Let's be realistic.

just watch it!

A Major Disappointment

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Elliott Plumm (Chris Masoglia) and his younger brother, Rocky (Owen Pearce) live in knock-out gorgeous Montana in the early sixties. Their father, Mick (William Baldwin) drinks too much and never seems to have time for Elliott, seeming to prefer kindergartner Rocky. Mother Roxie (Laura Guerrero) is an attentive mother but she is getting fed up with Mick and his antics. More importantly, Elliott is shy and resents having to share a room with his little brother, even going so far as to dividing their room with a marker on the floor. Only Rocky is carefree, for he is young and enamored with the local television star-magician (Henry Winkler) and his darling frog marionette Froggy-Do. Changes occur. First, the Plumms get new neighbors, a single father and his daughter, who casts her eye on Elliott. Then, someone actually frog-naps Froggy-Do and the show can't go on, as the magic man won't go solo without his beloved sidekick. Can Elliott find Froggy-Do for the town and his brother Rocky? This film, set in knockout gorgeous Montana, has a light-hearted cover and a cute, cute puppet. But, beneath the story are serious issues, like divorce, alcoholism, and mental instability. So, in my view, not for every family. That said, the cast, costumes, script, direction, and all other amenities are quite fine. If you are searching for a family flick that might get the loved ones into an actual conversation, this would be one to try. But, if you are seeking a film that is sweetness and light, look for Beethoven's Big Break or, truly, any of the Beethoven movies.

First off, I was there in Montana in the 60s when the real Froggy Doo did it. Yes, he was 'kidnapped' but that's about all there is in this story that's true. There was no FBI involvement. But I will hold off on pushing my facts onto the screenwriter's fantasies; I am not the target audience for this film. I'll judge it on its own merits. My biggest problem is that most of the characters in this film are repulsive. The adults of the family are whiny, self-indulgent adolescents. Pop starts out by driving up on a chopped hog. In the 1960s? Why? Because he needs to be cool? The beautiful-child teenagers 'rebel' even though they have no reason to do so, other than that their parents are soulless automatons. Happy Herb is a simpering wuss. But worst of all is Froggy Doo. Here he's a vulgar, farting, annoying pest, a clone of Ren and Stimpy instead of Howdy Doody. Why would anyone, including a 6-year-old, think that was funny? Why would any parent let their child watch this stuff? Junk like this makes our heavenly father Captain Kangaroo (peace be upon him) weep.

I just watched this on DVD, and here's my question: why can't there be more movies like this? I take my kids to Blockbuster every weekend to find something to watch. First off, there isn't really anything in the 'kids' section. It's either pre-school or teen. Hardly any in the middle. Why is that? My boys are 7 and 9. Where are the movies for those kids? There are some, yes, and we've watched them all. Many times. But it's such a small selection. So i was happy to see something new on the shelf. My son Tommy said, "Look dad, there's one we haven't seen!" like he'd just seen a flying saucer. So we took it home and watched two times over the weekend. My wife and I ended up watching it with them and loved it. Great, fun, life lessons, adventurous. It had everything. It inspired the boys the way the Hardy Boys inspired me as a kid. So I'm taking the time out of my day to make this comment. I think it's worth it to get the word out, because I know there are a lot more parents like us. And kudos to Henry Winkler and William Baldwin for raising the bar.

A sweet story beautifully shot in Montana. This film is well cast and it's fun to watch the great comedic timing between two of the 'comedy group' trained actors. They were a highlight! A Plumm Summer is "Family Friendly" and promises to appeal to both the kids and parents alike. No reason to cover little eyes or plug little ears. A great message without any holy roller aspects. With all that's going on in today's world A Plumm Summer was a refreshing respite and time well spent. Make plans to go see this movie this weekend. I know you'll enjoy it, bring the kids, if you don't have kids...bring the neighbor's kids. You'll be glad you did.