Rascal [HD]

One of the best boy-pet stories of all time ...
"Rascal," the Disney/Buena Vista live-action film based on the 1963 million-plus, best-selling "memoir of a better era" by Wisconsin-born author Sterling North, is finally available on video and DVD -- and, although the wait has been far too long, the film stands up to the test of time. Bill Mumy is charming as Sterling as a child, but the animals steal this show. Masterfully directed by the same gent who created the best of Disney's nature flicks, this warm-hearted, nostalgic view of 1918-era southern Wisconsin (the fictional setting of Brailsford Junction is based on the author's hometown of Edgerton, Wisconsin, located in Rock County, nearby a meandering Rock River and one of the largest lakes in the state, Koshkonong) will please adults and children alike. Having the film widely available again, 33 years after its first theatrical release, is almost worth the shortcomings of the DVD (and those all involve the decision not to include any extras -- no theatrical trailers, no...

A Crunchy Parental Review of
"Rascal" is the true story of a baby raccoon which author Sterling North found when he was 11 years old, and raised until it was time to set the raccoon back in the wild.

This is a sweet story, and the bits which may cause some parents concern in the book itself are not even present in the movie, making it sweeter still.

There are spoken threats to the raccoon (neighbors warn that if the raccoon starts to raid gardens, he will be shot), but it never goes beyond that.

That said, there are scenes where Sterling's father has a dead turkey slung over his shoulder, and another where the plucked turkey is ready to become dinner.

Also, in one scene Sterling's father invites the town's new minister and Sterling's teacher in to dinner, and proceeds to get them drunk on hard cider.

One other matter which may cause concern for some - although it is based on reality - is that Sterling's mother has passed away, and, to compound matters, his...

slow and quiet movie
A warm story of a young boy who's father is a single parent, but is gone on travel as a salesman most of the time. The boy is well behaved though, and his love for animals is what gets him in trouble at times. He collects them in a way, but when he brings home a baby raccoon, things really get wild. Naturally when the raccoon grows up, it changes, and that is hard on the boy. I love old Disney films, and this is very nostalgic. But let me warn you, it is a litle slow paced. It is a neat time period, with the cars, clothes and homes. But I agree that people expect to see more fun and action with the raccoon, my son was bored too.
I wish Disney had released this in widescreen or taken the time to add any extras such as theatrical trailers, or footage from their many shows that included animals. Disney made the best animal movies of all time, and they made the most. If you want great animal stories for your kids try other Disney fare such as "Nikki the Wild Dog of the North",...

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