The Legend of Johnny Lingo starts off strong and keeps itself going through the whole movie. You will notice the way it tells it's story at a normal pace and doesn't drop off the deep end and bore you to death.
A castaway pacific Islander infant recently washed up on one of the islands is taken in by the Island chief (Whale rider's "Rawiri Paratene") to be heir to the chiefs throne. The child is named Tama. However after a series of misfortunes the chief rejects him of this role and passes him to another family. However after bringing bad luck he is soon passed on from family to family until he is taken in by the island drunk and his stubborn daughter Mahana. Both him and Mahana, endlessly abused, begin sticking up for each other and form a close bond. However after being harassed up to his teeth Tama is fed up and longs to leave the island for a better place. Leaving Mahana behind so she can take care of her father, Tama promises to come back to take care of her. After being shipwrecked on a more wealthy Island Tama is taken in by the legendary Johnny Lingo destined to fill in his shoes after his time is up.
Sometimes the humor is over done and clichéd but the story and characters maintain a strong balance which leave it's flaws in the dust. Nice little flick. Recommended for anyone and maybe a family or two. 8/10
A castaway pacific Islander infant recently washed up on one of the islands is taken in by the Island chief (Whale rider's "Rawiri Paratene") to be heir to the chiefs throne. The child is named Tama. However after a series of misfortunes the chief rejects him of this role and passes him to another family. However after bringing bad luck he is soon passed on from family to family until he is taken in by the island drunk and his stubborn daughter Mahana. Both him and Mahana, endlessly abused, begin sticking up for each other and form a close bond. However after being harassed up to his teeth Tama is fed up and longs to leave the island for a better place. Leaving Mahana behind so she can take care of her father, Tama promises to come back to take care of her. After being shipwrecked on a more wealthy Island Tama is taken in by the legendary Johnny Lingo destined to fill in his shoes after his time is up.
Sometimes the humor is over done and clichéd but the story and characters maintain a strong balance which leave it's flaws in the dust. Nice little flick. Recommended for anyone and maybe a family or two. 8/10