Behind the Waterfall

My mom used to purchase Feature Films for Families movies for me when I was a child and this one stands out among the finer. You have to approach the story from a child's point of view. As a child, you are experiencing everything for the very first time and it is generally a completely innocent experience.

The film begins with the revelation that Tommy and Becky's father has passed away and they are on their way to visit their Aunt. There is an air of fantasy from the first moments on. Tommy and his ever skeptical cousin, Alex, decide to capture Mr. Connors for their own reasons. Alex wishes to prove to Tommy that leprechauns aren't real and Tommy seeks to obtain the one wish that accompanies capturing a leprechaun - he plans to wish for his father to come back. Mr. Connors denies being a leprechaun but insinuates that there is a way for Tommy's wish to be granted, so long as the children help him find the Fairy King's lost Fayden. The journey they begin is much more meaningful than anyone would have guessed.

This is an incredibly comforting, moving movie. I can see where some adults might find it a little bit slow-paced or uninteresting but, speaking as someone who passionately loved this movie as a child, I think it helps to try and remember what you were like as a child and then watch through those eyes.

It's kind of a nice, gentle old fashioned movie. I thought Gary Burghoff did a reasonable borough, although it probably wouldn't fool anyone from Galway or Cork. However, it isn't any broader than those in The Quiet Man and some of those actors really were Irish. I could have done without the fake, bushy eyebrows though, but they probably did that so he'd look his age or older (I think he was mid 50s or so at the time) and so people wouldn't say Hey, Radar O'Reilly's playing a Leprechaun. And it was faith based but not advancing one religion over another. My other recommendation is if The Irish Rovers ever need a new member, Gary Burghoff, even though his background isn't necessarily Irish, would make a good one.

Ok so I was bored and I watched it all the way through.

This film is mild, inoffensive and lacklustre. The story is so sugary it rots your teeth on the opening titles. A tail of two 'traumatised' children learning about 'God' the fairy story way which frankly left me rather traumatised. It uses the Irish 'blarney' in such a stereotypical way one hopes no true Irish ever see it. Aimed at children who frankly would switch off after the first attempt at an 'OIRISH' accent. All in all why do they pump these out.

The movie started off pretty good but i lost interest as the story went along. I know the actress who played Alex, and I dont think she was living up to her full potential. She does much better in school skits. The guy who plays Radar in MASH is in it so thats a plus. Overall i give this movie C-.

This is a marvelous film from Feature Films For Families :), the wholesome quality of the characters makes you feel refreshed the moment the movie begins. As Tommy, his sister, and the other characters discover God through learning about fairies, and other "Irish Blarney" you travel through their adventures with them. I definitely recommend watching this. :)