The Adventures of Ociee Nash (2002) User Reviews

VERY BAD ACCENTS

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 12 December 2018]

I would suppose a girl from 7-9 years old would consider this a 5 star movie. For the rest of us it is a three at best.

Ociee lives in rural Mississippi with her dad and two brothers. They have very bad Southern country accents and sayings like, "I am going to tell you children a story on myself." There is also the over use of the word, "dang." Ociee is a 9 year old Tom boy. She meets a gypsy played by a Mexican with what appears to be a French accent. Her father sends her off to Asheville to live with Aunt Mamie in order to learn girl stuff.

On her train ride she meets famous and would-be famous people in Forrest Gump style (Nellie Bly, Pres. McKinley, Wright Brothers.) In Asheville she meets some boys named Vanderbilt. In the end her Tomboy ways save the day. This movie has potential.

If bad acting and bad accents don't bother you, you might want to watch it with the kids. Of all of the famous people Ociee meets, Nellie Bly is without a doubt the most fascinating.

Quirky charm and gentle touch

[stevepem · 29 February 2004]

Parents take their kids by droves to the latest Disney or Pixar films, and other high production value movies that basically just stimulate hyperactivity in kids. That's okay, but parents should give their kids a balanced diet by also taking them to see movies like Ociee Nash that are a little bit closer to the world that they live in, with simpler, thought provoking situations that a child can identify with. The theater that I saw Ociee in during a Saturday matinee had lots of small children in the audience. They were quiet as can be and seemed completely engaged in the story. I knew they were watching because they would occasionally laugh or comment at something that one of the characters said, indicating that they were actually listening to the dialogue! Not bad for a movie that actually has some redeeming value to it. The movie shows how a young person can overcome adversity in their life through courage and love, and that by doing so they can have a positive effect on the lives of the people around them.

For adults the movie offers a quirky charm and a gentle touch which is not only rare, but virtually extinct in Hollywood. Watching this movie with your kids will do you some good too.

Almost total ineptitude

[Polaris_DiB · 1/10 · 17 December 2005]

If I was the cinematographer who worked on this film, I'd be severely depressed. All of that good work in making a colorful, light, and playful world lost in complete ineptitude from everyone else who worked on this movie.

The story is actually a good one, despite clichés. A young girl (9 years) named Ociee Nash from Mississippi is turning out to be something of a tomboy, which her father worries about because of her lack of a mother (died from measles). He sends her to her prim and proper Tennessee aunt, and along the way she has a cheery and profound effect on everyone she meets, including the Wright brothers and the President of the United States, among others.

It's based on a book, and something tells me that book is probably really good. This movie, however, loses everything that was given to it, literally given to it, by being incredibly flat and mispaced. The dramatic effect from the shots is completely lost, the acting is terrible (yeah yeah, I know they're kids... they were still terrible), and it's almost insulting to try to watch an hour and a half of their strained, horrible accents. 1898 Ociee Nash sounds like a California Valley Girl, the adult actors literally sound like they refuse to even try, and it looks like the editor took whichever the first shot they finished was and just threw it together, cutting only sufficiently enough to look like it was planned.

Whereas I give this only one star out of then, it earns that one star for its try and its pretty pictures. It wasn't a total loss, but it was a great one.

--PolarisDiB

Okay story, poor acting... Clicheed film

[ayu1990 · 4/10 · 9 April 2006]

Out of all, the story was somewhat alright, what I did not like was the acting, nor most of the lines. The acting in my opinion lacked feeling and character. Most of the events in the film could be expected. The lines were dumb especially when Ociee Nash met the president and fell down when nobody moved out of her way, then saying a little later to the president her opinion of "hurrying slowly" which the president and everybody there found to be a great idea. The only part I liked was when Ociee Nash did something heroic and "unladylike" which also pleased people later in the film. The film itself was kind of interesting though.

Atlanta's Magical Movie

[ac-50 · 8/10 · 15 December 2004]

Growing up, Sounder, Tom Sawyer, and Mary Poppins were the movies that molded me and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of Ociee Nash, a small homegrown film. As a Georgian, I was glad to see Atlanta's beauty through a filmmaker's eyes and as an artist, I was glad to see so many local celebrities mixed in with solid performers like Keith Carradine and Mare Winningham. We, in the suburbs of Atlanta, were fortunate to be able to send many friends to to see what I now call an endangered species - the FAMILY FILM. As I grow older, I long for those films that make us, as human beings, dare to search for great adventure. Milam Propst's A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street was a great children's book that some adults may never have known about had there not been The Adventures of Ociee Nash. I am glad the McGary sisters had the vision to turn this magical story into a movie that everyone can enjoy. As a side note - any story with a mysterious gypsy with one eye and an infectious laugh is sure to be a crowd pleaser!!

