theBUZZ Features
Mighty Oak is modern, moving, and mystical – now streaming
Bryen Dunn
MIGHTY OAK tells the story of Gina and Vaughn, the sister and brother duo taking the SoCal music scene by storm with their band Army of Love. Gina “Jean Jacket” Jackson (Janel Parrish, “Pretty Little Liars,” To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before) is behind the scenes as the savvy and determined music manager, while her talented brother Vaughn Jackson (Levi Dylan, 12 Mighty Orphans) is the gifted front man of their popular band.
On the night of their biggest break yet, the siblings’ bond is shattered when Vaughn is killed in a tragic car accident and Gina is unable to pick up the pieces of her life. Gina struggles after losing her brother, going through a decade of depression and remorse. A decade later, Gina meets a 10-year-old music prodigy named Oak Scoggins, played by newcomer Tommy Ragen, a real-life prodigy whose music inspired the screenplay. Oak seems to possess the same qualities as Gina’s late brother, inspiring her to pull her life back together and try to reunite the band, with Oak as its new front man.
Gina becomes convinced that this child must be the reincarnation of Vaughn. While Oak does have Vaughn’s talent and some of his traits, Gina’s friends become concerned with her decision to re-launch their long dormant band with Oak as the front man taking Vaughn’s place, and of her overall health and mental stability as well.
Oak comes from a disadvantaged household and as he is thrust into the spotlight, he finds that music is the perfect escape and the much needed outlet for his pain. Gina in turn finds an outlet for her grief and a way back into living life out loud and to the fullest.
SNAPSHOT REVIEW
The story jumps around quite a bit, but is easily followed with a few captioned intros, and abrupt scene changes. There’s plenty to watch throughout to keep up with the past, present, and flashbacks. The whole reincarnation idea is the key story line here, but another very important story line comes by way of Oak’s mother’s own depression. Throughout the movie Gina tries to convince everyone that there’s a deep connection between her brother and Oak, and as time goes by, and the clues come to light, she is finally able to validate those connections to prove herself right.
Overall, it is a movie about music, but deeper down it’s a movie of love, compassion, and understanding. Young Tommy Ragen gives a dazzling performance throughout. The only drawback to the film is toward the end when Oak’s grandparents are introduced. The short time that they are in the film seems quite unnecessary to the overall plot, and could easily have been avoided with a different twist. Especially with all the twists and turns that happen throughout this wonderful movie that’s suited for all audiences. Kudos as well to Director Sean McNamara for using a talented, and very diverse cast of actors. Enjoy!
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.
