The Real Macaw (1998)
An ancient talking macaw named Mac becomes the saving grace for an elderly man threatened with a nursing home, when it is discovered that the talking bird knows the whereabouts of a buried treasure from its days with a pirate. His grandson decides to go off on the hunt only to discover that a resort now exists where the treasure is buried.
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Too much of everything
Just perfect...
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
This is a good movie for kid up to 12 or 13. While it is a bit predictable, most kid's movies tend to be. We enjoyed this movie and I'd recommend it. If an older child has experience with birds, I think they would enjoy it at any age.CAUTION: If you want to purchase this movie you have to know what your video equipment can handle, and also accept that the 'star' who does the voice of the macaw seems to be different if you view the original Australian version vs. the U.S. version.I bought the DVD here in the U.S. and found that it would not play on a brand new (11/2006) DVD player, or on my kids DVD game player. Both machines come up with something like "Wrong country code". When I played the DVD on the home computer a similar message came up but then we were allowed to change the country code for viewing on that PC. My macaw-owning friend was able to play my DVD on her home DVD player (perhaps her's was a higher-end DVD player.) Check your DVD player to make sure that you can CHANGE the country code for viewing the DVD version of this movie.I'm not sure, but I don't think there is a U.S. version of the DVD. I think the only U.S version that I could find was on VHS tape.I think the U.S. version might be obnoxious. I gather that John Goodman was hired to replace the voice-over of the macaw. I'm not sure he would be good in that role and from the postings I see here, they seem to agree. I have a feeling that the original Australian actor is a better fit.We liked the movie!
In a day and age when sex, violence and junk is sold to us as being entertainment, this movie shines like a beacon of wholesomeness. The story is fantasy, but the characterizations were charming. This is the kind of movie our children should be seeing. Adults might find it to be too simple of a story for their taste, it certainly does not have any "snob appeal". I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my grandchildren to view. They have watched it several times and always ask to see it again. It is not full of loud nonsensical noise as you would find in a lot of the cartoon and children's features that are being offered today. And it has enough appeal for parents to watch the movie along with the kids.
This movie is a children's movie; it's cheap, quick, made-in-Australia Discovery-channel-family-movie type fare, so set your expectations accordingly. It's not realistic, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, the budget is small and the production schedule is short. It's not "Babe". From that point of view the movie is enjoyable to watch. Jason Robards is obviously having way too much fun in his role. The animal direction is pretty good as well, and my hat's off to the macaw wrangler. The bird has all the best lines, of course, but John Goodman's stereotypical "rawwk, phwee-phyoo" overdub just made me roll my eyes ( though not as insulting as the smartass Brooklyn accent they used for Paulie...). The one point I found really outstanding about the film is the macaw puppet used in many scenes; it is very realistic when still, or talking in medium or long shots. A puppet was also used instead of CGI for many of the flying scenes. Owning a blue-and-gold macaw myself, I was quite impressed at this ingenuity on such a small budget. Watch it with your kids, watch it with your bird, set your expectations accordingly and enjoy.
An amusing, enjoyable Australian family movie about a 149 year old talking parrot with a Spanish accent. The parrot tries to help solve its owners financial problems by going on an adventure to find lost treasure on a once deserted tropical island now a resort spot. As a parrot keeper myself I loved the bird and thought the movie was fun. It would be ideal for kids but adults should be able to laugh along too. The parrot is the star of the show but the actors put in some solid performances as well.