family. I only wish that Hollywood would wake up to the fact that people really enjoy this type of movie. Until they do, I guess we'll just have to settle for "Snakes on A Plane 2."
  • comment
    • Author: Āłł_Ÿøūrš
    I saw this movie at the Riverside Film Festival and was shocked to find out it has not been released nationwide because it was not picked up by the big studios for distribution. They (the Hollywood types) are so out of touch as far as knowing what the average movie-goer is looking for - they made a big mistake passing on this movie. It's a wonderful film and had a little of everything (with the exception of graphic violence and sex!)- action, suspense, romance, intrigue, etc. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, clapping, and enjoying the roller-coaster ride of emotions to the very end. It's definitely a must-see for every age group.
  • comment
    • Author: deadly claw
    What an absolutely wonderful entertaining movie. Thisis a great movie for the whole family and very wonderful characters in it. What is wrong with the Hollywood people whom were not interested in this movie. I guess they are after all the digitally mastered movies that capture the awe of people. You can't get much better than this movie with all stunts and no digital generation. I rather enjoy all live stunts and no animation. The characters in this were down to earth and you could just absorb the boys as if they were your own.I saw it at the Atlanta Film Festival and hope that it gets a nationwide release eventually. What a great director. My hat's off to you.
  • comment
    • Author: Ginaun
    I just stumbled across this little gem on an on-line movie web-site and all I can say is WOW! It's been a while since I've seen a film done this well and how refreshing considering the garbage that they consider films nowadays. The acting outstanding, especially the boys, cast wonderful, plot awesome...it has everything and to top that, the heroes are kids. A great adventure for the whole family...adults and kids alike... it's got everything you'd want in a great story, lots of riveting action, drama, a little comedy and lessons to be learned about true friendship, loyalty and courage. The movie was REAL.. I found myself rooting for the two young heroes immediately and readily drawn into their adventure and wondering all the time what was going to happen next as in any good story and at the credits, I wanted to stand up and cheer...great work guys...this one is a WINNER!
  • comment
    • Author: Virtual
    This movie was one of the best films I have seen in a long time! My kids loved it! It was nice to see a film that actually has a message as well as an adventure!

    There are a lot of plot empty movies out there! More like crappy ones with not point! This is not one of them! It has something for everyone in it.

    I saw this in the Sedona Film Festival and plan on going to it this week in the Phoenix Film Festival!

    I am taking my kids and some of our friends and family! I can't wait to cry, laugh, and enjoy the ride this movie takes you on again! I recommend everyone go see it.
  • comment
    • Author: Fonceiah
    I saw this film Friday night, April 4, 2008 at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, and was captivated from the moment it started. "The Flyboys" is a terrific story with well-written dialogue. All the actors turned in believable performances: You wanted to see what their characters would do. The stunt work is phenomenal, and genuine (no gimmicks); so, too, is the camera work. The musical score is good (not over-powering). That commercial Hollywood passed on this film proposal is a telling commentary of just how out-of-touch the studio system is with what middle-class America will pay to see in a movie theater as part of a night out for the whole family.
  • comment
    • Author: Lestony
    I saw this film at the Omaha Film Festival where it just won the jury prize for best film and the audience choice award for best film. This film is amazing--a real surprise! This is one of those films that I would have watched 100 times over the summer when I was a kid. Everything about it worked--the performances of the two lead kids, career-making performances from both Stephen Baldwin and Tom Sizemore, great aerial photography and stunt work, an amazing score, etc. There are scenes with both a bully and another with the bully's brother that are awesome. I very rarely get this enthusiastic about a film anymore, but just can't say enough good things about it. Great job, Rocco! I wish you great success and can't wait to see your next film!
  • comment
    • Author: KiddenDan
    This movie is powerful on many levels...the character development, the plot, the acting, the special effects, the scenery, the music...it is uplifting and "on the edge of your seat" exciting....you are not just watching this movie..you are involved in it because you are carried away by the story...you are so affected by the plot and the compassion that you feel for the characters...I was especially touched by the development of the friendship between the two boys and the influence of the grandfather and the uncle in this story....and the truth revealed that good things can come from life experiences that, at the time, seem too challenging for words! ...wholesome, funny, thrilling, and touching....you can cry and you can laugh with the audience...finally, a movie for the entire family to watch and enjoy together!!
  • comment
    • Author: Aver
    Saw this movie screened at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ on 3/4/08. The release title is "The Flyboys". This film was the premiere showing at the event.

    I loved it. Great storyline and acting, excellent blend of emotion and action. The entire audience was fully engaged from start to finish.

