Clancy (2009) User Reviews

A family movie with a simple Christian theme

[jamfitz001 · 6/10 · 12 July 2009]

This is a small budget independent film and is a Christian movie. There are negatives to this film: the after-school-special quality of the camera work and direction; the contrived plotting the evil Mayor concocts, that is beyond implausible; the stock nature of the main Character Nick. These negatives are offset by the warm-hearted-ness of the message, the acting of young lead Christina Fougnie, and the simplicity of the relationship between the main characters.

In a nutshell, a young girl(Clancy) runs away from the consequences of her drug-addict mother's behavior. On the street, she ingratiates herself with a homeless, self-destructive, guilt-ridden Iraqi war veteran(Nick). He is good man who has given up on life. She is an innocent, hopeful Christian. Plot devices send a spiraling concoction of bad luck and evil against the two. The joy of the movie is seeing the slow simple friendship and love that develops between the two main characters. The impending tragedy, that you know must await at the ending, serves to give the movie a compelling nature.

Although simplistic, Jefferson Moore and Christina Fougnie come through with chemistry that makes it work. I'm not a Christian, but I was not offended by the simple loving belief in God that enabled the young girl to accept her tragic circumstances in a humble fashion, and the explicit ed statement of Chrstianity that she makes during the movie. Although melodramatic and simple, I enjoyed this niche movie's positive and heartfelt intent

Very thought provoking toward serious introspection of one's life and circumstances

[rdomke69 · 7/10 · 16 February 2015]

As an individual endeavoring to pursue a Christian lifestyle toward (hopefully) true and effective discipleship to Jesus Christ and who considers himself to be in the "final season" of his life I would recommend this film as a beneficial opportunity for self-examination. Though presented with different parental dynamics of dysfunctional relationship patterns I regard the severity of impact toward destructive self-behavior to be of similar magnitude. What tends to challenge my tendency toward skepticism about human behavior is the steadfastness of integrity and character that some people exhibit (Clancy in this case) through the trials and tribulations of this life. I followed an entirely different path commencing with confusion, loss of trust, fear, resentment and ultimately hatred and bitterness ("hardness of heart"), the affects of which I contend to this day in my walk with the Lord (Forgiveness but yet accountability for one's actions and choices). As with life, the ending may not be what we would have preferred but I appreciate the provocative elements of this films for the stimulation to my cerebral considerations about what I am going to do in response to life's confrontations and challenges.

Tears

[kalliejo · 8/10 · 11 September 2018]

I loved the movie, it was simple but a clean family film. I shed tears and think more people need to watch films like this.

Wonderful Redemptive Film

[gwendell-578-380568 · 10/10 · 10 November 2009]

I have seen Perfect Stranger, Another Perfect Stranger and now Clancy. I knew from the beginning if I saw Jefferson Moore's name attached to it that it would be a very good, wholesome, uplifting movie. I have yet to be disappointed by one of his films. The young girl who plays Clancy is such a breath of fresh air and brings so much to the movie. I love Nick's character (you can't judge a book by it's cover-which sometimes we do)and Clancy her character's innocence and sweet non-judgmental nature towards everyone she meets is just so infectious. I love how she unabashedly prays to Jesus before her meals and going to bed. Yet again the Kelly Works crew has outdone itself. A very good redemptive family film...definitely worth watching...this movie will touch you and lift you up. Gwen/Texas :-)

A truly wonderful Christian film that will cause you to examine your own heart and life--as far as how you deal with others who have sinned against you

[u_imdb-547-152608 · 10/10 · 5 October 2009]

I was especially touched by "Clancy". The message of unconditional love through very trying and painful life circumstances grabbed at my heart. This film made it very clear that our attitudes in life toward what is happening to us is much more important than the trial itself (that we are going through). The message of the Cross of Christ really came through to me. When it says in the Bible that 'love covers many faults...', this underlying message is proclaimed in 'Clancy.' I also loved being able to see the results of loving as Christ loves. It changes everything about us and gives us hope for tomorrow. The simplicity of the gospel and the true power of unconditional love truly overwhelmed me in this film. The love of Christ can change our hearts, our relationships and ultimately--our world--if we would only choose to embrace it.

A woman who is addicted, loses her daughter, dang, thiis a hard plot

[catwoman466 · 28 May 2011]

I loved the simplicity of this movie. A war vet with post traumatic disorder and a young, abused girl, with a mother who had drug problems. It was a heart and tear movie.

I loved how the two main characters blended together. I know nothing of the actors. The only thing I would have liked to see different, as addiction still is so misunderstood, is if her "mom" was in treatment and getting better. I, myself, am an recovering alcoholic. I have never burned a child or hurt another human being. But, being in the AA program, I understand what substance abuse does to someone and those who love them.

