A Plumm Summer

source: A Plumm Summer

My definition of a family movie is one that has as much in it for the adults of the family as it has for the youngsters. By that measure this is NOT a family movie. It is a kids' movie, and only younger kids at that. As kids movies go, there is probably a lot for them to enjoy. Any adult enjoyment will come from watching their kids enjoy it, not from the movie itself - and that's despite the fact that there are a lot of well known actors here and that this is based on a true story. There are certainly some scenes and themes in this that are aimed at adults. Sadly, they are kind of swamped by the silly scenes. Unfortunately, generally speaking, the plot is a bit too puerile, unsubtle, poorly acted and far fetched to appeal to adults. Turn this on with the kids and then go read a good book.

This film was recommended by a family friend and she was 100% on point in that recommendation. I watched it with my daughter, she is 11, and we both loved the film. I am a huge Henry Winkler and Lisa Guerrero fan so I was stoked to watch the movie. The story line was fun, filled with lots of entertaining twists and turns that made us both laugh out loud. Enjoyable characters and family friendly this was exactly was we needed during this lock down. I wish that this movie was on streaming so I could share with our middle school class, perfect fun and uplifting movie.

I'm not one to write reviews but I've ought to say that this is one top-quality film. It's a heart warming story of a family who goes on a journey to find a missing pal. It unites the family in such spectacular ways, reminding you that family is everything. Do yourself a favor, hop on the couch with some friends and watch this film!

My favorite family film of all time!!!! So much heart, so incredible, a must watch!

Entertaining is the word both myself and my kids would describe it! It's one of our go-to films on family movie nights. Comical, sweet and endearing. A must watch!

I love watching this, my kids, family and friends love this and it's overall such an incredible, simple family movie! It really has so much heart, and is most definitely a timeless film! Hope to see more soon from this incredible director and team!

A Plumm Summer is a sweet little indie film pulled off perfectly. There are some big names in the supporting cast who are all note-perfect, most notably Peter Scolari and Henry Winkler. Billy Baldwin also puts in a very good turn for the first time in quite a while. Newcomers Chris Massoglia and Owen Pearce couldn't be any cuter and more adorable as the brothers/stars of the film. Massoglia (credited as "Chris J. Kelly") is particularly outstanding considering it's his first jump from TV to film - you really like him and feel for his character. To me, A Plumm Summer hearkens back to 6:00 on Sunday when the family would gather around the TV with dinners in hand to watch the Wonderful World of Disney's weekly fare. This is like that... but better quality than most of what Walt served up. There's some real heart to this effort thanks to genuine drama that hits a message without becoming overwrought with itself. The mystery element to the story is none too deep or complex, but it doesn't need to be; it's just the vehicle that introduces some very likable characters and lets us get to know them. There's a laugh or two along the way and everything is generally light-hearted and fun. It's a good family film that entertains as well as confronts a serious note or two along the way. It won't change the landscape of movie-making, but it's awfully nice to see that somebody will still make a sweet, innocent film like this. Kudos to the folks responsible for doing that. A very endearing, charming, family film worth anyone's time.

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.

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.