I found this movie to be pretty average. As a christian movie I thought it was unconvincing especially seeing a few of the lead actors smoking! It amazes me how these 'christian' movies star celebrity actors who don't even know the Lord. There's a good acting scene when the mother gets hysterical in the house over her grandson getting injured, but besides that the movie seems to drag too long. As a christian if christian directors want to make convincing movies to see people converted, I think they need to stop being hypocrites and use actors who have a personal relationship with Him.
24 Reviews
A bit much on religion, otherwise a good story
krall-16 December 2001
Not a bad story, but if you don't buy into the heavy Christian message the movie goes a bit stale. Burt Reynolds is good, but for movie buffs, Deliverance was better. It all seemed a bit put on, to be truthful. This reminded me of a story you would see for some TV special.
The Unknown Best Film of 1999
ary28 August 2000
This moving and beautiful drama wasn't released on theaters in 1999, and that's a shame. Few people will have the grateful surprise to discover this sensible masterpiece, but if you have a chance and run into Waterproof in a videostore, give it a try.This is a sensible and touching independent film and Burt Reynolds has in it maybe the best performance of his career. Although Boogie Nights remains as a landmark for his career, Waterproof is a film in which he delivered his best performance so far. Reynolds plays Eli Zeal, an angry old Jewish guy who owns a little grocery store. When a ten year old boy shoots him, the mother of the kid puts Eli and the kid inside a cab and takes them to her home town, Waterproof. The lady is scared of the police, so she convinces Eli that she will treat him in her parent's house. Eli ends up getting involved with the story of this family, and he learns more about those people - this young woman ran away from her home due to a secret. She has two brothers, an alcoholic one and a mentally ill. She just wants to get on with her life and forgive herself for the mistakes she made, but in order to do that she must face the past and tell the truth, and Eli tries to convince her to trust her parents and family and leave all the secrets behind. At the same time, Eli, who was a loner since his wife and kid died, discovers how love and friendship, two things he though he had lost a long time ago, may give everyone a better beginning. The movie starts a little bit slow,the first half of the film requires patience and attention, but soon Waterproof develops itself into a climatic rollercoaster ride of emotions.This is basically a story of second chances, of the discovery of love, of how in a certain point of our lives we have to look back and see what we have been doing, and if we want to change. Waterproof shows us how to find this courage to change. Watch this film, it's a shame the fact that it's unknown, because it is the best film of 1999.Burt Reynolds must be proud to have such a classy, terrific masterpiece in his filmography. An excellent actor, Reynolds' best widely known parts were in Deliverance and Boogie Nights, but Waterproof is a kind of a challenge to him.Here you won't find the macho man of Deliverance, nor the cynic porn director of Boogie Nights. Here Reynolds gives a kind, tearful interpretation, of a man who is in need of care and love.
Drama and Laughs
Daryl-720 July 2002
I highly recommend "Waterproof" as a dramatic movie with a lot of good laughs.
Burt Reynolds is Eli, an aging, limping Jewish shopkeeper in D.C. when he is suddenly robbed at gunpoint by a ten-year-old boy and two thugs who put him up to it. The gun goes off and Eli is injured. By coincidence, the young boy's mother is driving by in her cab, she sees her son and begins a cleanup effort. She basically kidnaps Eli and takes everyone down to Louisiana to her hometown which she hasn't visited since she was a teenager.
The kidnapping takes a very unique twist as Eli finds some comforts living with the mother's mother, brothers and grandfather. The grandfather, played by Whitman Mayo ("Grady" from Sanford & Son), is a scene-stealer every time he is on the screen. He concocts a remedy for Eli's gunwound made of spider legs, he says. That plus Eli has to watch nine consecutive sunrises and he'll be all healed up.
This is a beautiful tale wonderfully told. No special camera angles, very little violence, just people dealing with people. I agree with the other people posting that the Christian message is a little heavy-handed, but the rest of the story is a welcome break from the usual Hollywood style.
I rate this movie 10 out of 10. It is at once serious and funny. No matter what mood you're in, you'll probably like it, as long as you can get past the "go to church and that will make you a good person" stuff.
