25 reviews
This is a very odd movie, from beginning to end. From the start, there is a very big disconnect between the voice & the character of Gooby. With Gooby being a man in a suit, how were they unable to get Robbie Coltrane to just climb into the suit? When the voice doesn't match the face, things can only go downhill from there. Matthew Knight happens to be a talented young actor, as the boy who owns Gooby, but I think his talents are wasted in this role.
Gooby is supposed to be the star, and I could not look past the suit to see the character he was portraying - partly because of the way his eyes are painted on in-expressively. The film has a small amount of quirkiness, notably the fact that Gooby retains his "cleaning instructions" tag sewn into his side, but other than that, there's really nothing to recommend. I think kids and adults will be more freaked out by this large stuffed creature than happy to see him.
Gooby is supposed to be the star, and I could not look past the suit to see the character he was portraying - partly because of the way his eyes are painted on in-expressively. The film has a small amount of quirkiness, notably the fact that Gooby retains his "cleaning instructions" tag sewn into his side, but other than that, there's really nothing to recommend. I think kids and adults will be more freaked out by this large stuffed creature than happy to see him.
- dbborroughs
- Sep 4, 2009
- Permalink
The outcome was as expected, so I haven't disappointed with it. But sparing time for it was the big decision I had made, knowing a film not for my age. Without a single bit of graphics they have managed it well to tell a story. The production was decent, but the story was too predictable with a below average jokes. I just wanted to clear the air that I was not bored of it, simply not my type of entertainment film, that's all.
Perhaps the adult comedy, 'Ted' might have inspired by this, except it is a children's film. The actors were decent, because they did not get a challenging role. With a giant Ted in the title role, it should have been an adventure film. He's here to help the kid and I think his character did nothing big achievement rather boring writing of his character.
Everyone knows that's a man was inside the fur, so the stunts would have not cost too much if they had used a stunt artist. Because adding a couple of those scenes would have given a reason for the audience to cheer. The end was a loop, they kept it that way, in case of a sequel planned in the future. But I hope they won't make it, unless a very adventurous. Not recommended unless you plan to show it for your kids.
3/10
Perhaps the adult comedy, 'Ted' might have inspired by this, except it is a children's film. The actors were decent, because they did not get a challenging role. With a giant Ted in the title role, it should have been an adventure film. He's here to help the kid and I think his character did nothing big achievement rather boring writing of his character.
Everyone knows that's a man was inside the fur, so the stunts would have not cost too much if they had used a stunt artist. Because adding a couple of those scenes would have given a reason for the audience to cheer. The end was a loop, they kept it that way, in case of a sequel planned in the future. But I hope they won't make it, unless a very adventurous. Not recommended unless you plan to show it for your kids.
3/10
- Reno-Rangan
- Jul 13, 2016
- Permalink
Gooby Gooby Gooby. The word continues to rattle around in my brain, a lingering remnant of the mental trauma endured last night while watching this movie. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching giant teddy bears with immobile faces fart as much as the next guy, but this one just wasn't doing it for me. Did I learn anything? Was I supposed to? I don't know. What I do know is that my life is now forever tainted, and I can only pray that when I close my eyes at night, I will not be met with visions of Gooby devouring cold hot dogs, or Eugene Levy sporting a Wolverine hair cut, or...well, just about anything from this movie.
What a strange movie. Uh... it's kind of frightening. Robbie Coltrane is Gooby, the childhood teddy bear of Willy, who comes to life and grows to about 6 feet tall to help Willy out. Gooby's face is what frightens me the most. Who in their right mind would give a child a teddy bear who looks like Gooby? And what child would want something so frightening?
One not so terrible point is Eugene Levy. He plays Mr. Nerdlinger, Willy's teacher, who is also an aspiring writer. He also wants to get famous. He sees Gooby and wants to get a picture of him that will propel himself into fame. The performance is very short, and Levy makes the best out of it. He brings to the film a few amusing moments, and saves this from a total disaster. I thought it would be good for a few laughs, and the trailer, which made it seem totally frightening, intrigued me. Don't watch it, unless you are expecting a bizarre, somewhat frightening train wreck.
1/10.
On a side note, if they remade this film as a horror movie, it would be 10,000 times better.
