Uncle Joe Shannon

The score of UJS features the trumpet trumpet playing of the legendary Maynard Ferguson. Ferguson, often described as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, is simply astounding, so much so that you can easily overlook the movie's flaws.

I agree with another reviewer, it is low budget, but it still has that vintage late 1970s warm fuzzy glow around it along witht the waste and the emptiness that gets to the pit of your stomach (remember the scenes, in the long run it'll warm your heart. A few nice props being a NJ boy is that Doug McKeon, the actor who plays the little boy, is from Pompton Plains NJ and Mr. Cassidy is in teh NJ Boxing Hall of Fame.

Uncle Joe Shannon seems to have been a real box office bomb back in 1978. I seen half of this movie this morning and it had me kind of hooked. You could tell that this movie was low budget even for 1978. The cast is truly a bunch of unknowns with the exception of the legendary Burt Young who went on in good supporting roles in Back to School and Betsy's Wedding. After seeing 14 votes and this getting a 4.8, it breaks my heart.

I feel sorry for this so-so film that is getting harsh ratings. It's not that bad. The production values are low and meager and the acting is mediocre but this movie has heart to it. Worth at least a watch on TV if nothing else is on. Rating: 5/10

Oh it was gonna be so obvious this was just some made for TV movie. But it all turns out to be so interesting. And I end up caring so much. And it's just so sweet and so wonderful. Please invest the time. Watch this one you need to feel something or life needs to change. Or watch this when hope is in doubt. This kid is great. Uncle Joe is great. Oh here and there the stories a little implausible but hell. How else do angels get their wings?

I am flabbergasted that more people haven't appreciated this movie, out of the 45 who've voted on it. I am a musician, so I am a little biased, but I am giving it a ten also because it ranks as one of few movies that reach a heart wrenching finale that is meaningful and uplifting at the same time. I found it very worthwhile after seeing it to its conclusion. Why the poor scores? I guess those who are looking for something to nitpick over, like the cinematography, the pacing, or any one of a dozen film business quality areas, could certainly find ample points to take issue with. But come on people, this is a drama, not an action movie. It has tremendous heart. Drama's with heart that deliver a punch are not all that abundant, especially in this world of cynics.

The acting is at times, but not always, excellent, and the story delivers and is worth the wait, for those who can endure along with the characters.

If you like jazz, if you are a musician or are interested in a great movie about being one, or if you want to watch a movie that can inspire one to overcome difficulties and helping one another, especially if you or those close to you have mental or physical challenges that set them behind, you will find the triumph explored here is heartwarming indeed.

The movie compares to another one, called The Mighty, who IMDb members rated 7.2. Given the budget of that movie, compared with this one, and the time period difference, I think this is one of the more underrated movies on this web site.

Your patience will pay off!