Customer Reviews

Minutemen

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was surprised that this modest-budget, made for tv movie turned out to be one of the most entertaining comedies I've seen in a long time!! It was like a time-travel trip for me, transporting me back to those good ol' school days when all types of people were brushing shoulders and had to find ways to get by, before the worlds of adult segregation provide solutions for these social problems, of which high school is a microcosm.

The fact is that this film is smartly written, fast-paced, and has truly outstanding performances by its lead actors (and some of the supporting characters as well). Although it resorts to some "technobabble," intelligent viewers will quickly recognize the representations here and will, like me, probably feel right at home amidst the portrayals and characters. The script is a comedic one and I doubt anyone who understands the point of the film will complain about the fantastic nature of the "science" here. This film, rather, is of the type that will provide inspiration and moral support for intelligent young audiences, and affirmation and entertainment for older audiences looking back at youth with fond remembrance.

This is a true character-oriented comedy at heart (and it does also have a lot of heart!) and every Hollywood filmmaker should be FORCED to watch this movie as a lesson in what the COMEDY GENRE should be about! The film rarely resorts to the sort of pratfall antics that pervade other contemporary fare, and when such portrayals occur, there tends not to be the presumption that injury and misfortune are inherently funny. This is a good-hearted film for good, intelligent people. It's target audience will probably find it to be totally delightful!

And others who don't find it so? ... well, they're probably not in the intelligent clique, anyway and just can't (or refuse to) understand.

This film is a welcome breath of fresh air and honesty amidst so many other fear/macho-oriented pop culture products. Sometimes they really do make 'em like they used to! :-)

And heck! If the quality of the characters and cast can be maintained (or this original cast retained), why not turn this into a tv series or a set of sequels!? This is the type of film that truly deserves to be a smash hit! It's got things to say, but does it with good humor, fast wit, and character-oriented STYLE!!

Bravo!!

This Disney Channel movie about time travel is really very well made and will hold your attention. 3 high school geeks band together to create a time-travel machine. Initially, one of their first attempts to use it is to buy a lottery ticket that will make them rich. I thought, "What a snooze; same old story, same old schtick." However, they are quickly foiled, and decide instead to help geeky kids be popular by preventing the humiliating experiences often thrust upon them by the popular set. There are lessons learned along the way, and our heroes soon find it is best to let life play out the way it is supposed to (cause a big Black Hole is about to swallow up the world due to their time machine). The cast is great (includes Jason Dolley from "Corey in The House") and has good chemistry. This movie is "safe" for the whole family; great to see a movie that doesn't have to rely on violence, nudity, or profanity. The Director, Lev L. Spiro, seems to have a very good understanding of fun and what makes a light and breezy movie such as this. This DVD also includes a featurette "The Making of Minutemen," which gives you details on how the movie was made (including the stunts and special effects). There is also a music video by Corbin Bleu ("High School Musical") of the song "Rung It Back Again." The usual batch of Disney DVD/Movie previews are also here. The movie is 92 minutes. Thumbs up for this great family fun movie!

This is a great movie for the whole family and it is one that you won't mind watching over again. It's a nice addition to the video collection.

When I gave this movie to my 11 year old niece, she said, "This is my FAVORITE movie!!!" This is one of those rare tween movies that appeal to both boys and girls (unlike High School Musical which seems to target girls). As a parent, I am happy that Disney is making appropriate entertainment for this age group. I think if your kids enjoy "Hannah Montana", "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody", and of course, "Cory in the House", they will certainly like this movie. I enjoyed this one as much or more than most of the Disney Channel Original Movies.

Our family really enjoys this movie-so great to have something decent and uplifting to watch!

I was impressed with Minutemen. It is a clever plot line with the boy genius who is the king of the dorks (I confess - I wanted to be just like Charlie Tuttle but I was more into politics) and comes up with outlandish inventions. The fact that Jeanette chases him throughout the movie is amusing and telling. The other intriguing character is Virgil Fox who is obviously in love with Stephanie, who is more into the popular set as she dates the QB (Derek who is ambiguous in his values - not sure what his role in "The Incident" until the end and he gets French tutoring from a "hot" vacuous exchange student) but she tells Virgil first (in person) about her being accepted to the college she wanted to go and how she was to get a cheerleading scholarship before she tells her boyfriend.

The effects and responsibities of both time travel and tampering with government computer program are deftly done. Again Charlie Tuttle ends up on top, making the Pacific Tech researchers look ridiculous. It ends up changing several situations in self-serving ways. The visual effects are great for a low budget Disney TV movie.

The scene where the Minutemen have to save the world is dramatic and moving. Finally they are popular! (It's too bad that no one will know it if they go the wrong way back in time...)

The ending is satisfactory (I won't reveal it - go buy the DVD!) but the extra DVD ending is however lame.

With interesting plot lines and intriguing characters - I'd recommend that Disney find a new vehicle for the Tuttle character (perhaps along with Virgil/Stephanie and Jeanette) in college.

Elwood "Sandy" Sanders, Jr.

This is an awesome movie! One of my favorite Disney movies! I met Jason Dolley before. He said the suites were very hot and made them sweat a lot. Figures lol

My son caught this movie on the Disney channel and really enjoyed it. Purchased from Amazon for his 8th birthday - received in excellent condition and timely manner.

Jason Dolley fans eagerly awaited the Disney Channel premiere of Minute Men last year, and were not disappointed. Neither were parents like us, who found the film entertaining with plenty of twists and turns in the tried-and-true time travel genre.

Using Disney Channel's trusty "Archie" storytelling model, this movie chronicles the adventures of three high school misfits, one of whom finds a way to travel into time just enough to solve problems. Dolley, whose character in this film is a little more savvy than his "Newt" persona, uses the device to become popular and so doing, loses what is really important. Everyone learns a valuable lesson and all is well.

Like so many of these films, the young stars benefit from strong support from fine actors including J.P. Manoux, known to prime-time grownups as Henshaw, the cranky surgeon on "E.R.," and to cartoon fans as the voice of Kuzco on "The Emperor's New School."

There's also a groovy (oh I am sooooo old) music video with the talented Corbin Bleu of "High School Musical" and "Jump In."

This movie, the latest from the "Nerd Fantasy" subgenre of childrens' cinema, is more than wonderous enough to entrance any kid, yet cleverly-written enough to keep the attention of the adult sitting with him to watch it. Check it out. It does not suck.