Smothered by an adoring, over-protective mom, 12-year-old Bryce Yancy Paul (Bip) is pushed to the brink of pubescent revolution. It’s time to ripen. Bloom. Break the shackles of parental paranoia. It’s the Age of Bryce. Sometimes a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.

Juror's comments: OMG, this film is hysterical! This is the best submission I've seen all week! I love the writing and storyline from Brian Elliott, which is extremely clever. The acting is spot on and has great entertainment value. The writing really is hysterical. The tone of the overprotective mother on her phone night and day about life's potential dangers carries through all the way to the end.

Age of Bryce is about a young boy with an overprotective mother who wants to experience life rather than observe it. The camera work is great. It’s up close and personal; you see all the facial expressions of Bryce throughout the film. It feels as if you're right there with him on screen. The costumes definitely add to the humor. For example, when Bryce is near the pool, he is lathered up with multiple flotation devices and on a tether to his mother. Bryce is played by Major Dodson and he has great facial expression; even when his lines are limited you can still feel his frustration with the rules surrounding him. Virginia Paul is portrayed by Deanna Toten Beard who is perfect in this role as the overprotective mom. Her voice is spot-on for the droning role of the mother.

The message of this film is to break free from unnecessary boundaries and discover life.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is funny and entertaining but could also open discussion to the parenting role. Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic