Inside the Osmonds

Ok, I agree that this script had a Leave It To Beaver complex when it came to working out character's problems in a timely, neat manner. But hey, for those who remember the 1970s with fondness (yes, there are a few of us!), this was a pretty fun look back. Sure, the Osmonds were a pretty saccharine bunch, but they did have a few decent, rocking tunes early on (who knew the boys really longed to be the next Led-Zeppelin?). The movie does a great job in recreating their stage act, and the outfits are a total gas (the wigs and sideburns fare poorly closeup, but are sufficient in long shots). Some aspects of this story, such as their religious convictions and sibling rivalry, only got surface deep, but this was not intended to be the next Citizen Kane. Lighten up! I can't imagine any fan of the Osmonds (and there were millions!) being disappointed in this movie. By the way, did anyone notice that the fellow playing the father is D-Day from Animal House?!

This made-for-TV movie has the look of a mini-series that was perhaps 2-3 nights long originally but at the last minute was only given one night by the networks. So the editors worked furiously chopping it all down to one night. It really shows. This movie will only work for you if you are an Osmond fan and know much about the biographical details of their lives. If you don't know much about the family, prepare to be lost frequently. The brothers look so similar in this movie that it is too easy to get them mixed up. The age progression that suddenly takes place with no word of explanation does not help either, as soon as you have figured out who everyone is, the people playing them are switched on you. This is the story of some Mormon boys who merely wanted to be "the next Led Zeppelin" ( I'm serious! ) and their fathers attempts to keep them true to their Mormon faith and ideals, all the while he is squandering their hard earned money away. That this film was produced by Jimmy Osmond is rather surprising as the Osmonds have always tended to keep hush-hush about anything less than a perfect family image. I thought that father George must have died, which would explain this movie's critical tone in regards to him, but no, at the end, he is trotted out on stage with the family. See this as a second feature with an earlier Osmond produced film called "Side By Side: The True Story Of The Osmond Family", and you will have a 4 hour epic story of the Osmond family...if you want that.

I just saw this movie on MuchMore Music about a day ago and they have aired it about 3 times in 2 days and I've seen each one thats how much I love it. I never thought I could like music from back then because normally I'm telling my grandparents to put away the old stuff. I think the actors did a great job portraying each character. Now finding out that they filmed some of it in my home town is even more overwhelming and I wish I would have know about it then to have considered a part of an extra. If someone thinks this movie is horrible you've got to learn about your music history because these guys were icons. Also learn about your movie critic skills as well. By the way if you think I'm some 30 year old writing this guess again I'm 15. I know a good movie when I see one.

Since I like the Osmonds this movie was a decent tribute to the family of Bubble Gum. Although critics see it as a typical piece of sanitized drama, I liked the honest approach of the jealousies, quarrels, insecurities, and control issues that plagued the boys, as well as the Brother Sister duo. There was a very poignant scene when Wayne sits with Merrill on the floor and laments, "We were making history. If we had stayed with it. If we had just kept going, I know it. That the worst part... could have, but didn't." The movie gives a peek into the inner turmoil of the family. Merrill's frustration over the bubble gum sound, Donny's early rise, and feeling his brother's resentment. Marie's image insecurities, and Daddy Osmonds over controlling hold on the boy's careers. It could have been done with a little more realism, but at least it avoids the over dramatized scenarios and scandals about famous people. I would have liked a little more music, and a little less hype about the the Mormon Missions. That part was obscure for the audience at large. But you don't mind any of that if you like the Osmonds.

I have Inside The Osmonds., and i thoroughly enjoyed it. It's great they are still performing, and have not once lost the talent they started with.

I have been to see them a couple of times now, (time permitting)and have also seen Donny several times. I'm a big fan, and probably always will be. Keep it up lads.

Watching the film, showed the fans some insight to their lives, which was an eye opener, as sometimes you only see the stardom side. I have met Donny and Merrill, and have found them very sincere, and always receive their fans with a genuine nature.