Sam Steele and the Junior Detective Agency (2011)

ridiculous rating

Pretty Good

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I'm going through the Perry movies and sometimes you get 10 star winners... and sometimes you get Sam Steele's Detective Agency. I'm guessing Des Moines and their film credit were seeking some kind of movie to make and this fell in their laps and "Yay, we get to be Hollywood for a month!" Can't blame them for wanting some movie action. But like most film grant movies, the money is in the tax breaks and not expected in real revenue. The script was fine for a kids flick but 90% of the acting was awful, the direction and edits, which usually make up for bad acting, was even worse than the acting, and the action was slow, as they were busy also trying to incorporate showing off some of Des Moines here and there. The soundtrack was cliché but fun, as it was cute how they played accordion music each time the French villain was on screen. Not an enjoyable movie, as I had to fast forward through the tedious scenery and "action" scenes, but the story was passable for kid entertainment. The story was passable, not the acting. I can't imagine how even a child could enjoy the first receptionist's monotonous talking (even if it was supposed to be on purpose, it didn't deliver) or a news reporter that looked like she was hired from the casting couch. Katherine McNamara was very good and Darren Kennedy was almost decent, as well. Sorry, Fogle, not you, though...But Luke Perry's gotta work and I'm sure the role paid the bills for him. Speaking of bills, he rightfully got a top billing credit out of the gig. This was fair because he was the biggest star in the film, though it was still awkward because if there's a title character, that person would usually get the cast credit. I don't blame Perry for taking on the film, he had a busy 2009, which is where I'm up to in following him. No projects he's done, though, are worth praising since 2007's John From Cincinnati or 2006's Windfall and nothing memorable that had real Perry fingerprints since Johnson County War and Jeremiah in 2002-2004. I see he did a lot in 2010 and I'll be checking those out next. Here's hoping...

That's Great !Its really loved the whole experience and will definitely provided relief. Its so very well work experience in detective agency. I have expressed about very well this detective agency. Its collect the true evidence through surveillance and they are providing highly satisfaction and reliability. They are able to stay for all surveillance, they try to facing the evidence for you. I agree that the concept is unique and the idea behind it is quite good. The story is telling detective agency at the entrance is original, and several case solved through these. That is a good responsible detective agency and easy for contact.

My daughters (ages 9 & 7), wife, and I truly enjoyed it! Yes, it is a simple plot line, the acting is not going to win awards, but the family friendliness is welcome in our home. We enjoy good old fashioned movies, this one is great to watch on a Sunday afternoon after church or just when you are relaxing.You will read some reviews that pan this show for the acting - though it is not perfect I like it.We rented it and enjoyed it several times over the weekend. If you prefer blood, guts, guns and violence this is not the movie for you. However if you like a bit of suspense, good guys against bad guys and the good guys win, well give it a try.Our family enjoyed it, hope your family will enjoy it too.

Is it just me?? But this seems to be an untalented rip off of the the Encyclopedia Brown series.. Similar characters, though due to writers limitations, not nearly as good. Even the character relationships tend to be direct rip offs Sam is the junior Detective,, His father happens to be the town detective.. his secretary Lenore is the brawn of the agency.. I think the writers assumed if they went back in time for inspiration, nobody would notice the theft, and their extreme lack of talent..If your kids are interested in detective stories look up the originals Encyclopedia Brown..