Burt Reynolds is Eli, an aging, limping Jewish shopkeeper in D.C. when he is suddenly robbed at gunpoint by a ten-year-old boy and two thugs who put him up to it. The gun goes off and Eli is injured. By coincidence, the young boy's mother is driving by in her cab, she sees her son and begins a cleanup effort. She basically kidnaps Eli and takes everyone down to Louisiana to her hometown which she hasn't visited since she was a teenager.
The kidnapping takes a very unique twist as Eli finds some comforts living with the mother's mother, brothers and grandfather. The grandfather, played by Whitman Mayo ("Grady" from Sanford & Son), is a scene-stealer every time he is on the screen. He concocts a remedy for Eli's gunwound made of spider legs, he says. That plus Eli has to watch nine consecutive sunrises and he'll be all healed up.
This is a beautiful tale wonderfully told. No special camera angles, very little violence, just people dealing with people. I agree with the other people posting that the Christian message is a little heavy-handed, but the rest of the story is a welcome break from the usual Hollywood style.
I rate this movie 10 out of 10. It is at once serious and funny. No matter what mood you're in, you'll probably like it, as long as you can get past the "go to church and that will make you a good person" stuff.
Sophomoric and Dull
brian-kresge3 January 2008
I'd like to be charitable to the actors involved. I think they all did the best they could do with the material. Technically, I don't think the directing or editing were terrible. The film is what it is, it's the story that reeks of, well, ham-fisted feel-good nonsense.
Christians seem to like to pat themselves and the power of their faith on the back by watching movies with extremely unlikely plot devices. I think other negative ratings were guilt-by-association with Cloud Ten Productions, which I understand picked up this film after it originally failed to find a distributor. It's certainly nowhere near as bad or over-the-top as the craptacular Apocalypse or Left Behind series.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Jewish (that's with a capital J, for some of you of lesser intelligence and taste in film) character, for once, found redemption and happiness within either the Jewish community or Judaism itself, instead of being "shown the light" by a preachy, and again, ham-fisted message? Granted, we were spared Evangelical spiritual masturbation fodder by having to endure a baptism or conversion of Reynold's character, which probably would have taken place had Cloud Ten Productions underwritten the project originally.
It's a step in the right direction for Cloud Ten Productions, leaps and bounds better than Kirk Cameron rapture porn, but still a very trite stinker. We all know deep down, Reynolds always had acting chops, but this isn't the vehicle just because it's palatable to a wholesome, Christian audience.
Christians seem to like to pat themselves and the power of their faith on the back by watching movies with extremely unlikely plot devices. I think other negative ratings were guilt-by-association with Cloud Ten Productions, which I understand picked up this film after it originally failed to find a distributor. It's certainly nowhere near as bad or over-the-top as the craptacular Apocalypse or Left Behind series.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Jewish (that's with a capital J, for some of you of lesser intelligence and taste in film) character, for once, found redemption and happiness within either the Jewish community or Judaism itself, instead of being "shown the light" by a preachy, and again, ham-fisted message? Granted, we were spared Evangelical spiritual masturbation fodder by having to endure a baptism or conversion of Reynold's character, which probably would have taken place had Cloud Ten Productions underwritten the project originally.
It's a step in the right direction for Cloud Ten Productions, leaps and bounds better than Kirk Cameron rapture porn, but still a very trite stinker. We all know deep down, Reynolds always had acting chops, but this isn't the vehicle just because it's palatable to a wholesome, Christian audience.
Waterproof
cgw-325 March 2004
Picked up for distribution in 2001, "Waterproof" is Cloud Ten Pictures' finest achievement in its library. It should have garnered a limited, or even a platform, release because of superb acting by all, the finest elements of cinematography I have ever seen, great direction my Barry Berman, and a move shot in the real location of Waterproof, Louisiana. Along with a gospel message, fine score, and beautiful songs of Southern Gospel, "Waterproof" is a movie experience that will be greatly received by all who see it. **** out of **** (Even this is far better than Cloud Ten's "Left Behind" series)
After-School Special masquerading as a film
Freak-1013 January 2002
Riveting, original, exciting... These are just some of the words I would never use to describe this laughable attempt at evangelical film-making. Even if this was a TV show it would be substandard in almost every respect - the acting, the hokey plot, the weak dialogue... I could barely get through it.
I suppose if you were some born-again type that isn't allowed to watch real movies, this is right up your alley. The ham-fisted preaching, present throughout this "movie", is pointless, considering that anyone who WOULDN'T be laughing at it the whole way is already in a church choir somewhere.
