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?!

Say what you want about the Osmonds, this is a very strong, loving, honorable family. I enjoyed this program very much. There is not a lot of families that could withstand the public scrutiny they had to go through. Even with some of the problems they had, they all stuck together. They should be very proud of themselves.

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.

Sprinkled with a fine soundtrack and some very good acting, 'Inside The Osmonds' is a bio-pic that documents the meteoric rise and subsequent fiscal downfall of the Osmond family.

The story's main focus is on the family as they attempt to maintain their popularity while staying committed to each other throughout the turbulent seventies and early eighties.

Each family member is given time to develop, but the film focuses mainly on Donny and Marie. Especially, Donny (Patrick Levis) as he must endure his forced transition from praised musician to a veritable laughing stock on his daily variety show.

Many things are touched upon throughout the film, including the family's devotion to religion and Marie's weight problem which is merely glanced but not truly elaborated upon. One element that was allowed to flourish was the family's manipulation at the hands of television and recording executives.

The family remains consistently close until final scene when they lose all of their savings. Unlike other movies where this might have been a huge tragedy, in this film, the impact is sort of anti-climactic. They haven't really lost anything, they still have each other and to them, at least, that is truly all that matters.

Look for fine performances by Bruce McGill, as the over-protective but loving father George, and Veronica Cartwright, as the comforting Olive. The film will leave a sweet taste in your mouth, especially the final frame where the real Osmonds take center stage, where they belong, singing 'He aint' heavy, He's my brother'. Look for this one!