Worse than a bad TV movie

[jmc4769 · 1/10 · 23 July 2016]

This movie isn't even good enough for TV. At best it's only for children under age ten. Most adults and teens won't be the slightest bit interested. Some of the acting is possibly the worst I have ever seen in any movie. I've seen better acting in high school plays (much better). The only slightly bright spot is the young actress who plays Ociee. This movie was made in Georgia and cast with local actors. I saw it in a metro-Atlanta theater on the opening weekend. There were only 5 or 6 other people in the theater and they might have been relatives of the cast and crew. Unless your only criteria is wholesomeness, I would recommend looking at the negative reviews here. When there are so few reviews for a movie and almost all of them are positive even though the overall IMDb rating is low, there is something suspicious going on.

Entertaining and wholesome kids (and adults) movie

[lynn-162 · 8/10 · 15 December 2004]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable movie experience. The plot is a little bit thin in places making a few scenes feel a bit contrived, but overall the plot hangs together nicely and moves along at a good pace. The acting is uniformly good, as is the quality of the cinematography. The film is visually lush, more like a big-budget Hollywood production than an indie.

So if you are looking for an entertaining movie that will be enjoyed by younger children and adults alike - you have found it! It doesn't rely on gimmicks, crudeness or "blowing things up" in lieu of a real plot - so it is a throwback to quality children's' movies of yesteryear. The movie's makers are to be rewarded for believing there is still a place for a wholesome movie in an increasingly Bratz kind of world - and there is and this movie proves it.

Great "G" rated film for kids, nice change of pace

[friendtofilm · 10 March 2004]

If you have children and do not like the films of today that strip our young children of their innocence, you will love this film! Simple, safe for any child, clean, good story line, lively charactors, beautiful scenery, great history lesson through fiction and just a calm relaxing movie for the parents and their children. Nice change of pace... It will remind you (if you are a babyboomer) of the Disney type films we grew up on. Read the other comments and of coarse the one bad one, isn't funny how we all focus on the one bad comment and ignore the all the other good ones. People love the negative. Well Ociee Nash film is everything but negative, so if you would like some positive in your live go see ociee.

This movie was refreshing.

[mickdeby · 8/10 · 23 February 2004]

While this was not a high tech movie, it was very refreshing to enjoy a family story in which the children were not crass and rude, the father was not an idiot, and the mother was not a wise-cracking woman constantly making a fool out of Dad while remaining always in confused deference to the last word spoken by the children. Thanks to the creators of this movie for giving us something different for family fare! We will recommend the movie, and we'll watch it again. We are from Chattanooga, so it was especially fun for us to see the parts of the film made here in our city, and in nearby Atlanta.

when can i buy the video for my girls!! finally a g rated movie ..

[katrina-g · 9/10 · 22 February 2004]

It is wonderful to finally have this kind of clean family entertainment available for my 3 and 5 year old girls --- with a great role model like Ociee ---a little tomboy with spunk . ..! And . ...no talking back !!! We need a lot more entertainment like this coming out of Hollywood . ..thank you !

Finally, a quality film for the entire family!!

[Atlantafilmbuff · 1 March 2004]

After seeing The Adventures of Ociee Nash for the third time with audiences of children of all ages, their parents, and adults without children, I am convinced of the power of this film to entertain and educate many. Hearing the laughter, the clapping, and even a few sobs, I knew that this film had the secret ingredient that makes people love it...a heart. As an adult without children, seeing Ociee made me nostalgic for the family films of my youth, the ones that were wholesome, sweet, and moral. In an age where filmmakers and studios resort to the lowest means to attract the attention of theatergoers, particularly the youth, The Adventures of Ociee Nash takes the high road and relies solely on a great story and great filmmaking. Kudos to those responsible for this treasure for the ages.

A Step Back In Time, Well Cast, Well Acted.

[Wild_River_Rat · 10/10 · 14 February 2004]

The movie is set in 1898 and focuses on a young girl from a Mississippi farm who is sent to Asheville, NC to live with her aunt to learn how to be a proper young lady. The title character lost her mother to "the measles." Interstate travel is by passenger train. Local travel is by horseback or horse-drawn wagon or carriage. The opportunities for women in this era are severely limited. Keith Carradine's portrayal of Ociee's father, a widowed farmer who wants the best for his beloved only daughter, resonates with all the appropriate love and simple dignity. Skyler Day is quite perfect as Ociee. Mare Winningham, whose character, "Aunt Mamie," would have been a lifeless cliche in the hands of a lesser actor, makes Aunt Mamie a living, breathing, complex and slightly mysterious Southern Lady. All the child actors are completely believable. The scenery in the movie is beautiful. There is no bad language in this film, no violence beyond the level of a typical sibling wrestling match. The film has a quirkiness reminiscent of "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Forrest Gump," but it can stand alone on its own merits. It should be irresistible to anyone who has ever wrestled with a sibling, climbed a tree, or been criticized for not being a "proper" young lady or gentleman. See it with someone you love.