It's just too bad the IMDb doesn't have a -2 on its rating scale of 1 to 10.
I suppose if you were some born-again type that isn't allowed to watch real movies, this is right up your alley. The ham-fisted preaching, present throughout this "movie", is pointless, considering that anyone who WOULDN'T be laughing at it the whole way is already in a church choir somewhere.
It's just too bad the IMDb doesn't have a -2 on its rating scale of 1 to 10.
"Waterproof" is a powerful treasure of a movie. Don't miss it.
jsardello26 April 2006
"Waterproof" is a beautiful example of the way sour relationships between family members and an unusual guest (Bert Reynolds) can grow and blossom into a unity that many people long for. Through everyday life, and church, the characters in this movie help each other overcome fears and resentments. Sometimes this is done intentionally. Sometimes it just happens from being in the same house. And the role played by church in transforming these lives was uplifting and powerful. Every actor was superb and made this complex story so real and down-to-earth that you feel as if you are part of the story. Each time I watch it, I love it more. There's a lesson for all of us here.
Wonderful
nosredna-111 July 2003
I disagree with the people here who said the Christian message was too bold. It fit right in with the story; some people in this world really do live their faith and take it seriously. This movie is about real people with real struggles. This is not fluff. The church scenes sent shivers down my spine, and I cried at the end. The soundtrack is beautiful. This is the kind of movie that should be nominated for an Oscar. But of course it's too subtle for the average movie-goer I guess (not violent or sexy enough).
Waterproof (Spoiler)
The Story Teller6 November 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Waterproof (Spoiler)
You can't pick one star that stand out in this movie. All the actors and actress have and play outstanding in their roles. Burt Reynolds plays the part of Eli Zeal, a Jewish shopkeeper. He gets shot by an 11 year old who's mother, Tyree Battle, a cab driver. In an effort to keep her son out of jail she kidnaps Eli and takes him to her hometown of Waterproof. There her Grandfather, Sugar, played by Whitman Mayo, gets the job of healing Eli. Between Sugar and Tyrees' mother, Ja'net Dubois. Tyrees' younger brother, Nat, played by Orlando Jones, is severely brain injured. As the movie unfolds we find a deeper reason into why Tyree left 15 years ago. Eli finds forgiveness, love for his new found family. Tyree finds forgiveness and a spiritual awakening.
In todays world of fear and unknowing Waterproof gives us a feeling of love for one another. I felt the need for more. If there was one down to the movie it was that it was to short. But Hey, maybe they'll make a continuation. Stranger things have happened.
Four out of five stars and two thumbs up.
The Story Teller
You can't pick one star that stand out in this movie. All the actors and actress have and play outstanding in their roles. Burt Reynolds plays the part of Eli Zeal, a Jewish shopkeeper. He gets shot by an 11 year old who's mother, Tyree Battle, a cab driver. In an effort to keep her son out of jail she kidnaps Eli and takes him to her hometown of Waterproof. There her Grandfather, Sugar, played by Whitman Mayo, gets the job of healing Eli. Between Sugar and Tyrees' mother, Ja'net Dubois. Tyrees' younger brother, Nat, played by Orlando Jones, is severely brain injured. As the movie unfolds we find a deeper reason into why Tyree left 15 years ago. Eli finds forgiveness, love for his new found family. Tyree finds forgiveness and a spiritual awakening.
In todays world of fear and unknowing Waterproof gives us a feeling of love for one another. I felt the need for more. If there was one down to the movie it was that it was to short. But Hey, maybe they'll make a continuation. Stranger things have happened.
Four out of five stars and two thumbs up.