I did not like that her "mom" was getting help, but I was a little girl like her, a "little adult," just as she was, so I totally understood how adult she was at a very young age.

This is a lovely movie,for so many reasons. Two folks coming together from different ages and different experiences, sharing and learning together. That's what we do in AA, I wish the whole world would take notice and could work together the same way.

Enuf said.Loved the movie and recommend...it leads you to a judgment must less. Just don't judge.

By the way, this is my first review ever. For whatever that means.

Take care, and look at others in a different light. They might be just like you or agree with whatever you do in your lives. Not one of us is perfect. Give yourself and others a break.

Thanks, Cathy PS - you don't have to be a Christian to understand this movie. Ask me why. It's a bit explanation.

A vibrant message sent to everyone through an abused child

[theaterbug-351-560828 · 10/10 · 10 February 2017]

I rated this movie 10, for excellent because 1) It has spectacular dialogues. 2) It has excellent acting on all part 3) It entertains you and informs you of God's love, and that lowly circumstances do not keep us from Him. Halley Loo Ya!

I loved the scene work also, and the way the story just evolves. It is typical of many children today who love their parents, and would not like to think of them badly even if they are hit.

Take some time to view this, and then watch it again because you will see many new things the 2nd time around. I loved this movie and I own the whole Kelly's Filmworks movies. They're fantastic.

KF

Diamonds in the dust......

[goodplansyou · 10/10 · 2 November 2013]

To me, a film is good if it accomplishes one or more of my list of desires as I watch a movie: entertainment, escape, teaching, beauty, display of great skill whether it's an actor, costumer, music score or whatever.

This movie, despite a lower budget than some, hits a home run with talent and teaching, and in the long run, beauty.

My suggestion would be to watch it and relax... enjoy the ride. Don't put expectations on it because.... it simply has something to teach you. But don't look for it... just let it roll into your heart.

I LOVED the relationship that develops between two unlikely characters. Really nice natural acting and the truth is there are valuable relationships all over the place between "unlikely" people. There are a lot of other important truths displayed in this wonderful film as well.

I highly recommend this film. Don't expect a classic or a lush budgeted movie. But if you appreciate deep truth I believe you'll like it a lot.

Appropriate for teens and above but for younger kids I'd view it first then decide. Not for little ones due to some necessary violence and intense issues. This film is worth seeking out.

Just like a Pollyanna

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 29 January 2018]

Clancy is a film that really had me torn. It got just too sad and too sentimental and the character that Christina Fourgnie played was way too much a Pollyanna considering all she went through.

Still there is something about this Christian based film that will get to you the way little Clancy Miller gets to homeless Gulf War veteran Jefferson Moore.

Young Fourgnie leaves her drug and alcohol abusing mother and runs away and meets up with Director/Writer/Lead Actor of the film Jefferson Moore. The mother who barely acknowledged her existence while she was home sounds the general alarm when she runs away .

James Bailey the mayor of the small town and his police commissioner Tom Luce see possibilities here for a political coup for the mayor who is up for re-election. Now this part is most real because I've seen some bottom feeding politicians pull stuff like what these two try to pull and worse. For them it's a political disaster and it ends in tragedy.

The performances that Fourgnie and Moore give are quite good and they have decent chemistry. Still Fourgnie's character is a bit much to swallow.

The love of a child

[lisagarner-97001 · 9/10 · 9 March 2020]

This movie will bring you to tears, but it is all about God and how much love a person has for someone they didn't know

Thank you for the laughs!

[bronwenhinson · 4/10 · 5 May 2023]

The base story here was sweet, if predictable and simplistic. Even as an atheist I was only mildly irritated by the Christian subplot. Then came the "birthday" party. "Here's my Purple Heart medal. Something that means enough to me to keep it on me no matter what." Clancy's reaction: great. I'll just set this down and dismiss it. My gift is a preachy, condescending book that I (thoughtfully I grant) made. It makes God sound like the universe's assistant manager in charge of human stupidity and errors. "Look. I'd love to forgive you guys, but it's out of my hands. Bummer. But I've got an idea...". Then, of course, she dies. I wanted to throttle her myself by then anyway. I actually laughed out loud from the party scene on.

Confused

[lynnmwright · 10/10 · 7 May 2020]

This was a very touching movie but then there was a sequel that I don't quite understand because the nurse clearly states to Nick that Clancy Miller died the morning he returned to see her. Then in the 2017 sequel there is Clancy alive?

Cried like a baby

[daygecko-07574 · 10/10 · 6 August 2020]

I watched this movie a wild back with my grandpa. When the little girl died at the end I cried like a baby. I'm not even a Christian and I thought this movie was really good.

