The Inspirational True Story of Zach Sobiech on Disney +: Clouds Review

Clouds review by the Ent on 11/5/2020 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. 

The Inspirational True Story of Zach Sobiech on Disney +:
Clouds Review and Discussion Questions

Know Before You Watch Clouds

Movie: Clouds
(Based on the book Clouds: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Musical, Drama, Biopic
Age suggested : 13 and up
Release Date: *This was going to be a theatrical release but Disney Plus obtained it during theater closures and released it in October*
Streaming Service: Disney+
Themes: Grief, mortality, purpose, friendship, family, music
Warnings: The story revolves around an older teen who is given a terminal diagnosis. The movie, although not graphic, deals a lot with the effects of cancer, mild language, and there is a mild sensual scene.

Clouds Quick Summary:

Clouds tells the story of Zach Sobiech, a teenager who is given a terminal diagnosis of cancer. Upon learning this, he must determine what is most important in his life. Based on a true story (and the memoir written by his mother), Clouds takes you on a musical journey through grief, friendship, and purpose. If you are a fan of pop music, John Green stories (The Fault in Our Stars), or biopics- this is one inspiring true story you will not want to miss.

Clouds Review: 
*(Contains Light Spoilers)*

–Why Watch Clouds-

Although the movie can be a difficult watch, there is no doubt that this is a beautiful story. The relationships between friends, family, and significant others all combine for such an emotional, beautiful, journey. On top of this, the music (which is based on the actual music of Zach Sobiech) is absolutely wonderful.

-Is Clouds appropriate?-

There is some mild language and a non-nudity make out scene. Ultimately, if your kid can withstand the heaviness and brutality of a teen dealing with cancer, then yes, this is a great movie to watch with your teens. It is probably best to watch it alongside younger teens and walk them through what is happening but you know your kids best. There’s lots of room for great conversations here!

-Plot/Story of Clouds-

Clouds sends you on an incredible journey and is able to convey the bold reality of cancer while also maintaining a levity of joy. It does not stray away from the gritty, painful and difficult parts of cancer but it also shows you how Zach and his family still shared humor and love.

While the plot isn’t perfect and the story isn’t without it’s sensationalized moments, it’s so touching that it doesn’t matter. And as a huge plus, his family approves of and is helping promote the movie. So we know that the story is more genuine than sensation.

Ultimately, it is a great story of hope and perseverance, it would have been so easy for Zach to simply let the grief overwhelm him. And although sometimes it does, he always has friends and family to lean upon in his darkest moments.

-Characters-

Because these characters are based on real people, there is a certain gravitas to each of them. All of the actors played their roles wonderfully, which is especially impressive to the difficult nature of the film. Sabrina Carpenter and Fina Argus were absolutely perfect picks because of their ability to play dramatic characters and have great singing ability.

Clouds Discussion Questions:

1. What was your favorite song from the movie? What did you like about it?
2. Zach had to learn to reprioritize his life very quickly. If you were to reprioritize your life, what would your top 3 priorities be?
3. Zach consistently uses comedy to deflect difficult topics/comments. When faced with difficult topics, how do you react?
4. If you could only go on one more vacation with your family, where would you go?
5. Zach and Sammy are able to work through their emotions by writing music. Do you have a creative outlet for your thoughts/emotions (i.e. diary, songwriting, painting, poetry)?

What to check out next
if you enjoyed this Clouds review:

-The above video is the first in a series of documentaries made on Zach.

-You can find out more about his story and DONATE to his osteosarcoma fund right here.

-Hear his family and friends reflect a little on the movie before it’s release here. And find the updated book by his mom here.

Check out some of our other posts:

-Family Friendly Disney Plus streaming guide!!

–I Still Believe – The real life story of Jeremy Camp, a Christian musical artist who had to deal with great grief in his life. Streaming on Hulu.

–Straight Up by Trent Shelton – 64 life lessons to improve your everyday li

What was most inspiring about this movie to you?
Take a second to share this post please!

Down The Hobbit Hole Blog and this Clouds review use affiliate links. We only link products we think you’ll like. So, you are never charged extra for them. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We also use cookies to gather analytics and present advertisements. This allows us to keep writing discussion questions and telling ridiculous dad jokes. Also, find our other reviews with discussion questions here. Our posts about faith here. Lastly, our posts about family stuff here.