Rascal

Rating:
Summary: One of the best boy-pet stories of all time ...
Review: "Rascal," the Disney/Buena Vista live-action film based on the 1963 million-plus, best-selling "memoir of a better era" by Wisconsin-born author Sterling North, is finally available on video and DVD -- and, although the wait has been far too long, the film stands up to the test of time. Bill Mumy is charming as Sterling as a child, but the animals steal this show. Masterfully directed by the same gent who created the best of Disney's nature flicks, this warm-hearted, nostalgic view of 1918-era southern Wisconsin (the fictional setting of Brailsford Junction is based on the author's hometown of Edgerton, Wisconsin, located in Rock County, nearby a meandering Rock River and one of the largest lakes in the state, Koshkonong) will please adults and children alike. Having the film widely available again, 33 years after its first theatrical release, is almost worth the shortcomings of the DVD (and those all involve the decision not to include any extras -- no theatrical trailers, no biographical info on the talented cast, no info on Sterling North [1906-1974, also the author of "So Dear to My Heart," made into another film by Disney in 1949], no info on the Sterling North Society of Edgerton and its restoration of Sterling's childhood home as a museum, etc. etc.), all of which would have added immeasurably to the movie's enjoyment. Nevertheless, a first-rate effort by a talented team and a film made during the golden age of Disneyeseque films about boys and their pets.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing actually:
Review: ...I thought it was going to be another film like "the Incredible Journey" or even like "air bud". My son loves both these pet films and I thought this one would be cute like those. But, I actually found it to be alittle long and 'draggy'. I didn't really feel like it ever enticed even my attention. I just couldn't develop the love for the animals and characters in this one, like i did in "the Incredible Journey" and "Air Bud". Anyway, For [the money], I really can't complain. Maybe we'll give the movie another try in 6 months. I'll keep it in the video cabinet for now.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Film for Animal Lovers
Review: Disney did a good job of incorporating Sterling North's story of "Rascal" into a film. The film version remains close to the book's story. While Rascal is mainly a children's film, it also good for viewers who love animals. The raccoon does a lot of cute things the film has a relatively happy ending.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Film for Animal Lovers
Review: Disney did a good job of incorporating Sterling North's story of "Rascal" into a film. The film version remains close to the book's story. While Rascal is mainly a children's film, it also good for viewers who love animals. The raccoon does a lot of cute things the film has a relatively happy ending.

Rating:
Summary: Loooong
Review: I love old Dinsey films, and this is very nostalgic. But let me warn you, it is long. Or maybe just slow... It is a neat time period, and the cars, clothes and homes are very preiod oriented. But I agree that people expect to see more fun and action with the raccoon. My son was bored too.
It is a shame that Disney did not release this in widescreen or take the time to add any extras such as theatrical trailers, or footage from their many shows that included animals. Disney made the best aniaml movies of all time, and they made the most. But this is not up there unfortunately. The book that the story is drawn from is much better. If you want great animal stories for your kids try other Disney fare such as "Nikki the Wild Dog of the North", "Lobo", "Sammy the Way Out Seal", "Charlie the Lonesome Cougar", "The Ugly Dachsund", "That Darn Cat", and many more. Some of these are released under the name Anchor Bay instead of Disney, but they are originally Disney in the theatre.

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Raccoon Lovers
Review: If you are a Procyon Lotor lover, this film is for you. If you're looking for a classic, lively Walt Disney animal film--this one isn't it. The film follows Sterling North's book, and does it well. Yes, it seems to drag at times, and therefore does not "meet" the high action/drama expectations of today's viewers. But this film was made before the days of high-tech computer animations, and the coons used in it--are real--and therefore a true representation of this wonderful, mischievious critter. This whole film deals with a raccoon. It is not just a brief "tease" scene in a film for us raccoon lovers.

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Raccoon Lovers
Review: If you are a Procyon Lotor lover, this film is for you. If you're looking for a classic, lively Walt Disney animal film--this one isn't it. The film follows Sterling North's book, and does it well. Yes, it seems to drag at times, and therefore does not "meet" the high action/drama expectations of today's viewers. But this film was made before the days of high-tech computer animations, and the coons used in it--are real--and therefore a true representation of this wonderful, mischievious critter. This whole film deals with a raccoon. It is not just a brief "tease" scene in a film for us raccoon lovers.

Rating:
Summary: Not So Good
Review: This one was made after Disney died, Billy Mummy is too old for the role he plays, and it's often too dark, and it sometimes really drags. Mummy's scenes--where he's supposed to exhibit deep emotion and sympathy--are as annoying as fingernails on a chalkboard. Better to buy Charlie the Lonesome Couger, or the one about the Yellowstone Bears or the earlier version of "The Incredible Journey," the one they only have on videotape.

Rating:
Summary: Not So Good
Review: This one was made after Disney died, Billy Mummy is too old for the role he plays, and it's often too dark, and it sometimes really drags. Mummy's scenes--where he's supposed to exhibit deep emotion and sympathy--are as annoying as fingernails on a chalkboard. Better to buy Charlie the Lonesome Couger, or the one about the Yellowstone Bears or the earlier version of "The Incredible Journey" the one they only have on videotape.

Rating:
Summary: Big disappointment
Review: This video was a huge disappointment. Bought if for my small kids, and it failed to keep their interest. Not only was it slow, but the acting was poor. Rascal the racoon gets little screen time for a movie in which he is the title character. If you're looking for a good animal movie, Charlie the Cougar is a huge hit with my kids, and their friends. It's classic 1970's Sunday night Disney - a treat for parents as well.