bobojiggler I like the characters and I feel a lot for them. It's nice how the main characters treat Zachary like how a person should be treated instead of being treated like a freak show like everyone else in the town. I was really sad when Cal's brother died in the army and I was sad when Toby thought that he wouldn't see his mother again and that he thought his dad didn't try hard enough. I was really annoyed at how the blonde girl talked. The reason why I gave this a five is because if the end. In the end, Toby and Cal try to get Zachary baptized before social services take him away so that he can join his mother in heaven when he dies. That is all that the ending. I didn't finish the ending because I think that it is stupid and way religious. I think that it's odd that a movie like this one made such a big change like that.

dwpollar 1st watched 4/8/2006 - 5 out of 10 (Dir-John Schultz): OK family drama about how life changes when a traveling sideshow exhibitionist enters Granger, Texas displaying possibly the fattest boy ever, Zachary Beaver. The changes don't come because of Zachary but instead they just happened to occur when he enters town. One family breaks apart when the mother leaves to become a country singer. Another family has a member go into the Army, and Zachary's partner and legal guardian disappears. At this point, Toby from the 1st family, and Cal from the 2nd try to get to know Zachary. First as a joke and later more seriously because of their own personal losses. We get to see Toby try to grow up despite not being in the best of circumstances and as things get worse he tries to escape but obviously can't. An interesting story with inconsistent acting and direction makes for a so-so experience in what could have been a much better movie. Attempts are made to pull at our heartstrings but even Sasha Neulinger's appealing portrayal of Zachary can't help the movie from falling a little flat.

poguemj I enjoyed getting the opportunity to view this particular film at the Paramount during the film festival. As I watched it, some aspects of the film reminded me of the movie "Stand By Me". Perhaps, I felt a connection between the portrayal of the strong relationships and endearing and poignant journeys of the three young boys in "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town" and the group of boys in "Stand By Me". Although, it was obviously adapted some from the book, (which so many films are); I felt like it was successful in capturing what to me was the most important message, Acceptance. Furthermore, the film portrayed a wide range of examples of acceptance... (acceptance of self, differences, life and death,) which not only included the primary characters, but also involved the whole town in the film. I appreciate when a film actually contains meaningful and relative lessons in life, yet remains equally entertaining at the same time. The film, "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town", is definitely one that can evoke a wide range of emotions on the viewer's part. Hopefully, it will make it to the "Big Screen" in some form or fashion, so others can get a chance to enjoy it.

kentonself I thought this movie was very entertaining, in the spirit of "Stand By Me" but more life-affirming.The movie was well cast. In particular I thought the characters of Cal and Scarlett were well portrayed.I also enjoyed the "small town" feel. (It was filmed in Granger, Texas.) If you read the book, the movie is a little different, (It's a modern setting, and the cafe is not in a bowling alley.) but the spirit of the book is intact.