We loved it!

[agf6404 · 10/10 · 2 March 2004]

My husband and I took my eight and ten year old daughters to see this film on a recommendation from our neighbors. We loved it! Our girls continue to quote lines from the film especially "Hey Mister, Where's your sister?" So many times we take our children to movies and struggle to answer question concerning the movies content. With Ociee Nash, we were able to get a bit of a history lesson with characters like President McKinley, the Wright Brothers, and Nellie Bly in the story line. The scenery was a delight: the trains, the countryside, the beautiful turn of the century homes. It's nice to find a movie that can be entertaining while at the same time reminding us that character and bravery are timeless qualities.

Good family fun

[klutz-5 · 8/10 · 16 December 2004]

The Adventures of Ociee Nash is a welcome respite from the the majority of children's movies these days. It is a quiet movie with an uplifting message. While it may seem geared to girls, my 10 year old son, was just as enthused about the movie as my 6 year-old daughter. My daughter has frequently said she needs to "find her courage", just like Ociee. In addition to a compelling story-line, I enjoyed the costumes, and beautiful cinematography. The lead, Sklyer Day is a delight, who finds her voice as the movie progresses. I especially likes the "neighborhood" boys who Ociee and her friend meet at the creek - this scene seemed an good real depiction of the age old question - Can girls do everything that boys can - sure they can! We also like the train sequence and the opportunity it provided for discussion after the movie about the time frame during which the movie takes place.

A refreshing movie with the G rating......Great for Guys, Girls and Grandparents! irls and grandparents

[LMPence · 9/10 · 15 December 2004]

If only more films were available in which youngsters, parents and grandparents could all attend together and come out of the theater with lessons in life that could be discussed at length! Not only was the plot a lesson for all age groups, it also provided simple situations that most children can relate to. Ociee Nash was a great role model. I applaud the author, the directors as well as the actors in their performance. The scenery was magnificent. I highly recommend this film for inter-city folks who do not have the opportunities to see such beauty and a life style that is not very often shown in today's movies. Of course, those lucky enough to live in the country will also appreciate the down home entertainment. Thank you for the good, clean fun the film provided for our family.

An intelligent family movie that is not condescending.

[shalpern · 8/10 · 16 December 2004]

The movie is a story about a young girl coming of age around 1900 in the South. It plays the tale straight, without winking to the audience. A wonderful independent film without any apologies. The characters are well developed. The cast is quite good and engaging. The dialogue is well written and delivers some important lessons about life. The leading young actress has a terrific screen presence. She shows a great deal of potential for future endeavors. The film is beautifully photographed and very polished. A live action feature which is a great alternative to the usual animation product the film studios create for children. Parents will be entertained as well.

A Sweet Family Film

[lswygert · 8/10 · 1 March 2004]

The Adventures of Ociee Nash is a sweet and gentle film for families who are tired of or afraid of taking their children to the movies any more. While films that are marketed as "children's" or "family" films sometimes offend parents with marginal language, questionable action, and cynical view points, "Ociee" is genuinely what it is: a film for the WHOLE family. Only the most jaded viewers will not respond to this earnest, old-fashioned story about one plucky little girl's journey. As the title character, Skyler Day is terrifically charming and appealing. She's a great role model for other little girls, and I bet she's already inspiring little boys to have big crushes.

Great Family Feel Good Movie Destined to be a Classic

[lymanlovejoy · 9/10 · 26 February 2004]

Please take your Family to see this wonderful Movie. Great happy feel good ending. You'll walk out with your spirits lifted. The kind of movie Hollywood used to make for kids. This beautiful Movie is a delight from start to finish. Parents have been asking for a Movie like Ociee for years, now that it is here, go see and enjoy it. Ociee is the story of a young farm girl, played beautifully by Skylar Day, that bravely travels from Mississippi to Asheville, NC, to live with her Aunt and learn all the "social graces", after the death of her Mother. You will laugh and cry as one adventure leads to another. We need more Movies like Ociee.

