Movie Review: Ben X

While Ben faces continual harassment at school he proves to be a quick study in the art of video games. At home Ben spends loads of time on the computer playing games with an imaginary role-player named Scarlite. Presumably Ben lives out his fantasies on line where the playing field resembles the day to day trauma he faces with tons of uncertainty.
Scenes of Ben’s humiliation at school are extremely well crafted through the pen of director Nic Balthazar. Deep down inside we see the demons that haunt Ben in real life and how the imaginary figures in the game he plays on line sort of give him an opening to excise those dark images and maybe even turn him into a fictional hero for a day.
First time actor Greg Timmermans gives his all as the mentally challenged Ben in a riveting performance sure to gain notice and rave reviews this side of the Atlantic. Unrelenting taunts from Maarten Claeyssens whose simply chilling as Desmedt, the schoolmate from hell, take their toll on our victim. Peer pressure rears its ugly head here and the shots during class and outside showing how Ben deals with his detractors may serve as a wake-up call for those unfortunately put in similar situations.
Surprises pop up at the least expected moments during this 93 minute ordeal that also effectively depicts the trauma living with a “difficult” family member places on the rest of the household. Cast as the pivotal mother in this smartly executed, well paced film is Maijken Pinot.
Shot on location in Belgium Bex X is a very modern look at an age old problem with a very smart use of games technology to shed light on a sad situation.
Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com