Despite being a tear-jerker, this is a movie I can watch more than once!

[tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane · 10/10 · 8 August 2022]

I usually avoid movies that made me cry the first time I watched them, or had me close to tears, but Clancy is on my list of repeat watching. For a low budget film, this was amazing and had multi-dimensional characters. A little girl named Clancy (Christine Fougnie) is living with her drug addicted and physically abusive mom. She runs away from home, and that's when she meets a homeless veteran, Nick (Jefferson Moore), who has a drinking problem. At first he's annoyed that she keeps hanging around him, but he eventually lets her stay with him. The only thing I found to be silly was the mayor's plotting. I don't remember the specifics, but it involved Clancy, because her wandering the streets alone before she met Nick made the local news, and he wanted to use her as part of his scheme. Then it got to a point where Nick had to protect her from the mayor's unscrupulous intentions. It made absolutely no sense. Otherwise, it was heartwarming to watch Nick form a bond with Clancy. A movie doesn't need to have big time Hollywood actors for me to like it. Although occasionally lacking realism, low budget films are more organic, as the director, other members of the crew, and the performers tend to be less pretentious than films that have a budget within the millions. Without telling any spoilers, all I will say is, make sure you have a box of Kleenex available.

Can't say enough positive about this movie

[vbleistein · 10/10 · 13 April 2023]

I watched this by "accident" when it came on a Christian television channel I routinely watch. It drew me in immediately and I had to keep watching. It's such a standout on SO many levels, I was sorry to see it end. I can count movies I'd want everyone to see on less than one hand. This is one of them.

No, you don't have to subscribe to a particular religion or spirituality to appreciate it. I do believe it lends itself to examination of our beliefs and actions with regard to others. It has everything going for it that high budget movies with famous actors have, actually, it's much better than many.

disappointed

[mike-marymiller · 1/10 · 29 January 2015]

I want to review Clancy. some great moments, but, it was really stupid for a Christian movie! We would not recommend this movie to any Christian movie. Please don't waste your money. You will be disappointed. Sorry about this review. God will convict you. I will not judge you. You will answer for this. God help you! If not, I don't know who will. You will be sorry you ever watched this movie. But, most of all, use your own opinion ! And finally, don't get excited! The actress in this movie was 14 years old, but, she did a great job. The actor who played nick was very professional. The black cop was a great actor! We thought the mayor was overacted. The police chief was really believable.

A very beautiful movie.

[fitforfaith-ministries · 9/10 · 11 May 2024]

What a beautiful surprise of a movie. A tremendous story which could have been perfectly written by THEOS.

PROS + Great lessons for life, no matter if you believe or not (yet).

+ Great example how to treat homeless people with respect and love, knowing that each one has his or her own story, which is often not by election. We will be surprised in eternity how many homeless people there will be and how few majors.

+ Great production, great and very creative script.

+ Wonderful teaching of the Good Message (just a little bit too much focussed on heaven instead on a renewed earth, but a truly secondary issue here). The inclusion of her book is so very special and the Good Message can hardly be told in a more beautiful way through a child. What a memorable scene. Also very beautiful how he then framed her book.

NEUTRAL

o She was a bit too optimistic if you see her character from a worldly perspective. But seeing it through spiritual eyes, she could have indeed had such a joy in the midst of suffering and violence.

O A good example of caring neighbors, but I would have inserted at least a scene where they intend to talk to the mother. They were caring but also well aware of the consequences. Overall a good lesson and warning for single parents who are about to get into a similar pattern.

CONS

• She prays once to a statue of JESUS. It would have been better for this scene to have her pray sitting down on a bench.

• Sadly no redemption of him, but a real transformation.

• Sadly no redemption of her mother, but her restoration would have probably filled another movie.

Full 10 out of 10.

[Marshall84 · 10/10 · 23 June 2022]

Clancy is a good overall movie. Great story and plot and a different conclusion but doesn't disappoint from the central theme. If you're looking for a wholesome clean family drama. You will enjoy this.

Wonderful!

[minunimion · 10/10 · 2 October 2022]

A wonderful movie! Great acting! Jefferson Moore is fantastic, he's so spontaneous and great in this role. He would be good in an action movie too. OK, I found out that he is the writer and director too... chapeau. The movie is very touching, my eyes were often wet. The ending is quite difficult to accept and it made me really sad, but I can understand that the ending that I hoped would have been a cliche, a deja vu and too easy, so the writer decided for something that not everyone would expect, despite being a bit bitter. I know that someone won't like the Christian theme, but like it or not, if you don't believe in God, a day you'll understand that you're wrong, but for someone not in this life, because they have to suffer more than they do, I'm sorry, but it works in this way.