Almost Grown

Twelve-year-old Justin doesn't want to be spoiled anymore by the time he's 20, but he still has a long way to go. He just got a moped and is addicted to his PlayStation. Every chance he gets, he plays his favorite game, which involves buying the fanciest cars and most expensive clothing without real money. "You can eat and go to the ATM, and of course you have weapons." In this magical fantasy land, a trip around the world is a piece of cake, just like driving a car with no license or insurance. Justin is enjoying his youth to the fullest, although what he should be doing is his homework. In the words of this father, that will keep him from flipping burgers at McDonald's. But Justin will hear nothing of jobs like that -- he's already sure he'll be a game designer. While he plays, he meticulously explains how the game world works. "What you normally couldn't do in reality is no problem here," like landing your helicopter in the middle of the street. Director Michiel Brongers delivers a detailed portrait of how Justin's avatar moves through virtual reality and then makes the smooth switch to the boy's real life. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)