Goldy: The Last of the Golden Bears

There is a tradition in my wife's family of telling an unsuspecting friend or relative of this really great children's film that they MUST watch. The movie is called "Goldy: The Last of the Golden Bears". After sitting down to watch the video, the practical joker waits to see the reaction of the unsuspecting friend or relative.

At first the viewer is surprised at the poor quality of acting, but is tolerant because, after all, it's only a children's film. As the video goes on, the viewer becomes uncomfortable with the corny dialogue and lack of plot. Then he or she begins to wonder why this video was recommended as a great children's film.

Finally, the viewer turns to the cruel practical joker and says something like, "What the hell is this? Is there something wrong with you?" At which point, all those in the know burst out laughing.

Personally, I think it's a cruel joke.

I bought this movie used (thank God) for my daughter. My daughter asked me to stop the movie because she didn't like it. She was bored to tears. I finished it later and formed my own opinion. It sucked! The child actress, Jessica Black, was just awful. I usually have a soft spot for child actors, but this kid was terrible in every way. As the final credits rolled, I saw many Blacks listed. She obviously was related to these people, perhaps to Trevor Black the producer. That explained a lot.

I usually like sappy animal movies, but I just could not embrace this one. It just didn't move me in any way. I think I was already turned off by the poor acting of Jessica Black that it was hard for me to suspend judgment and allow myself to be entertained by this amateurish "film."

I was shocked Mr. Black made Goldy II, and I was totally astonished that he actually made Goldy III. I have not seen either, but when I read the premise for Goldy II, it sounded much like Goldy I revisited. Didn't Trevor Black and John Quinn learn anything from the first one? How sad.

Shot for $25,000, the first "Goldy" led to two other features. All three grossed 4 million, appeared on Showtime & HBO and have been translated into 6 languages for 17 foreign countries. The book "Goldy" was read in the New York United Nations children's center. David Wasco, the art director for Goldy I & II, is now well-known for his "Production Design" on "Pulp Fiction" & "The Royal Tannenbaums." Chris Lombardi the camera assistant (Goldy I)was the camera operator on "Cider House Rules". The music composers Ed Berghoff & Larry Bastian made the big time with songs on Garth Brooks' first album. Larry wrote 5 songs for Garth including "Unanswered Prayers" and "Rodeo." Trevor Black won an Emmy for Sound on "One Against the Wind" with Sam Neill and Judy Davis. The many talented young people who worked for pennies on Goldy I, gave it whatever magic that has touched a certain segment of the world film audience.

Viewing this movie of recent date, I say for the budget they made the most of what they had.

A cute girl that star appears to be Jessica Black.

The movie perhaps is a little slower paced than your typical Disney film, but it appears to be pure in it's message and story without throwing out a dozen unwanted subliminal pop culture subversive messages.

A fine Independent Film, I wish there were more like this to see in the cinema, I would without hesitation bring my children to see it.

A wholesome movie! For kids! Who would of thought it! The problem with many viewers today especially the insolent wretches who reviewed this movie, is these imbeciles fail to understand it is a children's movie from a production that had not a great deal of money to spend like the larger productions, you figure adults would be of greater discretion to realize this.

I have such wonderful memories of spending the weekend at my grandparents house when I was a child. Watching this movie and its two sequels with them. I wanted to be like Jesse out on an adventure, befriending wild animals. I had Jesse's free spite and I can do it all on my own attitude. I think of this movie from time to time and it brings a smile to my face.