The Newcomers

This is a refreshing story and film for children and some adults who would like a somewhat "realistic" film. This film makes you feel almost as though you were sitting right next to the actors while they go about their lives in the movie. Compared to other films, this one is not always "smooth," and some little acts don't always "fit," but you might appreciate the "innocence" and lessons taught by the movie.

This is a simple, straightforward film, about a family moving away from the city, to start a new life in a small country town. After being subjected to bullying, Sam Docherty, played with absolutely no emotion by Matt McCoy, is forced to make the right decision and testify in court against them. Within ten minutes, the family has moved house, and the eldest daughter is asking where the nearest mall is. At a small garage, Courtney spots the guy who predictably will later become her love interest. Upon paying for their goods, their credit card is declined, and you know from that point on that this entire movie is going to be predictable. Within 25 minutes we are introduced the customary `best friend', in the form of an adorable dog, whom it is decided is a stray, with no apparent regard for any owner it may have been fortunate to have. Enter Sam's new neighbour, `Gil', played by Billy Kay. It is instantly apparent that he is a troublemaker. He has a the stereotypical pierced ear of all young hoodlums. What follows is a feeble attempt at their bullying of Sam, followed by a feigned friendship in the hope of becoming closer to the beautiful Courtney. We also meet an elderly and slightly eccentric lady with a pie to greet the family. What follows is a tired, formulaic tale of a boy, his bullies and his ever faithful dog. `Earring boy', picks on Sam, is chased away by the dog, which looks for all the world like it will lick him death. Father of "earring bully" decides "I don't want you hangin' round new kid"...shortly after this point we learn that his mother died...father raises him alone...blah...blah. The scene of them climbing the fence, with "scared fat kid being scared" may well have been stolen from Stand By Me... The fairground scene equally predictable and nauseating as we see the "romantic interest" blossom, while bad kids steal fireworks, and you just know "sumthin' bad is gonna happen" There's even a "bridge crossing" reminiscent of SBM, at which point "bad earring boy" falls into lake, is naturally saved by boy, just before they all go over the waterfall that wasn't there 2 minutes ago, and the dog has disappeared only to make the customary reappearance at the end of the film when everything turns out happily ever after, the good and bad all become friends, and while playing chess (the way new best buddies always do), along comes baddies daddy, with a peace offering, and a hearty welcome and along comes doggie to be greeted with absolutely no emotion by kid, and they all lived happily ever after. From start to finish, this film is tired and predictable. Even the usually outstanding Paul Franklin Dano and Billy Kay cannot pull this film into life, as the scripting and direction are appalling. This is bland, predictable and formulaic. It is a genuine torture to watch. There are thousands of movie's in this genre, and nearly all do a much better job. If you're looking for a decent `sappy' family film, look elsewhere. Lassie, with Tom Guiry, is a much more enjoyable film, and while as predictable as most of these films are, is at least played out with some passion and enthusiasm. This film draws heavily on stereotypes, religious beliefs, and family values, in a lame attempt to cobble something remotely resembling a story. By the end of the film, the only thing more tired than myself was the film itself. Good points? It's a rather nice dog. Most definitely not recommended viewing; A total disappointment from start to finish.

Ollie

A big city family that runs into financial difficulties relocates to a small American town to start over. After arriving in the new town the father discovers that he does not have the job he was promised and the wife takes a low paying job despite her husband's objection. The teenage children initially have trouble finding new friends and adjusting to the slow paced life of country living. The antagonist is the extremely unfriendly neighbor from across the street who, for no apparent reason, is openly hostile towards the newcomers. This slow moving film preaches that strong family and religious values will help a family overcome difficulties and prevail over hardship. This is a sappy and predictable film with average acting and no redeeming qualities. Don't waste your time.

Boy this movie is about as exciting as 'New - Improved! Vanilla Pudding'. And SO much is SO wrong.

They can't afford to live in Boston - so they move to Vermont? What? And into a house that would run close to a million dollars there with some of the nation's highest property taxes, very mediocre pay levels, and massive taxes on everything. Believe me, if you can't afford to live in Boston, you SURE can't afford Vermont.

Not one person in the whole movie talks with a Vermont accent. Not. A. One. One thing was accurate, when the family showed up at their new house there, the neighbors immediately dissed them as 'flatlanders'. THAT is truth. Anyone who moves there is called a 'flatlandah' and advised that no matter how long they live there, they 'can never be a real Vahmontah' and being told "real Vahmontahs like this' and "real Vahmontahs do that" etc. The place is like a giant clique and they are not eager to welcome flatlanders and that would include people from Boston.

When the young gas station attendant rushes out to pump the gas into the family car... that's not happening there OR anyplace else.

The family DOES go to a church with a woman pastor, that part is realistic, although attending church in Vermont is about as popular as sword swallowing.

But to sum up, this movie is beyond banal and does not in any way represent any sort of a realistic view of Vermont. And in defense of Vermont, the people in the movie are so dumb it's not even fair to real "Vahmontahs". Honestly, this is just the dumbest movie. It could have been written by third-grade class.

And not a single person in the whole movie speaks like a 'real Vahmontah'.

This movie should come with a health warning - if you're diabetic or have similar health problems that require you to avoid sugar then you need to avoid this movie at all costs. This movie is so sugary sweet it's almost sickening. That's not its only problem though. This movie is so contrived, so derivative, so full of stereotyped characters that you will be forgiven for thinking you've seen it before. You have in a way. You've seen this all before and seen it done much better. There are no surprises here. You could write this yourself. You can guess what is going to happen well before it does - and you'll be correct. A special mention has to be made of the soundtrack, which sounds like one of those syrupy tunes a cheap phone will offer as a ring tone. Maybe that's where it came from. Anyway, it is excruciating and just doesn't let up! Possibly the only interesting thing this movie has to offer is the opportunity to see a number of now-well-known actors before they hit the big time. I guess this movie is the kind of thing you have to do on your way up in Hollywood.

It's impossible to recommend this movie to anyone looking for something remotely entertaining. However, if you're in the market for something bland, colourless and action free that won't tax your brain cells or emotions in any conceivable way, then this is the movie for you.