Search - Mandie and the Secret Tunnel on DVD

Relatively Faithful to the Mandie Readers Know

Sunny Sewing Honeybee | 10/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On my ninth birthday, my mom gave me a book called _Mandie and the Secret Tunnel_. That began decades of faithfully following the series. Sometimes when a favorite book is turned into a movie, there's disappointment that the characters and settings won't be depicted the same as they were pictured when reading. So, while watching the movie, I sat cringing a bit in fear of this happening. By the second half, I could relax, because this movie does Mandie justice and is relatively faithful to the book.

Some of the acting isn't spot on, but you can tell everyone is trying and means well--and this isn't meant to be a big-screen release, anyway. The outdoor scenery is beautiful, and the mansion is as expansive and grand as most young readers likely imagine it. The others I watched it with were a bit confused about the mysteries and how everything worked out, though those who have read the book will be able to easily follow the storyline. For others, it may take a couple of viewings to understand how everything weaves together. In fact, in trying to explain the plot a bit, I accidentally gave away part of the mysteries. This is a movie where it's better to just mention the year (1899) and the fact that a girl (changed from pre-teen to 14 in the movie) has lost her father and feels alone in the world . . . and to be patient and let the storyline unfold on its own.

The only thing that I didn't like about the movie was that as soon as it ended, it said it was made in memory of Lois Gladys Leppard. I hadn't yet heard of her passing, and this sudden flash on the screen caused as much crying for me as the movie did. This dedication is meaningful, but it happens so abruptly after the movie's conclusion that it may shock Mandie fans who don't yet know the news. It might have been better for it to have been at the beginning of the movie or end of the credits.

Overall, though, that of course is not enough to dock a star. They don't make wholesome family movies like this anymore . . . but I'm so glad they did."

Great Adventure for the Entire Family

Angela Brown | New York, NY | 09/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film is exciting, and totally safe for small children. No pervasive language or suggestive content. Lots of lessons hinted at during the film from obedience, acceptance, patience, kindness, faith, forgiveness and friendship.
Filmed in the beaufiful mountains of North Carolina and at the locations of six or seven historical sites.
This fun family adventure is one you will watch again and again."

Family movie!

K. Jumper | 09/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great childrens' film- a film for the whole family (adults will like it as well.) It has adventure and humor! I recommend it!"

Darling movie.

CelticWomanFanPiano | 10/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first started reading the Mandie books when I was twelve. Needless to say, I'm more than twice that age now. So it was quite a delight for me when I stumbled across this movie at Blockbuster. I had no idea they were making Mandie movies. I'm so glad to see it! I thought this movie did a fairly accurate portrayal of Mandie and her kin. I really enjoyed the Cherokee personalities. And I thought Dean Jones as Jason Bond was especially good. Uncle John was well portrayed by a dapper young gentleman. And in essence, the movie was darling and very likeable. The single and only reason I don't rate it a five star movie is because I thought the almost comedic style of acting in the movie detracted from what could have been a very serious and successful story line. Other than that, I really enjoyed this movie."