🔗 Share this article Grow Review – A Refined Pumpkin Growing Caper Brimming with Lively Appeal and Comedic Talent This upbeat British children's film features five different writers credited for the screenplay, with a pair who contributed “extra content”. This might clarify why the story beats progress with such metronomic precision, while the personalities feel as if they were cultivated hydroponically in a lab. Ironically, the backdrop is a homestead farm where agronomist-owner Dinah decides to go organic motivated by her gifted niece Charlie, who can sense the feelings of plants through touch. A Budding Relationship and a Prize Pumpkin Having only recently met, for reasons the otherwise polished script doesn't clarify, Charlie and Dinah bond with one another over several seasons – which coincides with the time required to grow a pumpkin for the local yearly contest. Charlie aims to use the prize money to find her mother, said to have run off to pursue stardom in California. The ensemble cast is packed with delightful humorous roles by veteran British actors. Notable Cameos and Villainous Rivals The maternal figure later emerges portrayed by a well-known actress, similar to Rosheuvel, has a background in popular series. Moreover, the lineup features a quirky horticulturist played by Nick Frost, who provides advice on growing pumpkins to Dinah and Charlie. Meanwhile, Jane Horrocks and Tim McInnerny play the Smythe-Gherkins, the villainous upper-class neighbors determined to win the contest for glory alone as they lack need for the monetary reward. Nick Frost excels as a hippy horticulturist. The antagonists bring humorous conflict as wealthy rivals. The youthful Dominic McLaughlin plays Charlie’s school friend Oliver. Young Actor's Skill and Directorial Flair Though his Scottish accent seems somewhat out of place in this context, his dry underplaying and humor sense are so adept it’s no surprise he was chosen for a leading part in an upcoming series. Filmmaker John McPhail maintains a buoyant comedy tone and stays unobtrusive with what is meant to be suitable pre-bedtime entertainment during a particular time of year.