Matty Hanson and the Invisibility Ray

Gr 3 Up—Matt Hanson (Keir Gilchrist), a 12-year-old math prodigy, is working for an institute on the seemingly impossible idea of invisibility, but that is the least of his worries. Matt's father died in a car wreck shortly before the story begins, and Matt discovers his death was not an accident. Before his death, people at the institute thought his father was a spy leaking secrets and Matt wants to clear his name. Alice (Emily Hirst), Matt's friend, believes that she may have been kidnapped as a young child and asks him to help her discover the truth. On top of this, the head of the institute forces Matt to get a companion to help him stay on task with his studies, and Matt chooses his Uncle Cutter, a former football star. The two try to protect Alice, whose life is in danger, while trying to discover the truth. While the film has an indie feel, the story line is exciting and dramatic and the young actors do a great job. Matt and Alice's friendship, which starts online, seems a bit rushed, but it is not surprising since he has no contact with friends his age and she is moved across the country by her parents. Filled with adventure, this is a perfect family film. Fans of movies like Spy Kids and shows like Jimmy Neutron will enjoy it.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY