Tiger Cruise

Tiger Cruise teaches you about what sort of things went on around the time of September 11, 2001. Also at the same time, teaches you about the importance of family. The audience enters the story through the eyes of a young girl, who's father is a Navy captain. All she wants is to have a normal family, and living in one place. She goes on board a tiger cruise, hoping to convince her dad to come back home, and while on board the ship, she discovers something about her, and her father that she never knew. The cast for this film is a fairly new one, but also including some familiar names like, Bill Pullman, (While you where Sleeping, Lake Placid) and Hayden Panettiere.(Remember the Titans) New cast includes: Bianca Collins, Nathaniel Lee Jr., and Jansen Panettiere.

Somehow typical flag waving patriotism from Disney to the point of being almost sickly.Of course 9/11 was a terrible event,but this teenager rallies the troops and her father is a hero for doing what? The ship was never in any danger and he was only doing what he was paid for.For goodness sake,give me a break.Although the acting was very good,some other aspects of the movie left me wondering out loud----the kids were allowed to wander all over the place unsupervised and unescorted,the heroine actually gets to go on the bridge? An absolute no-no in real life.Some of the scenes were so unreal it was almost embarrassing,especially where the kids just stroll onto the flight deck unchallenged,there seemed to be a total lack of security on this vessel,contrary to all the statements by the Commander that it was ready for battle.

This movie shows the struggle of families of those in the military. While the teenage girl and the situation with her father are at the for front there are many other stories that touch at father son relations, growing up, and having courage. This is a wonderful movie to talk to kids about the situation on 9-11 because it makes it personal without making it to violent. The girl in the story has always struggled with her father being in the military her first purpose is to ask her dad to retire. After the attacks she sees the courage and passion her father has for what he does and it is inspiring to her. In this movie she is given the chance to help other and that is where she truly learns her lesson. The movie shows all of the emotions that we all felt on that terrible day/week shock, sadness, depression, and the uncomfortable feeling after you laugh for the first time after the attacks. An all around great movie unlike most made for TV Disney flicks

What I found interesting about this movie was it was part of OUR WestPac '01 Deployment.

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) was part of the USS Constellation (CV-64) Battlegroup while I was still in the U.S. Navy. Most of the movie is true. We had "tigers" on-board our ship when the 9/11 attacks hit. The sailors, along with the "tigers", were both shocked. I, initially, thought it was a movie. I found out a few minutes later that it was definitely real.

I am glad that our Battlegroup was based on a rather good movie. I know some of the "tigers" on-board our ship wanted to help out when the towers were attacked.

A big thumps up and a Bravo Zulu for Disney.. and Thanks for your support.

Sincerely, SN Shaw, J., USS Benfold (DDG-65) - Apr98-Jan02

My family and I really enjoyed this movie. It showed different views of the 911 attacks. A man with a son who is directly involved. A child who live in NY and had friends who might be hurt. A daughter of a Navy man. It gave kids a feeling of what it takes to be a military person. It also showed how the families of military people also must sacrifice. How in times like 911 we review our own feelings and what we must do for the good of all. There is a lot of room in this movie to discuss a number of topics on duty and doing the right thing. I would suggest the whole family watch this movie and talk with their kids about what is happening. As a Disney movie it is something that kids will enjoy also.