The Story Teller
A gem of a movie
gofigure75725 July 2006
Burt Reynolds as an old Jewish man? Yes, it works. The movie is an inspirational tale of forgiveness and redemption, of faith and hope. For those who think of Burt as the Bandit, or in movies like Cannonball Run, then this movie will surprise you. It is a tale of Americana -- from the big Eastern cities to the rural south. It touches on racial prejudice and mistrust, and how we can overcome such things. It's about family -- the good and the bad of family -- and about not having a family. It's about faith and trust -- in God and in ourselves. And most of all, it's about the need to be forgiven -- and the need to forgive. Watch this with the whole family.
who would have thought???
aylaah6 November 2001
ok, so when i heard that burt reynolds was in this movie i wasn't so sure if i'd like it... and then i saw it. WOW! this is an excellent movie. the premise of the movie is this: burt reynolds plays eli, a jewish store keeper in washington d. c. he gets shot by a boy whose mother drives a taxi and just happens to see her son run out of that store. she kidnaps the store keeper and drives him, her son, and herself to waterproof, la. this is where her family is from. when she gets there she gets some of her relatives to tend to eli. i won't tell you anything else so i won't spoil the movie for you. i very much enjoyed sugar!! he reminded me of some of my older relatives. (for those of you who watched sanford and son you might recall seeing him on there... and for those of you who watched good times you might remember ja'net dubois who plays the grandma :D )
this movie has an excellent storyline as well as presents an excellent christian viewpoint.
so, all in all i give this movie 2 thumbs up!!!
this movie has an excellent storyline as well as presents an excellent christian viewpoint.
so, all in all i give this movie 2 thumbs up!!!
Screening was wonderful
flikdiva-118 December 2001
Frank Capra, Jr, Craig Fincannon and Carol Baum traveled to Athens, Georgia in 1999 to show the students at the University of Georgia their feature film, Waterproof. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience, and was enthralled by their presentation and the film itself. What I saw was a film in which the actors were not boasting to their audience or playing a part for money. They saw a script that was full of color and feeling, the emotions that capitulate a family drama. They played characters that were rich and three-dimensional. The dark lighting served as an undertone for the setting and story: the Deep South and dark family secrets. I can't wait to sit down and watch this movie again, two years after the first time I was lucky enough to do so.
Aged Burt Reynolds visits a black family in rural Louisiana
Wuchakk23 May 2023
A white shop owner from DC (Reynolds) is injured and whisked away by a black cab driver (April Grace) to her family's modest home in the Deep South where he stays longer than expected.
Shot in October-November, 1997, "Waterproof" was not released until 2000-2001, but it's a well-done Southern Gothic that respects the intelligence of the viewer. Hours after watching I was able to connect-the-dots and it elicited a 'Wow' reaction.
This is easily one of Burt's best roles, but you have to be in the mood for a drama. I don't want to say much more because it's best for you to discover for yourself, but the movie's warm, sobering and revelational. Moreover, it contains one of the best church sequences in cinematic history.
If you liked Robert Duvall's "The Apostle" (1997), you'll appreciate this.
The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Tensas Parish in northeast Louisiana with other stuff done in Wilmington, North Carolina.
GRADE: A-/B+
Shot in October-November, 1997, "Waterproof" was not released until 2000-2001, but it's a well-done Southern Gothic that respects the intelligence of the viewer. Hours after watching I was able to connect-the-dots and it elicited a 'Wow' reaction.
This is easily one of Burt's best roles, but you have to be in the mood for a drama. I don't want to say much more because it's best for you to discover for yourself, but the movie's warm, sobering and revelational. Moreover, it contains one of the best church sequences in cinematic history.
If you liked Robert Duvall's "The Apostle" (1997), you'll appreciate this.
The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Tensas Parish in northeast Louisiana with other stuff done in Wilmington, North Carolina.
GRADE: A-/B+
A nice family movie
taos652 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
It was nice to see a movie on the Lifetime Movies channel that had an interesting plot and hopeful ending instead of the tired genre of women who have to leave abusive husbands.
I agree with those commentators who loved the performances. The actors' portrayals of the characters make these people believable -- it would have been so easy for them to fall into stereotype or one-dimension, but the actors actually made these characters real, complicated, flawed and redeemable human beings.
***Plot summary may contain spoilers*** The story line is kind of humorous. A young boy, Thaniel, is forced by some cool (to him) older hoods to hold a gun during a robbery attempt, and they use his fingers to pull the trigger to wound Reynolds' character. I didn't quite understand why the boy's mom, Tyree, decided to drive to her family home so far away with a man bleeding from a wound in the taxi she drove, but people do strange things in real life, too. Her family is a mixture of sweet, sad, passionate, and funny. They accept her back into the fold as the prodigal daughter, though they didn't know exactly how prodigal she had been. Eli (Reynolds' character) helps her to open up and heal the rifts within the family and within herself. To do so she must face up and 'fess up to the truth of her past. Her family's old Southern evangelicalism allows for them to forgive her and redeem herself and her son.
