The Adventures of Ociee Nash

Growing up, Sounder, Tom Sawyer, and Mary Poppins were the movies that molded me and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of Ociee Nash, a small homegrown film. As a Georgian, I was glad to see Atlanta's beauty through a filmmaker's eyes and as an artist, I was glad to see so many local celebrities mixed in with solid performers like Keith Carradine and Mare Winningham. We, in the suburbs of Atlanta, were fortunate to be able to send many friends to to see what I now call an endangered species - the FAMILY FILM. As I grow older, I long for those films that make us, as human beings, dare to search for great adventure. Milam Propst's A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street was a great children's book that some adults may never have known about had there not been The Adventures of Ociee Nash. I am glad the McGary sisters had the vision to turn this magical story into a movie that everyone can enjoy. As a side note - any story with a mysterious gypsy with one eye and an infectious laugh is sure to be a crowd pleaser!!

After seeing The Adventures of Ociee Nash for the third time with audiences of children of all ages, their parents, and adults without children, I am convinced of the power of this film to entertain and educate many. Hearing the laughter, the clapping, and even a few sobs, I knew that this film had the secret ingredient that makes people love it...a heart. As an adult without children, seeing Ociee made me nostalgic for the family films of my youth, the ones that were wholesome, sweet, and moral. In an age where filmmakers and studios resort to the lowest means to attract the attention of theatergoers, particularly the youth, The Adventures of Ociee Nash takes the high road and relies solely on a great story and great filmmaking. Kudos to those responsible for this treasure for the ages.

Parents take their kids by droves to the latest Disney or Pixar films, and other high production value movies that basically just stimulate hyperactivity in kids. That's okay, but parents should give their kids a balanced diet by also taking them to see movies like Ociee Nash that are a little bit closer to the world that they live in, with simpler, thought provoking situations that a child can identify with. The theater that I saw Ociee in during a Saturday matinee had lots of small children in the audience. They were quiet as can be and seemed completely engaged in the story. I knew they were watching because they would occasionally laugh or comment at something that one of the characters said, indicating that they were actually listening to the dialogue! Not bad for a movie that actually has some redeeming value to it. The movie shows how a young person can overcome adversity in their life through courage and love, and that by doing so they can have a positive effect on the lives of the people around them.

For adults the movie offers a quirky charm and a gentle touch which is not only rare, but virtually extinct in Hollywood. Watching this movie with your kids will do you some good too.

My 9 year old daughter and I had a great father-daughter date for the premiere of THE ADVENTURES OF OCIEE NASH at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The movie was fun for both of us. My daughter left the theatre talking like Ociee. She has been anxiously awaiting the release of the movie on DVD so the rest of the family can see it.

I see the movie as a cross between Little House on the Prairie and Forest Gump. Ociee's trek from her home to Asheville, NC puts her in the path of famous people who are somehow historically affected by her (ala Forest Gump). However, the wholesomeness of the film and the innocence of the characters makes the film worth watching.

One of the lesser known actors in the film is Anthony Rodriquez who plays the gypsy. It was a great performance by truly an actor's actor. The entire cast fit so well together that it made the film so believable.

There aren't enough movies being made that are both appropriate, and entertaining for my entire family. The Adventures of Ociee Nash was both. The basic story, featuring a female "Tom Sawyer" type character was a classic tale with a beautiful example of what family really means. This movie touches the heart. While it may not be as polished as a big budget film, the costumes, sets and cinematography were excellent. Historical characters peppered throughout the film add humor and education. I would love to have this movie in my home library. I would also feel very comfortable giving it as a gift. Little kids, grand parents and everyone in between will enjoy this sweet and funny story.