Un ghepardo per amico - Un'avventura in Africa

If Ace Ventura was family friendly and without Jim Carrey.

'Cheetah' is actually alright, in truth. I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed it, but it's a harmless 83 minutes which fills a gap if you need it to. The locations and animal stuff are decent.

The premise isn't anything you'll remember as it isn't fresh, original or majorly interesting to be honest. As for the cast, they are serviceable. I like Lucy Deakins (Susan), Collin Mothupi (Morogo) and Keith Coogan (Ted); the latter is basically Tommy Kirk, Walt Disney himself would approve of that casting I'm sure! The adult actors are actually the weakest cast members.

Not much more to note. Forgettable sure, but it's a quick watch and not irritating or anything like that. Lastly, who knew this used "Hakuna matata" before that entirely unknown film from 1994, eh?

Los Angeles teenager Keith Coogan (as Ted Johnson) and pretty sister Lucy Deakins (as Susan) go to live in Kenya for six months. They befriend local goat-herder Colin Mothupi (as Morogo) and adopt a young cheetah after its mother is killed by poachers. Animals in captivity don't learn to hunt properly, and are therefore not easy to return to the wild. When it's time to leave, Mr. Coogan tries to teach "Cheetah" to hunt, but the cat hasn't a clue. Since this seems to be a relatively free-to-roam "outside" cat, you have to wonder if something else is wrong - but, probably, we're just supposed to go with the flow. Also strange is how Coogan and Ms. Deakins share a bedroom - but they seem mature enough to work out any awkwardness. Things get really hairy when poachers target "Cheetah" at the same time Coogan and company are scheduled to leave the continent. The story is far too simple, but the cast is likable and the African locations are very beautiful.

****** Cheetah (8/18/89) Jeff Blyth ~ Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Colin Mothupi, Timothy Landfield

Not every movie is destined to be mentioned in the same breath as Casablanca. This is a sweet, fun children's film!

Why does Disney always make movies about kids befriending animals and saving them from poachers? There are just too many to count. In spite of that, this is a good children's movie.

Two kids, Ted (Kieth Coogan) and Susan (Lucy Deakins), are living in Kenya with their parents who are scientists. Boredom overtakes these city kids until they adopt a cheetah and raise. Soon, however, they must release it into the wild, due to the obvious difficulties of raising an adult cheetah and the necessity of having it live outside of the captive. Except, their cheetah is taken up by those damn poachers. So, the kids and their parents, fight against the armed poachers to get it back.

This movie is quite similar to a "A Far Off Place" which was released a few years later, starring Reece Witherspoon and Ethan Embry. If you enjoy "Cheetah," you'll likely enjoy that one as well. These were pretty decent kids movies and ones that provide a gorgeous view of Sub Sahara Africa.

"Cheetah" is a treasure of a family film. It is very memorable, and enjoyable throughout. The acting is good, as the young cast of stars shine. The scenery is amazing, and the premise is a unique, original idea. I'm surprised this film hasn't received more attention, as it is truly one of the greatest family films ever. Disney does a superb job here with "Cheetah"...people of all ages will enjoy this film.