Chapter 34: Rave Reviews and a Visit from Uncle

Chapter 34: Rave Reviews and a Visit from Uncle

"Hey, Martin, how about we all go see a movie tonight?" Grant said with a proud smile, setting down his newspaper and glancing at his son, who was busy with his breakfast.

Martin had just taken a big bite of his ham sandwich and nearly choked when he heard his dad's suggestion. After struggling to swallow, he composed himself and replied, "A movie? Don't tell me it's The Parent Trap again. Honestly, I'm going to have to say no."

It wasn't that Martin didn't want a family outing—it was just that he'd watched The Parent Trap so many times recently that he was getting sick of it.

First, he'd seen it at the premiere. Then, he'd gone again with Aunt Nancy, who was buzzing with excitement. After that, he'd watched it with his friends (under the watchful eyes of his security detail). Then he'd gone another five times with his dear mom and dad…

He had no idea how his parents could watch it over and over, somehow managing to find new things to get excited about each time. They would discuss every little detail on the way home, chatting away until bedtime, endlessly animated.

At first, Martin had tried to join in on the conversations, but after the second viewing, he was officially over it.

Humans are truly complicated, he thought. Even a demon can't handle this much enthusiasm!

"Are you sure you don't want to go? Oh, I'm so heartbroken." Grant took a sip of his coffee, putting on a mock sad face.

Martin mumbled, "If you're going to pretend, at least put some effort into it…"

"Alright, enough teasing Martin," Linda said, shooting her husband a reproachful look. "We're not going out tonight because your Uncle Frank will be visiting."

"Got it, got it. I was just joking around," Grant chuckled. "Here, let's read some of the reviews on the movie, shall we?"

He picked up the newspaper and began reading aloud: "This is a lighthearted and sunny romantic comedy where the kids play the lead roles in reuniting their parents. While the plot might seem simple and somewhat clichéd, the charming and talented Martin Myers shines in his dual roles, filling the movie with humor and heartwarming moments…"

"It's clear that Nancy Meyers aimed to give kids the perfect summer send-off, and she succeeded beautifully. Though the story is admittedly thin, Martin Myers' lively performance more than makes up for it. This is a film you can watch from start to finish with a smile."

Grant flipped the paper over to the front page. "Hmm, that was The Washington Post. Let's see what some other papers are saying."

He reached for another newspaper, turning to the entertainment section and finding the review. "Here's The Los Angeles Times. Wow, Kevin Thomas really gave you high praise—he's got good taste."

"I'll read a bit here: For newcomer Martin Myers, this is his first big-screen appearance, and at just eleven years old, he delivers an Oscar-worthy debut performance."

"As a family movie, The Parent Trap doesn't pretend to have depth, but Martin's acting truly blew me away."

"He captured the contrasting personalities of the two twins so vividly that it feels like they are two separate individuals: Mike with his impulsive, humorous, mischievous side, and Beck with his gentlemanly, calm, and smart demeanor. Martin's performance brilliantly highlights their unique traits yet subtle similarities."

"If I were an Oscar voter, I'd nominate him for Best Actor at the very least!"

These compliments left Martin feeling calm, but Grant's grin kept growing wider.

"Dad, your jaw's about to hit the floor."

"Haha, well, let it stay there for a while. I'm just so proud."

Putting down The Los Angeles Times, Grant picked up another paper. "Now, let's see what The Chicago Sun-Times and Roger Ebert have to say."

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, Roger Ebert's thumbs-up was something many in the film industry dreamed of. Grant read aloud with a smile: "Director Nancy Meyers' warmth and gentle spirit shine through in her idyllic settings and in her films. She's a true romantic, as seen in this heartwarming family comedy."

"And our little actor—Martin Myers—delivers a performance that borders on genius. His portrayal of the twins, Mike and Beck, showcases his raw talent. It feels like he fully immersed himself in the characters he wrote, with no trace of acting."

"This is the finest child performance I've seen at his age, and he definitely deserves a thumbs-up."

"Our Martin is truly incredible!" Linda, who had been quietly listening, could no longer contain her joy. She leaned over, pulling Martin close and showering him with kisses on his head.

"Mom, I'm still eating," Martin protested, waving his fork in the air.

"No rush. It's the weekend; you can take your time." Linda gently ruffled his hair, her eyes full of pride. "My son is so handsome!"

"Our son!" Grant corrected her with a grin.

---

"Hello, Uncle Frank!"

"Well, well, if it isn't our superstar, Martin! Would you mind taking a picture with your uncle?"

A young man in his late twenties with sandy blond hair and blue eyes pulled Martin in for a hug, handing a Polaroid camera to Linda. "Linda, could you take the photo?"

Grant quickly grabbed the camera, joking, "Don't go ordering my wife around—only I get to do that!"

With a click, the camera flashed, and the photo developed.

"Martin, I need your autograph," Frank said, rolling his eyes at Grant as he shook the photo to speed up the development, then handed it to Martin.

Frank's full name was Frank Sis, Linda's younger brother and Martin's maternal uncle.

Yes, Linda's maiden name was Linda Sis. After marrying Grant, she took his last name, becoming Linda Myers.

The Sis family was known as a prominent landowning family in the western U.S., owning vast ranches, real estate, and properties, including extensive lands in Australia. They were undeniably wealthy.

As a classic second-generation heir, Frank's main occupation was essentially "living the good life"—and chasing girls, if that counted as work.

But today, Frank had brought some surprising news to the Myers family.

"I'm getting married!"

"What?!" The three of them exclaimed in unison.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.