The Penny Promise

This is supposed to be a "family film." It's movies like this that give "family films" a bad name. Yes, it's a comedy, but 'comedy' shouldn't equal 'silly.' This film has a plot that could work, but it doesn't because we're either cringing at its phoniness or groaning at its naivete. Come on, folks, 'family films' don't need to be dumbed down. The funny lines don't need to be punched. The absurd characters don't need to be played over the top. The villains don't need to cackle or gloat. The morals don't need to be spelled out. A good comedy doesn't need to show off. A good comedy is funny because it is, not because we need to be constantly reminded. This film has good actors saddled with a silly script. Scott Christopher is a skilled actor and a very funny guy. His Will Duncan character is not allowed to take advantage of that. Instead, he has to constantly try to keep Will from coming off as a total doofus. Bobby Edner has several films under his belt which demonstrate that he can play the smartest guy in the room. Instead, his Dusty Farnsworth character constantly has to be the credulous mark for his devious schoolmates, when Dusty is obviously much sharper than that. The writers, who are also the directors - a tag team operation that so often isn't a good idea - seem to believe that "families" will only appreciate a movie if it is aimed at 6-year-olds who love multiple pratfalls and food fights. (A family film would not make light of dropping a stroke patient while making a bed-to-chair transfer.) The script constantly sets up some very nice moments, but they are nearly all compromised by something foolish or silly. This film could have been a very intelligent effort. The story is solid; the cast is excellent; the production elements are first rate. If the directors had told the writers to trust what they had, it could have been a mainstream winner rather than direct-to-video.

Will Duncan (Scott Christopher) has been in love with Annie (Jennifer Capo) for quite awhile. Yet, this man, a science teacher at the local junior high, has failed to convince the lady's father that he is good marriage material. In part, this is because Will has little money and Annie is the daughter of a successful businessman. Will did go to college and get a decent job. But, now Daddy Bucks asks Will to save a million pennies, that is, TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS before Annie can buy her wedding dress. Unknown to the couple, Daddy has his heart set on another man winning Annie's affections, business exec George, who is a royal pain. Annie doesn't like him. But, she longs to get married so will she get tired of waiting? Let's hope not! Will makes a list of extra jobs he can do to raise money, including dog walking, delivering papers, car washing. Yet, at this critical moment, George manages to get Will suspended from his job. Now how will he add to his bank account? Could there be a solution? Meanwhile, another family is suffering, too. The father has had a stroke and the large amount of money he had saved at home (no trusting of banks) stays hidden, for the man can't talk. This makes the wife desperate for cash. Could these two story lines, plus another of Annie's younger brother wanting to join the cool gang at school, all cross paths? You bet! I PROMISE YOU, this is a delightful film! Its funny, with quite a lot of physical humor, such as the moment Will gets his tie stuck in the garbage disposal! Its also charming and family friendly, with no words or scenes that would offend those who like good, clean movies. Then, too, the cast is great, with Christopher and Capo making a lovely couple and the supporting cast very capable. Viewers will also admire Annie's costumes, for she looks gorgeous without any revealing, tight outfits. Scenery, too, is sunny and green. Do look high and low for Penny Promise. It probably won't cost a million pennies but will be rewarding at any reasonable price.