Unpacking ‘Boys Go To Jupiter’: A Captivating Film Review That Sparks Conversations – Eye For Film

Hollywood often portrays teenage life as glamorous. You have the stylish outfits, exciting sports, wild road trips, pool parties, and romantic adventures. But the real teen experience can be quite different. Many teens find themselves bored, just hanging out, wishing for something to do.

Enter Julian Glander’s animated story, Boys Go To Jupiter. This film follows a group of kids in suburban Florida. They deal with odd genetics, alien visitations, and quirky local legends. But above all, they face the slow, often confusing journey of growing up.

Made using the free software Blender, the animation is straightforward but charming. The real magic lies in the characters and their interactions. The film is sprinkled with humor and social commentary. The kids sometimes miss the point completely, like when they encounter Glarba, a worm-like alien. One of the boys reacts by attacking it with a stick, thinking it’s a victory until they realize they might have lost a chance to be on TV.

Among the group, Billy 5000 is the oldest and seems eager to leave childhood behind. He works for a sketchy delivery service called Grubster and believes he’s found a quick way to get rich. Unlike his friends, Billy thinks, “Sleep is for rich people.” His journey takes him through various strange Florida locales, like a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course and an unusual egg farm. He also meets Rozebud, who is stuck running the family juice business, leading to unexpected discoveries.

The story unfolds slowly, reflecting on various aspects of Florida culture. It cleverly uses trendy language found in ads and influencer culture. The film explores the odd fascination with creating new juice drinks and how many just want their food to be more convenient. Visually, it’s bright and colorful, reminiscent of tropical vacation marketing. Everything appears neat and tidy, disconnecting the boys from nature and instinct. When the film nears its end, Billy must make a significant choice, revealing the conflict between youthful innocence and the pressures of adulthood.

While its whimsical nature may not appeal to everyone, Boys Go To Jupiter has all the makings of a cult classic. It may be lighthearted, but it carries a bold message about a generation grappling with isolation.

Reviewed on: 03 Mar 2025