    Producer/Director Rocco DeVilliers answered questions from the audience after the screening... two details remained with me... the film was done with a $2M budget, and it has been shopped to the majors with all taking a pass. Big thumbs UP to the first detail, and a big thumbs DOWN to the second. As someone said earlier, somebody should lose their gig for not picking up on this gem!

    This is a movie I will buy on DVD for repeated viewing, though I will DEFINITELY have to see it again on the large screen.
  • comment
    • Author: Thomand
    Great movie to be enjoyed by all the family (just watch out for some cursing and a little blood)! There were plot twists and edge of your seat moments that were not predictable! It was funny and suspenseful and had other good qualities that we look for in a movie. My kids were intrigued all the way through, and so was I. We really thought that Reiley McClendon did an excellent job! Also, Tom Sizemore and Stephen Baldwin added a great duo. However, a better describing title was the original title "Fly Boys". Another movie we liked by this producer was Princess of Thieves (starring Kiera Knightley), which you may want to watch also. I hope you like this movie. We did!
  • comment
    • Author: Querlaca
    I saw this movie today and WOW! This film is one of those rare good films that you don't see anymore now this day and age. First off it's amazing how a film with such a low budget, came out AMAZING!!!! I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with the characters! This movie is not only GREAT for adults but kids as well! It can reach all ages. This film is truly original, no computer graphics, and it doesn't need any either! I am so encouraging you to see this movie! I don't even like plane movies and I can't stop raving about it! Rocco has directed a truly fantastic film worth seeing! Also fantastic acting! I will definitely be getting this movie on DVD!
  • comment
    • Author: playboy
    This film tugs on every heart string imaginable. I loved each charter in the movie for having such heart. There were 2 moments in the film. which I will not spoil, that had tears streaming down my cheeks. The other great part of this film is the action is amazing. It is a throwback to the wonderful blockbusters in the eighties where a single seat wasn't empty in the theater. This is a special film. Made by a special director and cast. I love this film. It is a failure by Hollywood not to release this film. These are the films needed. Stop recycling old ideas. Realize Sky Kids / Flyboys is a special film. I have no other connection to this film other than being blessed to have seen at the Garden State Film Festival. If you get a chance to see this movie, don't pass it up.
  • comment
    • Author: Leyl
    This film is a Great movie with real good plot that is continuous and keeps you involved. Its a good family film that you can take you kids too and adults will enjoy as well. There isn't much in the film that would justify a PG-13 rating and it appeals to adolescents, teenager's, and little kids will enjoy it as well. This will be a hit when it gets released soon as it is a feel good film. I saw this film preleased a couple of years ago on a Mexico cruise in the ships main theater. THere aren't a lot of good films these days like there were 20-30 years ago. Rocco did a good job thinking out his plot and story line and is a undiscovered talent that good make it big if he can get his films noticed.
  • comment
    • Author: Punind
    I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck Michigan.

    The Flyboys is a wonderful adventure film starring two young talented actors Jesse James and Reiley McClendon. Kyle (McClendon) is the new kid in town and after a little trouble on his first day of school, he befriends Jason (James). Jason's uncle works on and flies small airplanes, and after Jason and Kyle get a little taste of flying in planes, they want more.

    Soon, Jason and Kyle unexpectedly get on board a plane that is carrying a bomb. This is just the set up of the very entertaining film. The whole cast is great, Tom Sizemore and Stephen Baldwin are great together, and the side characters are also very impressive. There were also some very exhilarating moments throughout, even a simple scene involving kids being chased by a bully was made into a thrilling moments. The score is perfect in the film adding to the acting and excitement. And I particularly loved the use of sound during the final action sequence in the film.

    After having seen over a dozen films at the Waterfront Film Festival, this was the final film I saw and it was definitely my favorite one. The entire audience was having a blast watching it. There were numerous bursts of applause for many scenes and a lot of laughs throughout. Everyone had a great time.

    The Flyboys is sure to please everyone, it's fun, funny, and an overall great picture. Be sure to check this one out. See this film then spread the word.
  • comment
    • Author: SupperDom
    I had the pleasure of seeing this movie twice. Once while attending the Garden State Film Festival and a second time in my home town in the Connecticut Film Festival. Normally I would never Pay to see a movie twice.

    This action adventure thrill ride is near and dear to any guy/girl who is young at heart. The story combined with thrills made the movie easy to relate to. The Flyboys is definitely the best adventure movie I have scene ever, and that is coming from a film major who sees movies all the time. The story had the viewers demanding for what came next and on the edge through out the entire movie.

    The way that this movie connects to you, is how you can relate to it. The characters and choice of the characters was great and they worked together amazingly well as if they knew each other their entire life. Most times after you see a independent film there is always one character that stands out due to bad acting. This did not exist, and let the viewer instantly connect with the characters as if they were sitting next to them.