I disagree with those commentators who think that the religious aspect was phony or overblown. Anyone who has ever lived in the Southern U.S. knows that religion plays this role in people's lives, and I believe it was accurately portrayed based on my experience living in the South. The symbolism was very apparent, but wasn't cheesy.
All-in-all, I think this is a beautiful movie, with a mixture of humor, pain, religion, secrets, and in the end, a new beginning.
I agree with those commentators who loved the performances. The actors' portrayals of the characters make these people believable -- it would have been so easy for them to fall into stereotype or one-dimension, but the actors actually made these characters real, complicated, flawed and redeemable human beings.
***Plot summary may contain spoilers*** The story line is kind of humorous. A young boy, Thaniel, is forced by some cool (to him) older hoods to hold a gun during a robbery attempt, and they use his fingers to pull the trigger to wound Reynolds' character. I didn't quite understand why the boy's mom, Tyree, decided to drive to her family home so far away with a man bleeding from a wound in the taxi she drove, but people do strange things in real life, too. Her family is a mixture of sweet, sad, passionate, and funny. They accept her back into the fold as the prodigal daughter, though they didn't know exactly how prodigal she had been. Eli (Reynolds' character) helps her to open up and heal the rifts within the family and within herself. To do so she must face up and 'fess up to the truth of her past. Her family's old Southern evangelicalism allows for them to forgive her and redeem herself and her son.
I disagree with those commentators who think that the religious aspect was phony or overblown. Anyone who has ever lived in the Southern U.S. knows that religion plays this role in people's lives, and I believe it was accurately portrayed based on my experience living in the South. The symbolism was very apparent, but wasn't cheesy.
All-in-all, I think this is a beautiful movie, with a mixture of humor, pain, religion, secrets, and in the end, a new beginning.
This movie has it all, I loved it.
csmith3646 November 2001
I can not remember a movie that has taken my emotions on a ride like this. The direction, The writing and the acting all are supreme. I will enjoy this movie over and over again until the tape finaly wears out. What can I say ecept this movie has it all, I loved it.
Heartwarming, Family Friendly, Great Cast, Great Script!
cgsdesigns6 November 2001
I watched Waterproof the first night I got it. I was not sure what to expect when I started watching it other than that it had to be safe for the entire family because it was put out by Cloud Ten Pictures.
I was delightfully surprized when I found myself laughing at "Sugar", and by the time the movie finished, I felt like part of the "family".
While most people may be drawn in by Burt Reynolds, I believe that this has to be one of his best performances ever! He is witty, spunky, and yet soft and gentle too. I was actually amazed that it was the same Burt Reyenolds of years ago.
Whitman Mayo brings the cast into complete harmony with his elderly charm, his great sense of humor and his smile and laugh. He will surely be missed.
This is a wonderful movie with something for everyone. There is action, adventure, romance, comedy, and best of all, the message of Jesus Christ. It is a must see for any family. I myself have seen it over a dozen times and it just keeps getting better.
I was delightfully surprized when I found myself laughing at "Sugar", and by the time the movie finished, I felt like part of the "family".
While most people may be drawn in by Burt Reynolds, I believe that this has to be one of his best performances ever! He is witty, spunky, and yet soft and gentle too. I was actually amazed that it was the same Burt Reyenolds of years ago.
Whitman Mayo brings the cast into complete harmony with his elderly charm, his great sense of humor and his smile and laugh. He will surely be missed.
This is a wonderful movie with something for everyone. There is action, adventure, romance, comedy, and best of all, the message of Jesus Christ. It is a must see for any family. I myself have seen it over a dozen times and it just keeps getting better.
A movie where the cast seemed to gel together and all work in unison to tell the story.
cmetravel6 August 2006
I have enjoyed a lot of the Burt Reynolds movies over the years. He has been good at comedy and drama. I have to agree with the other reviewer that this was probably one of the best performances I have seen out of him. I had never heard of the movie Waterproof until someone told me about it. I got it and watched it. What a pleasant surprise. The movie was , for the most part, well paced and let you step into it with the actors. It was a very good storyline, and cannot say I was disappointed with any of the acting. The director led the actors in their roles in such a way as to make everyone seem so genuine.
