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Movies / On DVD / The Legend of Johnny Lingo
The Legend of Johnny Lingo

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The Legend of Johnny Lingo (2003)

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14 %
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Reviews Counted: 14

Fresh: 2

Rotten:12

Average Rating: 4.6/10

Rated: G

Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Theatrical Release:Aug 29, 2003 Limited

Synopsis: When a fierce storm strikes Malio Island, the islanders ask their gods for a miracle. What they receive is an ornate canoe complete with a little baby boy. All that accompanies the child is a... When a fierce storm strikes Malio Island, the islanders ask their gods for a miracle. What they receive is an ornate canoe complete with a little baby boy. All that accompanies the child is a beautiful carved hair comb. The Malio chief decides that the baby boy is a gift from the gods and declares that the baby will be raised as his son. He names the boy Tama and pronounces him the future chief of Malio Island. The chief's wife is extremely jealous of the boy, who has taken the place of their son, Pua, and she begins to spread her resentful poison. As she gossips with the other women, the chief's wife claims that the child came from the god of mischief and blames Tama for all the misfortunes that befall the island. Soon the islanders follow her lead, and the boy is blamed for illnesses, failed crops, and no fish. The chief denounces the boy, and soon Tama is passed from family to family, finally ending up in the poorest house on the island. It is here that Tama comes to know Mahana and her father. Mahana is despised by her father and the islanders -- they all see her as troublesome and undesirable. Tama, however, finds that she is a true gem and the two outcasts form a strong bond. When Tama finally has the means to escape the island, he leaves with a promise to one day return for Mahana. That promise is where is adventure begins... -- © Innovation Film Group [More]

Starring: Joe Folau, Kayte Ferguson, Rawiri Paratene, George Henare

Starring: Joe Folau, Kayte Ferguson, Rawiri Paratene, George Henare

Director: Steven Ramirez

Director: Steven Ramirez
Screenwriter: Riwia Brown, John Garbett
Studio: Innovation Film Group

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Release:

May 11, 2004

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Reviews for The Legend of Johnny Lingo

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1 - 15 (sorted by date)
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Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
07/22/08
Scott Foundas
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

...there's not much here to keep older viewers engaged.

Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | comment Comment
04/14/05
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews

The whole affair comes off as an after-school special filmed in the rainforest.

Full Review Source: Looking Closer | comment Comment
12/06/04
Jeffrey Overstreet
Looking Closer

There’s no adventure or fun anywhere in Johnny Lingo, which is odd because this is kid friendly fare.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
11/21/03
Pete Croatto
Filmcritic.com

Those who want a similarly-themed film need look no further than 'Whale Rider,' just as rich visually and in spirit—and a superior movie in every aspect.

Full Review Source: Spectrum (St. George, Utah) | comment Comment
10/12/03
Bruce Bennett
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)

Beyond-hackneyed dialogue helps Ramirez convey the (mistaken?) impression that none of his featured players can act. Throw in a dramatic arc that's practically a flat line and you'll know how long 91 minutes can feel.

Full Review Source: Orlando Weekly | comment Comment
10/09/03
Steve Schneider
Orlando Weekly

If the narrative is unsteady, the acting is even shakier.

Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | comment Comment
10/03/03
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel

Despite being longer, bigger, and more expensive, the new Legend of Johnny Lingo does little to improve on the first.

Full Review Source: Tooele Transcript-Bulletin (Utah) | comment Comment
09/12/03
Audrey Rock-Richardson
Tooele Transcript-Bulletin (Utah)

[The film] manages to overcome its weaknesses -- and its ancestry as a famously cornball Brigham Young University-produced short -- with gentle humor and sweetness.

Full Review Source: Salt Lake Tribune | comment Comment
09/05/03
Sean Means
Salt Lake Tribune

It's not a bad film, and it has a certain sweetness to it. It's just so unnecessary, that's all.

Full Review Source: EricDSnider.com | comment Comment
08/30/03
Eric D. Snider
EricDSnider.com

So poorly constructed that at times it feels like a series of barely connected skits, only some of which work.

Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
08/29/03
Jeff Vice
Deseret News, Salt Lake City

As a travelogue, it's inspiring. As a movie, it's a bit hokey, but okay, with some nice messages for the children.

Full Review Source: TheMovieChicks.com | comment Comment
08/29/03
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
TheMovieChicks.com

This exotic little New Zealand film about an outcast island boy is full of surprises that will make even the grumpiest viewer crack a smile.

Full Review Source: Arizona Republic | comment Comment
08/28/03
Kathy Cano Murillo
Arizona Republic
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The movie's G rating, and its message that even the roughest of edges can be smoothed away to reveal a wonderful person, make for ideal family entertainment, as long as you can get past the corniness.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
08/28/03
Gary Dowell
Dallas Morning News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A good-natured but somewhat slack family film...rather stilted and didactic, like a Disney live-action feature from the fifties or sixties.

Full Review Source: One Guy's Opinion | comment Comment
08/27/03
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion
 
 
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