Father and Scout

Spencer (Bob Saget) is a writer and happily married, with one son, Michael (Brian Bonsall). He spends time with Michael, going to his soccer games and taking him to movies and has a fine relationship with his son. However, his wife Heidi, although she confirms he is a good dad, would prefer Spence do a few "manly' things as well, such as going camping. A perfect opportunity arrives when the school's sixth grade boys are all taking part in a camping trip to Catalina island. Reluctantly, Spencer agrees to take Michael. From the ferry ride across, Spencer meets a variety of other parents and kids. This includes an obnoxious firefighter whose "macho" attitude criticizes Spencer's jokes and complaints. Once there, the food is less than palatable, the cots somewhat uncomfortable and the activities, such as archery, challenging for Spencer and Michael. Worst of all is a cave exploration, for Spencer has claustrophobia. Yet, it is important, for a treasure hunt there will follow. Will Michael be proud of his dad or chagrined to the max? This "fish out of water" trip between father and son is typical but still quite enjoyable. Since this viewer bought the film for a dollar, even more so. Most families will enjoy the acting, sets, and funny lines. Enough said?

It is a funny thing.... I didn't want to watch this movie, because I don't really care for Bob Saget. However, I do like Brian Bonsall. So I went ahead and watched it. I found it pretty good, despite Bob Saget. In fact, I rather enjoyed Bob's acting in it. He fit the part perfect. I guess I should overlook Bob's stupid acting in America's Funniest Home Video's. So if you want to watch a pretty funny movie, with a good story line, this movie will do just fine..... :)

Brian Bonsall is a smart actor, but that's that. I have seen this one a few years ago. I remember it having been a more or less average movie. The story was basically good, but the actual transformation on screen was fairly simple and did not match the quality I look for in father-son stories, which belong to my favorites in general. Brian was still decent; he made me watch through the whole movie. I wonder if they could have made a better movie if they'd cast a different guy as his dad. This part was thoroughly miscast. Bob Saget did not fit in here at all, he hampered the advance of the movie's storyline and screwed up the emotional aspect that was subtly addressed.

In some ways, I feel cheated that I missed out on this movie for so many years. At the same time, I cannot help but thank life for letting me experience the beauty and genius contained in this film; its power has purified and prepared my soul for eternity. It centers around Saget and his son as they enjoy a summer scout trip on an island off the coast of California. Rather than using this time to bond with his son, Saget views the trip as a chance crack wise and to vent his feelings of failure as both a father and a man. The movie quickly degrades into a shameless exhibition of pathos as Saget himself embodies the role of an emasculated man-child, delivering the viewer a performance that is not likely to be surpassed in greatness in our lifetime. By the movie's end, even Saget's teenage son has become so uncomfortable with his father's inadequacies as a human that he would sooner leave the island than to be further associated with the abomination that God gave him as a father. With powerful supporting performances from legends like Tackleberry from "Police Academy", Susan from "Seinfeld", and annoying, fat man, from "Alien Fury: Countdown to Invasion" this movie serves as a tribute to every soldier who has given their live defending our country and right to make movies of such importance to humanity.

I happened to pick this film up at my local Blockbuster one weekend and was surprised because it was not bad. The story involves a paranoid author named Spenser Paley (Bob Saget, who I believe filmed this in his second to last season of "Full House".) Saget has not been spending to much time with his son (Brian Bosnall, form Family Ties. When Bosnall gets invited to go on a camping trip with his school Saget does nothing but ruin it by complaining. His companion is Stuart Pankin (who played the sheriff in Arachnophbia.) His enemy is David Graf (Who played Sam in The Brady Bunch Movie.) I loved Bob Saget growing up on Full House so it is not too surprising I enjoyed it. I will warn you however there are many corny jokes and if you are not a Saget fan stay away from it. Otherwise enjoy the show! Rated PG for some vulgarity and violence.