Live Is Life is a Spanish coming-of-age film that borrows loosely from other, similar films like Stand By Me. This pre-programs me to want to love it.

It’s about five teenage boys in Spain who set out on adventure (after telling their parents they are spending the night at each other’s houses). They are on a quest to find a flower of local folklore that is supposed to have life giving magic. On their trip, they encounter bullies, crash a party, steal a baby, and learn valuable life lessons.

I totally see what this is moving is trying to be, but it’s so bad at being it. It’s kind of depressing that it fails so badly since it feels so earnest. Within the first ten minutes, I could tell something was wrong… the pacing was off… what should be fun and lively was just plodding and dull.

To its credit, the location shooting in what I assume is Spain is gorgeous. They make good use of some very pretty panoramas and vistas. The actual cinematography itself is otherwise a bit flat though.

Really wish I enjoyed this but it just kept me at arm’s distance. It did have the occasional beautiful or sweet moment, things that come close to being the life affirming flick it wants to be. Not enough, but at least a little.

Score: 66