Doonby (2013)

Too much of everything

A lot of fun.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The description Netflix had for this film did not reveal that it had quite adult themes. My husband and I turned it off, after beginning to watch it with our kids, after about 20 minutes. It was a bit much for our younger kiddos. There are violent scenes, and sexual scenes as well. We watched the rest later, and found it to be interesting at times, and to have a very thought provoking final 5 minutes.The characters were interesting. I think John Schneider does a great job as the happy-go- lucky new guy in town. He made me wish he was my neighbor. We weren't crazy about the gal who played his love interest, but she was fine. I just found her skills for timing her reactions to other actors left me wanting. Just a bit amateurish. The man who played the leading lady's father was odd, and a bit creepy. Ernie Hudson is believable in the role of the local bartender. Friendly, outgoing, everyone wants to be at his place. I can't give a description without spoiling it, so I'll leave it up to you. If you like films with flashbacks, intrigue, mystery, and surprise endings, you'll probably like Doonby.

I cannot "slam" the acting or plot as heartily as some of the other reviewers. Many of the actors did a somewhat reasonable job and the plot was coherent. I have to say I actually enjoyed John Schneider's singing and playing. But the political and religious motivation of the overall movie was distressing. You have to sit through the whole movie before you find out how horrible the symbolism is and discover the impact of the movie as it rears its' ugly and obnoxious head. I'm sure the positive reviews above come from viewers with a fundamentalist religious background and the negative ones come from progressive viewers who feel manipulated and cheated. This movie is the same con as those programs that often appear at your public school with a "good" message and music and invite you or your kids for the evening performance to then pound you with a religious message.

I want to write this review primarily to warn people Not to spend money to see this film. We did, and only made it 1/3 of the way through. We saw: indie film, 7.0 score, blues. Wow. Silly, silly us! I assume these are nice folks who were involved in the making and distribution of this film, and I really really hate to say bad things about good people. But I am embarrassed for you! Plot: slow and painful. Acting: forced and fake. Thriller? Really? The few other people who gave this film a review that was positive MusT have a friend or relative involved in the production or distribution of the film and/or some belief system that promotes the agenda the film was attempting to promote. If you are looking to watch a thoughtful and intelligent indie film, this is not it!

I recently saw the movie Doonby, and when the film ended, I felt like I had just watched an excellent movie. Doonby is an emotional, heartfelt, entertaining story, that weaves an interesting theme throughout the picture. As a viewer, you can certainly tell that something unknown is going on underneath the story's surface, and this riveting sense keeps you interested and glued to the story. I was pulled into the movie from beginning to end.I give a nod to John Schneider's portrayal of the lead character, Sam Doonby, yet Jenn Gotzon, as the lead female playing Laura Reaper, carried this movie, in my opinion. Jenn's role as Laura Reaper is believable and powerful, and as an actress, Jenn's character by far reaches the deepest and the most difficult ranges to draw from of all of the characters in the movie. I was glad that I sat through this movie that deals with pertinent social issues, and I highly recommend seeing Doonby.