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Cast: Ernest Borgnine, Julie Hagerty, Greg Evigan, Jack Scalia, Bug Hall, Josh Paddock, Vanessa Lee Evigan
Set in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the legend of Swanson Lake is kept by one man, Bill (Ernest Borgnine). And he’s not about to surrender it! When Bill’s grandsons come for a summer visit, they stumble into a big-time adventure with a giant turtle named Mel. When Bill’s neighbor Bailer (Jack Scalia) tries to kidnap Mel in order to feature him in a proposed theme park, the grandsons plot to hide Mel from the neighbor. Then the fun begins, and Mel becomes an unlikely hero!
It's very hard to believe this film was originally release back in 1998, but thanks to Osiris Entertainment you will be able to own it when it comes to DVD ON August 16th. Nowadays it is hard to find movies the whole family can enjoy together so when one comes along like "Everyone Loves Mel" it's a bit special. Sure the effects a weak but that seems to just add to the humor and charm of the movie. I am not saying this is in the same class but the film will charm your kids like "E.T." charmed us all when we were younger. The cast is terrific and includes the legend himself, Ernest Borgnine, Julie Hagerty from "Airplane" fame, Jack Scalia who is very good as the film's villain, Bug Hall, Josh Paddock, Vanessa Lee Evigan and Greg Evigan. Now if that isn't a cast to die for there isn't one. Besides the weak effects the production values are very good, The scenery is breath-taking and the characters were well developed. The story was also unique as well and the film teaches the young ones a very big lesson as well. The film is aimed more towards grade school kids but there's plenty of adventure and comedy here for parents as well who are just looking to have some family time together.
"Everyone Loves Mel" took me back to when they made wholesome family entertainment, before all the CGI and teen horror and comedies took over. I certainly enjoyed this and highly recommend to all families. "Everyone Loves Mel" is a cute, adventurous comedy and a real family gem. The DVD doesn't offer any bonus features but the film itself is worth adding to your collection. You can find the DVD by visiting Osiris Entertainment's web site HERE.
Released by Osiris Entertainment
**** Out Of *****