The Guardians of the Galaxy film inspired a young boy to improve his speech.
James Gunn directed the successful film.
Josh Dunlap posted a message to Gunn, telling him about his four year old son Sawyer.
Sawyer suffers from dyspraxia, a learning disorder that can inhibit motor skills and speech.
In the message, Dunlap spoke of Sawyer's speech issues prior to seeing the film, and how the character of Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel helped him find his voice:
"When Guardians came out Sawyer could only say about three words and would communicate to his mother and I by other means. When he saw Groot, something clicked inside him and he connected with him on a level I haven't seen. He began to mimic him and he would use the word "Bah" for a lot, but after he saw the film, he would change the tone in which he said it to convey a different meaning. He would also start saying Groot for many things as well. Since that, he was finally able to go to a speech class and it has helped amazingly. I just wanted to thank you though, for a script and movie that was written so well that a four year old, three at that time, could connect with someone who had the same language barrier."
Groot is widely considered to be the film's most popular character. He is lovable, caring, protective and brave. And now he has inspired a young boy.
James Gunn responded to Dunlap, glad his film had helped someone:
"I love making movies because of stories like this. Thank you."
Sawyer's mother also replied to the comment on Facebook:
"Thank you everyone for such the kind comments about my son....my husband wrote to James gunn not even expecting a response....I also have dyspraxia and when Sawyer saw this movie everything was groot and he would even try to do the dance that Chris Pratt does at the beginning all he could say was hey hey and as a mother seeing him do that was amazing to me....so thank you everyone and thank you James Gunn for sharing my husband's comment....we are very excited for the 2nd one and I know Sawyer is."
What a lovely story.
