"The Legend of Johnny Lingo" Movie Review
Know Before You Go
Film/Video Reviews from a Family Perspective
Philip Boatwright, Editor
As a baby, Tama washed up on the shores of a South Seas island, but as a boy he's been labeled a bad-luck troublemaker and shunned by the entire village. His only real friend is Mahana, an unloved and unwanted ugly duckling whom the other village girls tease mercilessly. Tama finally decides to seek a better life and leave the island on acanoe he built, but promises to return one day for his friend. His travels take him to the home of the famous sea trader Johnny Lingo, and there Tama grows to be a man of honor and virtue. Under the tutelage of the fatherly Johnny Lingo, Tama learns about sacrifices needed in the name of love. Eight years later he returns for Mahana - but will she take him back?
The budget was small, there were no name stars, indeed the acting won#146;t garner Oscar attention, yet #147;The Legend of Johnny Lingo,#148; much like the little engine that could, is very determined. It struggles to entertain despite its shortcomings. With its pristine Polynesian locales and simple yet engaging story, the film becomes captivating.
It#146;s a small film that very likely will go to video quickly, but in a summer season where most cineplexes rumble with aggressive fantasies that do little else other than go boom, the gentle little film is a treasure. #147;The Legend of Johnny Lingo#148; is a satisfying, eye-catching family adventure.
G (I found nothing objectionable, but parents beware, our young hero and his only friend are put-upon throughout the film. People say the most unkind things to them, including the girl#146;s drunken father, who ignores his daughter whenever he#146;s not telling her how worthless she is. But by film#146;s end, many of these folks learn how special these two are, including the father, who we discover has deadened himself to the world through alcohol due to the loss of his beloved wife in childbirth. Like characters in countless Dickens' tales, these children take much verbal abuse, but they survive. The film sends a message that while you can survive bad behavior from others, it#146;s necessary to find someone who believes in you and cares for you. People, like everything else in nature, must be nurtured). #147;A great outdoors adventure for the entire family#148;
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. "Know Before You Go" reg;Philip Boatwright, Editor Film/Video Reviews from a Family Perspective, Email:
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