Fresh and unpatronizing, 'Billy Elliot' wins you over

Despite an 'R' rating, it's suitable for family viewing.
The small-scaled, big-hearted "Billy Elliot" pirouetted into moviegoers hearts nationwide last fall to the tune of a $20-million-plus box office gross, but somehow managed to bypass the Mahoning Valley.
Like "Shine" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," this is the kind of "little-movie-that-could" Oscar loves. But, despite scoring nominations for director Stephen Daldry; co-star Julie Walters; and Lee Halls' original screenplay, it managed to come away empty-handed at last month's Academy Award ceremonies.
Don't let the scruffy, small-town British setting and salt-of-the-earth blue-collar protagonists scare you: This isn't another hackneyed "Full Monty" knock-off. And, despite an "R" rating (for salty language), it's eminently suitable for family viewing.
Raised by his widowed coal miner father in northern England's depressed Durham County, Billy's a wash-out at boxing (taken to appease dad), but proves to be a natural at ballet. Forced to give up dance by his disapproving father who thinks it's for sissies, Billy furtively continues lessons with Mrs. Wilkinson (Walters), who offers to provide them free.
When he misses his audition for the Royal Ballet School because of a family crisis, Billy's teacher decides to have a heart-to-heart with the intractable Mr. Elliot. But, it's not until pop finally sees Billy dance that this gruff hardhat finally gets behind his son's dream.
Despite a first half that's a tad aggressive and has the feel of a Ken ("My Name is Joe") Loach musical (everybody's so loud and angry in their thick Cockney accents), "Elliot" gradually wins you over. Much of the credit belongs to its consistently strong acting ensemble.
Except for the scene-stealing Walters (Oscar-nominated for 1983's "Educating Rita"), the cast is made up of fresh faces. As Billy, Jamie Bell is a revelation -- he's as convincing donning ballet slippers as he is butting heads with his old man. Gary Lewis' loving and proud Mr. Elliot is one of last year's top supporting turns, and as Billy's older brother and best mate respectively, Jamie Driven and Stuart Wells are both letter-perfect.
Confidently directed by first-timer Daldry, "Billy Elliott" pushes the right feel-good buttons without ever patronizing the audience or its characters.