    With out spoiling the movie I need to Jump to the Creator Rocco DeVilliers. Rocco has created a movie that looks like it required 100 million but only done with two million. He has made a film that was made over the course of 7 years. His movie has beaten all the other independent films at the festivals I have been to. I walked out of all the other movies saying that was good but not as good as "The Flyboys".

    The question remains why hasn't the movie been released in theaters every where? The answer is "LA won't take it" . After hearing Rocco say this at both film festivals the audience was instantly appalled and began to boo.

    The best thing that you can do after reading this review is to watch "The Flyboys". With out spoiling the movie I could not give a in depth review to prove to you how well this film was made, but at least now you know what you can do to help the progress of this wonderful film.

    PS. the guy who said this would be better than the new Indiana Jones, he was absolutely right.
  • comment
    • Author: Skillet
    This movie is by far the most original kids adventure film I have ever seen, and you don't have to be a kid to enjoy it! It's fresh and entertaining. Boys did an amazing job performing in this film. The plot contains elements we have all seen before: bullies, Italian mafia, single waitress mom trying to raise a boy; but it all comes together in a unique plot for an amazing adventure, during which our young heroes bond and grow together. I really admire the risks that the script writers took on, trusting these young boys to land an airplane and having them win the heart of a mafia boss. Nowdays, we are so busy overprotecting children, placing warning signs on anything and everything, we forget how capable kids really are. These brave protagonists leave no room for skepticism. I applaud the movie, the actors, and the makers.
  • comment
    • Author: Bloodray
    I saw this film at the Palm Beach International Film Festival; Cobb Cinema, Jupiter, Florida. Really enjoyed this film and thought the acting was very good. It was family fare which would appeal to male and female tween agers as well as others. It is the type of movie I'd like to take my grandchildren to see. It is adventuresome and thrilling without being fantasy. It had me laughing at some points, inhaling sharp breaths when on the edge of my seat, and nearly crying at other times.

    I'm hoping it comes to the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival so I can take my granddaughter to see it and encourage my friends to go. Otherwise we'll have to wait for it to be released in theaters. Thanks for a really good movie. Ginny
  • comment
    • Author: Kale
    The Flyboys caught my eye because of all the raving reviews it got on the IMDb. This seemed too good to be true. A totally unknown brilliant movie that Hollywood forgot? A story about kids? But wow, what an incredible fun film this is... for both adults and children!

    What really works in this movie are all the moments in which the movie leaves the normal cliché story lines in order to do something refreshing. The first ten minutes, when we see how Jason and Kyle become friends, set the tone really. The new kid in town Kyle saves Jason from a bunch of bullies in a very believable but also funny and exciting way. These are real kids who'll have an adventure that will blow everybody away.

    All the performances are great. Not only the kid's. I very much liked Tom Sizemore. He's totally believable as the hard boiled criminal Angelo who is touched by the friendship between the two boys. There's a great scene in which Jason and Kyle play with toy guns in a luxurious playroom, not knowing that Angelo is watching. His observation reminds Angelo of all the good times he had with his kid brother (an also great Stephen Baldwin) - not knowing that Baldwin has betrayed him for money. J. Todd Adams - an actor I didn't know - does a very good job as the loser Lenny. His - let's say - character development is the key thing to the story.

    After an hour of watching you wonder when the movie will collapse. But fortunately it remains surprising and entertaining. At the end there's even an unexpected great stunt. It came as a total surprise to me. Great camera-work as well.

    In the land of big budgets, big computer effects and big disappointments The Flyboys is a big relief. This movie is by all standards very great entertainment. I'm looking forward to see more films by its director, Rocco DeVilliers!

