Douma et ses amis

Not every movie is destined to be mentioned in the same breath as Casablanca. This is a sweet, fun children's film!

If Ace Ventura was family friendly and without Jim Carrey.

'Cheetah' is actually alright, in truth. I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed it, but it's a harmless 83 minutes which fills a gap if you need it to. The locations and animal stuff are decent.

The premise isn't anything you'll remember as it isn't fresh, original or majorly interesting to be honest. As for the cast, they are serviceable. I like Lucy Deakins (Susan), Collin Mothupi (Morogo) and Keith Coogan (Ted); the latter is basically Tommy Kirk, Walt Disney himself would approve of that casting I'm sure! The adult actors are actually the weakest cast members.

Not much more to note. Forgettable sure, but it's a quick watch and not irritating or anything like that. Lastly, who knew this used "Hakuna matata" before that entirely unknown film from 1994, eh?

Los Angeles teenager Keith Coogan (as Ted Johnson) and pretty sister Lucy Deakins (as Susan) go to live in Kenya for six months. They befriend local goat-herder Colin Mothupi (as Morogo) and adopt a young cheetah after its mother is killed by poachers. Animals in captivity don't learn to hunt properly, and are therefore not easy to return to the wild. When it's time to leave, Mr. Coogan tries to teach "Cheetah" to hunt, but the cat hasn't a clue. Since this seems to be a relatively free-to-roam "outside" cat, you have to wonder if something else is wrong - but, probably, we're just supposed to go with the flow. Also strange is how Coogan and Ms. Deakins share a bedroom - but they seem mature enough to work out any awkwardness. Things get really hairy when poachers target "Cheetah" at the same time Coogan and company are scheduled to leave the continent. The story is far too simple, but the cast is likable and the African locations are very beautiful.

****** Cheetah (8/18/89) Jeff Blyth ~ Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Colin Mothupi, Timothy Landfield

Siblings Keith Coogan and Lucy Deakins are visiting Kenya during a summer break, to be with their parents. They make friends with Masai boy Colin Mothupi and rescue a cheetah kit. Just before they go back, locals steal the cheetah for racing. After they return to the US, they decide to go back and rescue the animal.

There's little unlikely in this story except for them getting back to Kenya. Director Jeff Blyth has a specialty in documentary work. This is his only foray into fiction features, and it is a handsome Young Adult film, with some fine wildlife footage. It's an old-fashioned G-rated story, suitable for showing to young children when they're not up to the thrills and fears of classic Disney animation.

Californian teens Ted (Keith Coogan) and Susan (Lucy Deakins) come to Kenya to stay with their scientist parents for six months. They befriend local child goat herder Morogo. They find a baby cheetah after the mother is killed by poacher. They name her Duma. She gets bigger and they try to teach her how to hunt with little success. Duma gets kidnapped by poachers who wants to race her against greyhounds. They suspect Patel but they are suppose to return home. Instead, they sneak off to rescue Duma with Morogo's help.

It's a simple family movie. The two lead actors are good capable performers. The rest of the cast are pretty amateurish. The story isn't anything special. The best thing about the movie is the wild life. There are some good close encounters. It's a good one for the tiny ones but not for anybody else.