One not so terrible point is Eugene Levy. He plays Mr. Nerdlinger, Willy's teacher, who is also an aspiring writer. He also wants to get famous. He sees Gooby and wants to get a picture of him that will propel himself into fame. The performance is very short, and Levy makes the best out of it. He brings to the film a few amusing moments, and saves this from a total disaster. I thought it would be good for a few laughs, and the trailer, which made it seem totally frightening, intrigued me. Don't watch it, unless you are expecting a bizarre, somewhat frightening train wreck.
1/10.
On a side note, if they remade this film as a horror movie, it would be 10,000 times better.
- QueenDeborahGibson
- Jul 4, 2009
- Permalink
- Jackpollins
- Aug 24, 2009
- Permalink
No. No. No. no. No. No. No. no.shhsbshshshshahabbahwhwhwjwjwjbssbjdixusjsxgzufzfzyd ufsufxufzufzfuzfuzjfzufxfidigdigxgixgdigxiv
- kylerhempstead
- Jun 27, 2020
- Permalink
Let's imagine you're a Canadian filmmaker with a sound 6.5 million dollar budget. Not enough for a big genre piece but enough for a solid 90 minute comedy or drama, provided you don't blow your budget on star power. What do you do? If you answered "hire Eugene Levy for a secondary role and Hagrid from Harry Potter to voice the giant dead-eyed teddy bear," you are Wilson Coneybeare, the Writer/Producer/Director of this straight-to-DVD abomination. While hailed as "heart-warming" and scoring "five doves" on ChristianCinema.com, there is nothing heartwarming about this film. Featuring a bear costume that makes the Country Bears look realistic and a plot we've seen done better several times already, it's unclear what the filmmakers thought Gooby would bring to the table. Aside from, you know, a host of double entendre that was either the world's biggest oversight or a deliberate attempt to sneak incredibly creepy subtext by the dove guys we mentioned earlier.
The film opens by introducing us to Willy, who monologues for a bit to establish his role as the main character and introduce his negligent power-career parents. We're treated to about a second of a CGI character that probably cost thousands of dollars just to model that we'll never see again before learning that Willy's parents are moving and introduced to Gooby, a teddy bear. After a few days being miserable in his new environment, Willy starts to notice something is about. He tracks it to the Friendship Shed, where he discovers that Gooby has come to life mutated into a dead-eyed all-devouring abomination which, apparently, is wearing a scarf suspiciously similar to Tom Baker's. From here, we're just going through the motions as we simultaneously follow the list of "things to do when ripping off Calvin and Hobbes" and "my imaginary friend is real and an adult is trying to expose it." Though that's not to say it doesn't do anything original, they just tend to be horrible things with no rational reason to be in the movie. The film ends with Gooby luring Willy to a derelict house and leaving him dangling over a pit, ostensibly so his father can save him and rekindle their relationship.
This movie is bizarre. It doesn't come off as heartwarming, it's creepy. The bear suit is horrifying, the plot is from a handbook on child endangerment, and the message is "if your parents ignore you, don't make friends, just retreat into your imagination and put yourself in peril to get attention." And let's not forget that only black character in the film is swiftly replaced by Eugene Levy.
The film opens by introducing us to Willy, who monologues for a bit to establish his role as the main character and introduce his negligent power-career parents. We're treated to about a second of a CGI character that probably cost thousands of dollars just to model that we'll never see again before learning that Willy's parents are moving and introduced to Gooby, a teddy bear. After a few days being miserable in his new environment, Willy starts to notice something is about. He tracks it to the Friendship Shed, where he discovers that Gooby has come to life mutated into a dead-eyed all-devouring abomination which, apparently, is wearing a scarf suspiciously similar to Tom Baker's. From here, we're just going through the motions as we simultaneously follow the list of "things to do when ripping off Calvin and Hobbes" and "my imaginary friend is real and an adult is trying to expose it." Though that's not to say it doesn't do anything original, they just tend to be horrible things with no rational reason to be in the movie. The film ends with Gooby luring Willy to a derelict house and leaving him dangling over a pit, ostensibly so his father can save him and rekindle their relationship.
This movie is bizarre. It doesn't come off as heartwarming, it's creepy. The bear suit is horrifying, the plot is from a handbook on child endangerment, and the message is "if your parents ignore you, don't make friends, just retreat into your imagination and put yourself in peril to get attention." And let's not forget that only black character in the film is swiftly replaced by Eugene Levy.