    8/10
  • comment
    • Author: Kifer
    I can't believe how much this kind of movie impressed me. They don't make this kind of movies these days...right from the start till the very end it's all full-throttle action...and the thing that gets you is this : you don't expect much of it when you see the title and info, thinking "yeaahhh...another dumbass kids movie"...and though it has a few aspects that defy a realistic movie, but man, it becomes more and more engaging by the minute and keeps you focused with its breathtaking scenes and intensity...I mean, damn...this is a well-built movie people, good acting, good plot, strong moral values...and it's all done by simple means and lines, not like the majority of the movies you see now with great actors, boring scenarios and pathetic lines. I saw almost all the movies in the top 250 and much more, and I'm telling you, this one definitely belongs to the top. If you want the best true friendship based adventure movie of the moment, forget about the "Indy and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" category, which by the way is a disgrace to its kind, and give this one a go....satisfaction guaranteed ;)
  • comment
    • Author: Rko
    Just saw this movie at The Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. I feel so lucky to have caught it. It is such a complete film. It has everything: young boys skipping school and getting into trouble, bullies, good guys, bad guys, handsome hero, car chase and more. The photography is great and all the stunts are real! The audience was cheering and clapping throughout the film. It's a masterpiece. It has a timeless quality about it. Classic movie score was perfect. This is a miracle movie that only cost $2,000,000 to make. I don't think another dollar could have made a better movie. In fact, I can't figure out how they did some of the stunts on that budget!
  • comment
    • Author: Brakree
    This was an action-filled movie that my boys (ages 8 and 11) loved! They related well to the two boys in the movie. The boys were believable and authentic. They especially like that there was no "lovey-dovey stuff" in it. I was a little concerned with the occasional swearing and violence. But, it wasn't the young boys that swore, so that helped. It is far better than "Stand By Me" since the boys in this movie are better role-models. Yet, this movie still shows the themes of the struggles of growing up and making choices. Also, the adults in the movie (for the most part) are not shown as stupid or oblivious people. The best part is that the theme of loyalty and friendship comes through with "flying colors"!
  • comment
    • Author: Undeyn
    Whoever passed this film in Hollywood should lose their job. This film has it all and keeps you engaged with brilliantly unexpected events. The first hour was spent with a smile on my face. The kid actors were very charismatic, and still kids. Some beautiful scenery shot in Arizona. I couldn't imagine another plane in the picture, it really worked. The storyline was not "a gimme". You don't know where it's going with a couple twists. The audience at the film festival was 'ohing' and clapping. With the exception of two words, and only one gun, this film can be thoroughly enjoyed by 10-110 year olds. Glad the title was changed from Sky Kids. Nothing but good things to say about this inspiring movie of a return to entertainment. Great job, Rocco!!!
  • comment
    • Author: Cenneel
    Today I had the pleasure of screening this film for an upcoming film fest. We are in the proses of picking films and I have watched many duds. This one I through in with no idea what I was watching and was amazed. The story was a lot of fun. The characters very natural and well acted. The script also natural and witty. The Directing was great. The production value was better than most Hollywood family films. A lot of people will compare this to such films as spy kids or catch that kid but this one has far more real characters. It is not a totally clean G rated film it defiantly hits a PG mark but in the same way that Second hand lions did for some realistic fist fights as well as a few people shot. If I have my why this will head up the family portion of our festival.
  • comment
    • Author: Mr.Death
    Easily edited to "G" or "R" from the current release. I thought it was better than E.T. for content, believability, antagonist, protagonist, emotional content, action and editing, it's all there. "This is remarkable film, even before you consider the shoestring budget - then it becomes unbelievable !" This film as a crowd pleaser at the Tiburon Int'l Film Festival. Definitely a niche not currently covered by Hollywood, the 10 to 15 year old market could use more attention from main stream film. Best of luck to Rocco in the marketing. Not to be missed. It appears Rocco has the seeds of Lucas AND Spielberg for story and effects not to mention budget.
  • comment
    • Author: Spilberg
    My wife and I just saw the movie The Flyboys formerly called Sky Kids at the George Lindsey/University of North Alabama Film Festival in Florence, Alabama. It is a fantastic film with adventure, suspense, family values and awesome scenery and action shots. It is definitely a film that you can take your kids to see without violent action scenes or foul language. However, as adults, we throughly enjoyed this film. If you remember your years as a 12 year old and the fun times you had being a kid, you will enjoy this film. You will even be able to associate with the emotions of the bad guys in the film because deep down there is good in all of us. I certainly hope that this film gets the recognition it deserves for it is one of the best to come along in years. I will highly recommend this film to all of my friends whether they have children or not.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Jesse James Jesse James - Jason McIntyre
    Reiley McClendon Reiley McClendon - Kyle Barrett
    Stephen Baldwin Stephen Baldwin - Silvio Esposito
    Tom Sizemore Tom Sizemore - Angelo Esposito
    J. Todd Adams J. Todd Adams - Lenny Drake
    Dallen Gettling Dallen Gettling - Ed Thomas
    Jennifer Slimko Jennifer Slimko - Samantha Barrett
    Robert Costanzo Robert Costanzo - Carmine
    Vince Cecere Vince Cecere - Manny
    Frank D'Amico Frank D'Amico - Sal
    Harrison Young Harrison Young - Grandpa Thomas
    Blaire Baron Blaire Baron - Susan Thomas
    Tommy Hinkley Tommy Hinkley - John McIntyre
    Joanne Baron Joanne Baron - Ms. Poulson
    Dylan Kasch Dylan Kasch - Rick
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