Classics are made when something clicks on the set and the story becomes real to the actors and they live it on the screen. All in all it is not only one of best movies to come out of 1999 but any other year. It is definitely better than almost anything I have seen in recent years. For those that discover this movie it will most assuredly take its place on their top shelf, to be enjoyed again and again.
Classics are made when something clicks on the set and the story becomes real to the actors and they live it on the screen. All in all it is not only one of best movies to come out of 1999 but any other year. It is definitely better than almost anything I have seen in recent years. For those that discover this movie it will most assuredly take its place on their top shelf, to be enjoyed again and again.
Powerful...I cannot believe I found it at the library. Lucky Me!
cogitoergosum-13 September 2006
First off...nobody I know of is more anti-religion establishment than I. With that said, anybody who derides this movie because of it's characters and their religious faith, is a complete moron. This movie was never about religion, it's about people.
In my lifetime, I have seen few movies which strike me right to the core but this one is one of the top 3. Period.
The acting was outstanding and the character development and portrayal was top notch.
In today's never ending onslaught of movies of wise asses, tough guys, two bit harlots and losers of every kind, this is a movie about PEOPLE. Real, believable, wonderfully complex and flawed people; People you yourself would like to know.
So, if your tired of the shoot 'em ups and the Tom Cruise drivel, the sci-fi where you have to be tripping on acid just to be able to follow the story, or the teenager toilet humor movies, and really want to enjoy a movie that has the depth and substance of a great book but only in 90 minutes, then this is the movie to watch.
Keep an open mind...you'll be handsomely rewarded for it. I loved it.
In my lifetime, I have seen few movies which strike me right to the core but this one is one of the top 3. Period.
The acting was outstanding and the character development and portrayal was top notch.
In today's never ending onslaught of movies of wise asses, tough guys, two bit harlots and losers of every kind, this is a movie about PEOPLE. Real, believable, wonderfully complex and flawed people; People you yourself would like to know.
So, if your tired of the shoot 'em ups and the Tom Cruise drivel, the sci-fi where you have to be tripping on acid just to be able to follow the story, or the teenager toilet humor movies, and really want to enjoy a movie that has the depth and substance of a great book but only in 90 minutes, then this is the movie to watch.
Keep an open mind...you'll be handsomely rewarded for it. I loved it.
Under-appreciated Gem!!
kwhnkwh27 February 2022
Great story of forgiveness, family and friendship. Great cast with believable chemistry. Whitman Mayo was probably my favorite. But loved the entire cast.
Demonstrates flexibility of cat in playing in roles different from some of their norms.
Demonstrates flexibility of cat in playing in roles different from some of their norms.
A great story about forgiveness
FollowTheeMoreNearly6 November 2001
Waterproof is a very moving film that will bring tears to the eyes of most who see it. The film dissects how family members make mistakes in trying to protect their loved ones by covering up or trying to hide the truth and how these mistakes snowball and certainly dont solve anything. The characters are honestly portrayed, flaws and all and the relationships that are built between the characters, despite the circumstances are sweet and poignant. One of the most important aspects of this film is that it tells us of the necessity of forgiveness and ultimately how forgiveness can set you free. I am glad that this film has finally been released on video and DVD. I urge everyone to see this one! It is a keeper!
A Do Not Miss Movie
wianinc25 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I caught this movie quite by accident. What a thrill. The entire cast performed wonderfully. It is definitely Burt Reynolds' best.
The story flows evenly and is entirely believable. The differences in the characters' religious preferences, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds and life experiences are well portrayed. These differences, I felt, were the glue that made the story so real feeling.
When watching the movie make certain to watch it pass the ending and pass the credits. The last image you see is super.
Whatever your personal religious convictions this is a true "feel good" movie and should not be missed.
The story flows evenly and is entirely believable. The differences in the characters' religious preferences, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds and life experiences are well portrayed. These differences, I felt, were the glue that made the story so real feeling.
When watching the movie make certain to watch it pass the ending and pass the credits. The last image you see is super.
Whatever your personal religious convictions this is a true "feel good" movie and should not be missed.