- tristan-604-370915
- Feb 8, 2013
- Permalink
This Movie feels like a sitcom mixed with one of those kid's show, and that doesn't work. The entire movie is just the stupid "Becoming friends with mythical beast." Except in this case, Mythical beast is gross, Annoying and overall just unlikeable.
Also, Eugene Levi is there, I guess.
Also, Eugene Levi is there, I guess.
This film truly made me and my whole family so happy. We didn't have anything to watch, but luckily I found this gem and turned it on, and I'm glad to say that my children were horrified and that was funny. Made my day.
- abigailsommer-69789
- Jan 18, 2022
- Permalink
No, it isn't Monsters, Inc or Toy Story but a solid, "clean", family film. My kids are 7 & 10 and they enjoyed it. Purposely low end special effects but it produces smiles and lessons in growing up. The parents actions are a bit far-fetched, but hey---it's a movie. If your kids only like high action, semi-violent PG-13 flicks, then this isn't for them. One word review: CUTE. A boy has to move to a new town and school (that's never been done in a movie) and can't make friends (Hmmm?). There's a bully! Inattentive parents. A not-so-great baby sitter. I know what you're thinking...you've seen this all before! But for some reason, it works better than similar flicks. I think "less-is-more" here. Simple story, with a few laughs and some touching moments. The ten and under crowd should love it or they've grown up way too fast.
- tommyjollie
- Mar 30, 2022
- Permalink
At first i was skeptical to see it but after seeing it i can agree that its is a fine peace of art. Gooby one of the most developed characters in cinema history and i would even put it up there with Robert Downey jrs iron man. this mixed with Robbie Coltrane acting it provides a fun and hilarious movie. by the end of the movie if you are not sobbing at the end. my review 10/10
- domincsorly
- Jan 14, 2021
- Permalink
- realcoolbeanz
- Dec 21, 2012
- Permalink
My 5 year old (and let's face it, this film is for kids!) loved Gooby. For all you critics out there, remember that children love imaginative creatures and don't need all of the CGI that us adults have become used to. This film reminded me of Harry and the Hendersons with it's goofy big creature and heartwarming story line. The supporting cast is terrific and I am happy that Robbie Coltrane decided to do this project. My son has watched it four times and I know he will wear out his copy. It has the highest rating Dove can give and for good reason. It's just good clean fun. I would like to commend smaller studios for making family films that are not violent and don't use crude humor for cheap laughs.
The movie tells an excellent story of a boy and his childhood toy that comes to life perfectly. This movie is walked so Ted could run. With the cast of Eugene Levy and Robbie Coltrane you know you'll be in for a blast. The comedy is top tier and the family dilemma is relatable and exciting. Gooby is a movie I think everyone should watch at least once.
- munhollandcameron
- Jul 24, 2022
- Permalink
I am a fan of Matthew Knight so I have some bias towards liking his movies, so let's get that out of the way right off the top. I've seen all of his movies and "Gooby" was the last one on that list to make it complete. I had seen the trailer on YouTube and was thoroughly confused as to if this movie was a serious attempt at a family-style movie or if it was more of a spoof-style comedy like the way the "Scary Movie" series makes fun of scary movies. Within 2 minutes of watching "Gooby" I knew it was a serious attempt.
Without giving anything away, there were a number of scenes that made me wonder what kind of movie I was watching. The bear, Gooby, is creepy as all Hell, and why he has a Scottish accent is beyond me. Overall character development is a little lacking from everyone butt Matthew Knight's character since he gets the most screen time (thankfully). Knight's character is a confusing one for me to understand though. He is 11 years old in the movie but the movie treats him a little younger than that. He still wears dinosaur pajamas, is still afraid of monsters called "Hoonies", and a few other things that I don't want to mention just in case it reveals some plot. Like I said earlier, I love Matthew Knight's acting, but I think a younger actor was required for this movie.
I don't want it to sound like I didn't like this movie, because I did like it, a lot. I think it's a phenomenal family film and perfect for the 3-6 age range, but I don't parents will mind seeing it either. It even had a surprise ending that brought a tear to my eye, which I never expected. I really do recommend this film to everyone, don't be turned away by some of the other reviews, you should draw your own conclusions after you see it. I also strongly recommend you check out Matthew Knight's other movies, he is really talented!
