Little Red Wagon (2012)

Little Red Wagon is a 2012 docudrama directed by David Anspaugh and written by Patrick Sheane Duncan. The film stars Anna Gunn, Daveigh Chase, Frances O'Connor, and Chandler Canterbury.

Little Red Wagon covers Zach Bonner's philanthropic work as founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation. It begins with his volunteer work gathering food and supplies for survivors in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley's carnage. The film then details his walks across the United States between 2007 and 2010 totaling 4,263 miles (6,861 km) to draw attention to the plight of homeless children. Filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina in May 2010, Little Red Wagon cost a reported US$5 million to produce.

The film received mixed reviews. Reviewers praised it for being inspiring and making tangible how aiding the homeless significantly impacts their lives for the better. Other reviewers found the film's plot too simplified, finding that aside from the sibling rivalry between Bonner and his sister, the film lacked conflict, an imperative component of a drama. They also found some parts of the film unrealistic such as the portrayal of homelessness and the managing of a non-profit organization.

Synopsis

In the opening scene of Little Red Wagon, real news footage filmed in 2004 of Hurricane Charley and the storm's aftermath is shown. While Bonner and his family take shelter in Tampa from the storm, Bonner sees on television the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane. His volunteerism begins at that moment when he decides to canvass for food and other necessities for Hurricane Charley survivors.

Actors