Genuine, evocative, heartwarming

[rrrooggeerr · 10/10 · 24 February 2004]

This is a flat-out wonderful movie, made sympathetically by people who really cared about the characters they portrayed so vividly. It's a great tale for kids, and will provoke them to think about things that remain important -- the role of women, what's considered proper behavior, daring to take chances and so forth. I can well imagine that there will be lots of interesting conversations between parents and their children after they see this film.

The period settings are convincing and the actors, young and old, give captivating performances. And the score by Van Dyke Parks adds a lot. Let's hope this film gets the recognition and distribution it deserves.

Great Family Movie

[virginia-sowell · 15 December 2004]

There aren't enough movies being made that are both appropriate, and entertaining for my entire family. The Adventures of Ociee Nash was both. The basic story, featuring a female "Tom Sawyer" type character was a classic tale with a beautiful example of what family really means. This movie touches the heart. While it may not be as polished as a big budget film, the costumes, sets and cinematography were excellent. Historical characters peppered throughout the film add humor and education. I would love to have this movie in my home library. I would also feel very comfortable giving it as a gift. Little kids, grand parents and everyone in between will enjoy this sweet and funny story.

A heartwarming family film

[JasperGA · 9/10 · 16 December 2004]

The Adventures of Ociee Nash is a breath of fresh air - fun for both children and adults. The story follows Ociee, a spirited tomboy from rural Mississippi (the only home she'd ever known) as she travels by train to Asheville, NC. In Asheville she will learn to become a lady. But it seems that as Ociee learns ladylike behavior from her Aunt Mamie, everyone learns valuable life lessons from Ociee as well.

I enjoyed the historical figures (Nellie Bly, the Wright Brothers, and President McKinley) woven through Ociee's train ride. Although all the actors played their roles quite well, Skyler Day as Ociee and Anthony Rodrieguez as the gypsy were my favorites.

A good family film

[jeans-5 · 8/10 · 16 December 2004]

It was refreshing to see a movie that I did not have to be concerned about the content and the language. The wholesome feel, the character development, the engaging of my emotions all made it a great experience. It is safe for 'kids' of all ages. Would like to see more movies made for the whole family. Values that I would like children to find important were brought to life (honesty, friendship, not judging others by appearance, family, etc). Reminded me of other films like Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer....

Will there be a sequel? Would like to see other films with a young lady as the main character!

Why aren't there more like this?

[borders · 9/10 · 20 December 2004]

If only there were more movies like The Adventures of Ociee Nash. We need story experiences such as this one to share with our families and especially our daughters--who desperately lack role model characters from today's movies. The characters, the setting, and the plot, all make the movie compelling and inspiring. Ociee Nash provides an alternative to children's movies that contain an increasing level of violence and inappropriate innuendo, and have to approach adults on a "different level" (e.g. jokes that children don't get) in order to be interesting to parents. Ociee Nash is clean and compelling for all ages.

A wonderful, beautiful film.

[d_reece · 9/10 · 20 December 2004]

A wonderful, beautiful film. Hopefully, coming-of-age stories conveying the beauty of innocence and strength combined, will never go completely out of style. The historical context and occasional Huck Finn humor keep things interesting while winning your heart. Wonderful music score by early Beach Boys guru, Van Dyke Parks. Skylar Day as Ociee is a perfect fit. A refreshing escape to a more simple time, yet not without complexities in the interplay between characters. Ociee's free spirit is caught in a rigidly judgmental, constricted time, yet remains indomitable. This and other such contrasts serve to amplify, in classic story-telling style, the film's universal themes exploring self-hood, and self sacrifice. The film deserves every chance. It'd be nice if a generation of young girls could grow up with Ociee Nash, instead of... a Britney Spears. Well done.

Finally...Genuine Family Entertainment!

[lemew1 · 9/10 · 17 December 2004]

This delightful film is just the kind of feel good story us forty-somethings and fifty-somethings remember when we were kids. The Adventures of Ociee Nash is a wholesome treat for every family that prefers to honor family values while being entertained at home and in a theater. It's certainly not the typical flashy box office draw that boasts of the latest in special effects or unbelievable cinematography. That's what makes it such a joy! My entire family saw the film, from Grandma and Grandpa to six nieces and nephews. They loved it! You can't find this kind of film being created anymore. After seeing it, my five year old niece told her mom, "I got my courage, just like Ociee," when she passed a group of intimidating kids on her street to get her bicycle. If you're looking for something beyond the films that tout actors posing as fish or put another generation of wizards through school, Ociee Nash will warm your heart and teach your children how to kindle friendships, deal with loss and make the best of life. Plus, don't concern yourself with the worry of inappropriate language or adult innuendo, you won't find any of that in this film. Family movie night is back...at least when you go see The Adventures of Ociee Nash!