PodBill
Just what I expected
Moustroll
Good movie but grossly overrated
Nayan Gough
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
bonniebo40
We were very glad to have dvr'ed this movie and watched it with the kids! It was fun to look up more details about the real story and investigate where in Montana it was filmed! The videography was gorgeous, showing some of the very best of Montana and very much why we live here! I hope someone picks this up in the future and produces the planned sequels (keeping them set and produced in Montana where the story belongs!).I've ordered a copy for our local library circulation, just because it's a clean family movie with a Montana theme and location. I'll be glad to recommend it to people looking for a good family night movie.
BigSkyMax
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.
Missltg
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.
Balthazar-5
Viewed as a 'European Premiere' at the Belfast Cinemagic Children's Film Festival, this light-hearted family adventure film must surely win over all but the most hard-bitten cynics. Based on a real incident from the late 60s and set in deepest Montana, it centres on the theft of a children's TV star marionette named 'Froggy Doo' whose antics thrilled the under-8s in the area.In particular, he was the idol of young Rocky Plumm, younger son of failed boxer Mick Plumm, and younger brother of teenager Elliott. This is a film that could have been monumentally awful, but in the first half wins by the charm and audacity of its somewhat naive plot, and the way that its actors fit so seamlessly into the initially predictable characters.But, like many fine films, as it progresses, it undermines the assumptions that we have made about it. The idyllic family life is not so idyllic, the teenage love story gets muzzed by hormonal outbursts, and the love of cinema of the filmmakers shines through in endearing references to great films of the era in which it is set (plus or minus a decade).So, it's a comic family drama; it's a thriller; it's a reflection on the relationship between father and son, and it's a kookie, almost unclassifiable folk tale.It's not perfect, and there are a few cringe-making scenes where the elements of pastiche fall flat on their face, but it enjoyably reminds me of another massively under-valued film - Spaced Invaders. True cinephiles will also see elements of masterpieces of the era as diverse as 'El Dorado' and 'Blow-up'. And the real reason it is so good (of its type) is that it wears the filmmakers' love of cinema on its sleeve. And as a first film by director Caroline Zelder, it is full of great promise...Go and see this and give yourself a treat!