Nice Surprise
tsth20 August 2007
I purchased this movie in a clearance sale.....I didn't expect much. However, I was caught by surprise. This movie is quite captivating. It is also filled with quirky characters that captured me. I wanted to be there. It was much, much better than I expected. My only regret is that the copy I purchased wasn't better quality. I think this movie is a keeper. And Burt Reynold's humble contribution to it was a surprise. I DO wonder how he was connected to this movie. It didn't seem like something he would be involved in, and his character truly didn't belong in the environment, he was immersed in, and yet, he made it real, for that very reason. I thought his part was seemingly subdued, but quietly important. Oh, and I loved the soundtrack! My family and I really enjoyed this movie. You need to listen closely......The dialogue between "Sugar" and "BurtR." was notably funny!
Nice, small film with a spiritual theme of redemption.
TxMike11 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Found the DVD of this movie at my public library. Truth is, I was attracted to it because in my youth, the 1960s, our little football team played the Waterproof football team in the state playoffs for the smallest schools. Waterproof is located in Tensas parish, along the Mississippi river, not too far southeast of Monroe in north Louisiana. Much of the filming was done in N.C., but much of the outdoor scenes were filmed in Tensas Parish.
Aside from all that, this is a fine, small budget movie. This may be the best Burt Reynolds performance, where he plays Eli Zeal, a Jewish store owner in D.C. that gets a superficial gunshot wound from three black kids attempting to hold him up after closing one night. The youngest boy is Thaniel, and his mother Tyree (April Grace) is a cab driver who comes upon them, sees the bleeding man, and promptly drives all three of them to her ancestral home in Waterproof. For those keeping score, that is just under 1100 miles.
Eli is going to be OK, but the real story revolves around events when Tyree was growing up. She had never come to face them, and instead left home 15 years earlier, and lost contact with her family. Her mom (Ja'net DuBois), her big brother 'Big' (Anthony Lee, who was killed in L.A. the next year), her grandfather Sugar (Whitman Mayo who died just after filming), and her mentally challenged brother Natty (Orlando Jones). It is a bit ironic that a white guy wrote and directed it, but it seems true to the location and the times. The whole movie and the ending has a "redemption" theme running through it.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. When she was a young girl she and the local plantation owner's son became very friendly, and claim in present time that they had been in love, but the times weren't ready for a black/white romance in Louisiana. As her brothers were chasing the white boy, Tyree threw a rock that hit Natty, he fell and hit his head, she was the cause of the accident that incapacitated him, but older brother Big had always taken the blame, and the lasting wrath of mom. Tyree had to come to grips with all this, tell her mother the truth, set Big free, and become a whole person. Eli helped her work up the courage to tell everything, in return he didn't tell the police the whole story of why they ended up in Waterproof. There was a symbolic Baptism ceremony, including Tyree and Thaniel, as the movie ends.
Aside from all that, this is a fine, small budget movie. This may be the best Burt Reynolds performance, where he plays Eli Zeal, a Jewish store owner in D.C. that gets a superficial gunshot wound from three black kids attempting to hold him up after closing one night. The youngest boy is Thaniel, and his mother Tyree (April Grace) is a cab driver who comes upon them, sees the bleeding man, and promptly drives all three of them to her ancestral home in Waterproof. For those keeping score, that is just under 1100 miles.
Eli is going to be OK, but the real story revolves around events when Tyree was growing up. She had never come to face them, and instead left home 15 years earlier, and lost contact with her family. Her mom (Ja'net DuBois), her big brother 'Big' (Anthony Lee, who was killed in L.A. the next year), her grandfather Sugar (Whitman Mayo who died just after filming), and her mentally challenged brother Natty (Orlando Jones). It is a bit ironic that a white guy wrote and directed it, but it seems true to the location and the times. The whole movie and the ending has a "redemption" theme running through it.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. When she was a young girl she and the local plantation owner's son became very friendly, and claim in present time that they had been in love, but the times weren't ready for a black/white romance in Louisiana. As her brothers were chasing the white boy, Tyree threw a rock that hit Natty, he fell and hit his head, she was the cause of the accident that incapacitated him, but older brother Big had always taken the blame, and the lasting wrath of mom. Tyree had to come to grips with all this, tell her mother the truth, set Big free, and become a whole person. Eli helped her work up the courage to tell everything, in return he didn't tell the police the whole story of why they ended up in Waterproof. There was a symbolic Baptism ceremony, including Tyree and Thaniel, as the movie ends.
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