Search - The Golden Boys on DVD

Simple and sweet story with fabulous veteran actors

S. Firtch | California | 08/23/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It's the "old guys" who make this film worth watching--David Carradine, Bruce Dern, Rip Torn, and in a smaller role, Charles Durning. Carradine (we will miss him!), Dern, and Torn are all fabulous in their roles as old bachelors/widowers who need a housekeeper and decide one of them must take a mail order bride in order to get one. The whole thing is worth it just for the scene in which the woman they see emerging from the train "does not suit." Watching them scamper away and hide made me laugh out loud. Mariel Hemingway, who plays the woman they do like, is also worth watching. She brings dignity and a sense of mystery to her character. I wish we had seen more development of her character in this film--it felt like there was so much more to tell.



The reason that I only gave this film 3 stars is that if it weren't for the actors, I don't think I would have watched it all the way through. It's very light on plot, and entirely predictable. At times, it felt as if scenes that would have furthered the story were left out, and unnecessary scenes put in. There was plenty of room for more character development scenes with everybody, and a better explanation about a side plot concerning dispute over serving rum at the saloon. It looked and felt to me like this was a very low budget film that one of the guys agreed to do for a novice filmmaker--like for a grandkid or something. I do not know if that was actually the case, but I felt like saying "Not bad for a first try, but . . " This film did not have a professional feel to it, and it could have used more skillful writing/editing and tighenting of the scant story line, while expanding on the character development.



Still, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of any of the stars, or to anyone who wants a sweet, simple, low-tech movie with no violence or profanity.

"

Grandad's dream come true.

Stuart Tomanek | Notts, UK | 06/17/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The first third of this film is hilarious. I just love the way the three old timer sea farers reach the conclusion that one of them has to marry in order that they have a housekeeper to share. The best is the hunt for a bride through the lonely hearts column. The lines are perfectly delivered - the facial expressions a scream to watch as the plan is hatched and an ad placed. But after the mail order bride arrives the movie becomes predictable. It is all grandad's fantasy as young women apparantly fall for 2 old men who look like they won't make their next birthday. Just 3 stars - but worth watching for the very funny first third of the film."

Well worth watching. A gentle comedy

Sea Wolf | Cape Cod, Ma USA | 06/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three cantankerous old men and a refined lady. A wonderful comedy set on (and filmed) on Cape Cod. For the locals, a challenge at times to locate set locations, but a lot of fun. I watched this being filmed, saw the film at a special screening and can't wait for it's release. And, I believe it was David Carradine's last film. He is very amusing in this as are the others we remember from their younger days."

A good old-fashioned feel good movie.

J Book | Salem, OR USA | 12/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Want to relax? Wanna have some good entertainment? Want to see so great character study? Wanna see some great actors who are old farts now, still being great actors? Then, this is the flick for you. I was completely taken by surprise when I first viewed this movie! I saw it on one of those pay for view free pixs not knowing what was coming.....



Buy this DVD and have a great time! BUY many and give to friends who like good/ great movies... This was super-duper....



One warning...it's not fast... it is even paced and totally entertaining. Relax and enjoy a really decent movie....one even your kids will enjoy OR your parents or your ex or your dog or ..........!"