Norman

Byrd and Jenkins earn the film its critical points, but the screenplay has too many moments that feel network-TV-bland.

There's something sweet about Jonathan Segal's modest high school drama, "Norman," despite the contrivances of its protagonist's predicament and its stacking of the emotional deck.

There's a winning emotional truth in the father-son scenes in this Spokane-shot sleeper, directed with skill and sensitivity by Jonathan Segal.

Affecting drama about terminal illness has mature themes.