Without giving anything away, there were a number of scenes that made me wonder what kind of movie I was watching. The bear, Gooby, is creepy as all Hell, and why he has a Scottish accent is beyond me. Overall character development is a little lacking from everyone butt Matthew Knight's character since he gets the most screen time (thankfully). Knight's character is a confusing one for me to understand though. He is 11 years old in the movie but the movie treats him a little younger than that. He still wears dinosaur pajamas, is still afraid of monsters called "Hoonies", and a few other things that I don't want to mention just in case it reveals some plot. Like I said earlier, I love Matthew Knight's acting, but I think a younger actor was required for this movie.
I don't want it to sound like I didn't like this movie, because I did like it, a lot. I think it's a phenomenal family film and perfect for the 3-6 age range, but I don't parents will mind seeing it either. It even had a surprise ending that brought a tear to my eye, which I never expected. I really do recommend this film to everyone, don't be turned away by some of the other reviews, you should draw your own conclusions after you see it. I also strongly recommend you check out Matthew Knight's other movies, he is really talented!
- Movie_Guy_24
- Aug 12, 2009
- Permalink
- jhciesielski
- Dec 12, 2021
- Permalink
- meganpohopin
- Jan 12, 2024
- Permalink
I've watched this movie more times than anybody has. It's so goofy and my twin and I watch this movie together at least three times a year. If you don't think this movie is good it's probably because you are taking it too seriously. It's a good bad movie. The costume for Gooby is the exact opposite of what any child's stuffed animal/imaginary best friend should ever look like. He looks like he smells like BO and mold. Matthew Knight (Willy) deserves an Oscar for his ability to act happy and as if he's not afraid to be near Gooby. Robbie Coltrane does an incredible job providing the voice work for Gooby, which is Gooby's only good trait. Eugene Levy is perfect-though I might be bias. I really didn't have much I wanted to say about this movie. I just thought I'd share some junk to fit the character minimum. I just wanted to give Gooby the ten stars it deserves. It's actually a really fun movie if you enjoy bad movies. Everyone want Gooby. If you are reading this and debating on watching it, watch it. If you already watched it and are just scrolling to see what other's think, first write a ten star review and then watch Gooby again. Gooby is our lord and savior. I draw fanart or him a few years back with a picture of the Goob himself and the words "I can kill a man" written above it. I am going to find the time to recreate it now. Live love goob.
- jakeblcrossley
- Nov 18, 2023
- Permalink
WHEN is someone going to write a GOOD script for David James Elliott?? He's proved well beyond any doubt that he can carry a good show/movie, working for some of the biggest and successful names in the business. Now he's doing kid movies and obviously poor script opportunities. I've been amazed at what he's had to stoop to, to support his family.
Where is Bellisario now? What about Bellisario's next new series?; or even an updating of his character from JAG? I've heard many people miss the show and are upset to only find an occasional episode on USA network/channel. Many feel it could have a comeback with more current times and themes. It is, after all, the semi-spin-off for NCIS 1 and 2, frequently strolling many JAG actors and characters through the story lines. I'd LOVE to see DJE in a good solid role again, playing the type of character he can challenge and make his own, and not be canceled after a season...
Go for shows that aren't duplicates of all the others. Look what USA network/channel has done with unique story lines; no carbon copy shows, and they are QUITE successful. Find one that fits D J Elliott because the man deserves much better than he's been offered. Pretty soon the poor guy will be lowered to commercials--- when you really have at least a Pierce Brosnan and potentially a Tom Selleck at hand;-- if he could get a chance to really work out some of his better challenges as an actor.
Where is Bellisario now? What about Bellisario's next new series?; or even an updating of his character from JAG? I've heard many people miss the show and are upset to only find an occasional episode on USA network/channel. Many feel it could have a comeback with more current times and themes. It is, after all, the semi-spin-off for NCIS 1 and 2, frequently strolling many JAG actors and characters through the story lines. I'd LOVE to see DJE in a good solid role again, playing the type of character he can challenge and make his own, and not be canceled after a season...
Go for shows that aren't duplicates of all the others. Look what USA network/channel has done with unique story lines; no carbon copy shows, and they are QUITE successful. Find one that fits D J Elliott because the man deserves much better than he's been offered. Pretty soon the poor guy will be lowered to commercials--- when you really have at least a Pierce Brosnan and potentially a Tom Selleck at hand;-- if he could get a chance to really work out some of his better challenges as an actor.
- windsweptme
- Sep 29, 2010
- Permalink