When I Find the Ocean (2006) User Reviews (22)

Disney wanna be gone wrong...

[akunau · 3/10 · 21 September 2008]

I have to give this 3 stars only because it's a first time effort by an unknown director. The story had some of the same bones as "Bastard Out of Carolina" and the upcoming "Secret Life of Bees" with some "Fried Green Tomatoes" atmospheric shots. The premise of the story, set in 1965 civil rights era Alabama, is an interesting one, about a young girl with a loving family (grandparents and a well-meaning mother) dealing with loss, abuse, and heartache.

The main character, Lily, was played by the director's daughter of the same name. While likable, it was fairly obvious she had no acting skills or training of any sort, and it was not the best idea to put her in the starring role of a movie, especially with polished actors like Dianne Ladd and Graham Greene among others.

This film also reduced some characters to cartoon-like sensibilities, as well as absurd subplots (like wild panthers roaming the Alabama woods???). There's even a scene where young Lily smears shoe polish all over her face to disguise herself as a black child. I had to quit watching after that.

All in all, this movie was pretty awful. It only has some small shining moments in the performances of its veteran actors. This movie could have been much better with a well written script, a more experienced child lead actor and without the beyond ridiculous sub-plots.

A Little Knowledge For You All

[outspokenjerk · 3/10 · 3 November 2006]

Okay! Enough already! I have been reading some of the posts on here and it's driving me nuts. Let me just say this. I agree that this movie is not a huge blockbuster and that there are things that could've been done differently yada, yada, yada. But get this through your skulls! That does not mean other filmmakers are going to look at this area and go "Well, that movie sucked." "That must mean that area sucks.". Because of the movie being a flop doesn't mean the area is any less beautiful or the people are any less talented. It all comes down to the director and in a lot of cases the producer(s). That is who will suffer most. The film industry does not work that way in deciding to come to a certain area for filming. It is understood by people in the business who actually have clues that the reason the movie sucks is not anyone's fault but the director/producer(s). Granted, I know there are probably people who worked on the film who had no right being there, trust me. So we shouldn't be sending out pleas to other movie makers to "Please don't let this have an effect on you coming here, please, oh please.". It just doesn't work that way. If there is a director or producer who does think that way you probably do not want them here anyway. And I would doubt very seriously if Brian Grazer or Ron Howard would be reading these comments, so if you want to write someone about films coming here, start writing you representatives to get some tax incentives for film productions in this state(AL) and I promise you will see more filming. OUT!

an odd mix

[ashtree80 · 3/10 · 15 May 2009]

Ummm.... I really don't know what to say about this movie. As a whole it just does not seem to work very well. There are individual ideas that are alright. The story does not seem to move in a logical direction. It's just such an odd combination.

*****Spoiler Alert!!!**** A little girl who is running away from her abusive step father to be. She wants to see the ocean. Then some odd content about poaching, racism, and abuse that just seems "tacked on". These are very serious issues, but they aren't examined seriously or in any great detail.

Maybe the director was trying to say too much...Also I can't imagine who the intended audience is. The more serious content would probably scare or confuse little children.

There was some good acting. I thought the daughter was good because you couldn't help but feel sorry for her. And she's pretty without being too Hollywood fake pretty.

Stinker

[jsold-1 · 1/10 · 15 August 2008]

I can only assume the positive ratings are by friends of the director. Especially the 9 star rating by someone who hasn't even seen the movie!The movie might actually have been semi-decent without the unprofessional, weak and pathetic performance of Lily, the director's daughter. She was embarrassingly poor. I understand this is a first attempt by the director so maybe we should cut her some slack. Okay, but since most of her other credits are as a talent caster and production assistant you'd think she would have done a better job of casting the lead. I will say that this is about the best I've seen Lee Majors act. He was darn good. Amy Redford's performance was disappointing. Story was thin and predictable as well. After Lily had taken her "whuppings" you'd think she'd be in some pain. Yet, both Granpa and Mom put their arms around her several times making me wince, but didn't seem to bother Lily in the least. On the positive side -- the score and the scenery were quite good. The director may have a future as a filmmaker, but she needs to be more judicious in her casting and directing. Good luck.

My Kids Cried

[blantonpm · 2/10 · 6 September 2008]

I rented this movie for my seven and four year old thinking it would be a good family film for them. They both came out crying twice so I finally went in and watched the last half with them. It was terrible, the girls acting was just non existent and the mother was so dramatic as to seem mentally ill. There was no depth to any of the characters and the little flashback of watching the "colored" guys family get blown up to smithereens made both my kids cry. The scene in the end where she says goodbye and heads towards the ocean to play in the surf - why were they all gathered there? It just was all so sappy and flat.

The positive ratings seem oddly angry about the negative reviews. Why do people care what others rate? I'm just being honest here, I'm happy for whoever directed that she got a movie made - but I'm not here to pat her on the back - I'm just here to say - it's not worth renting for kids movie night. It's quite torturous to watch.

B.A. don't despair,

[wawalegend · 1/10 · 2 April 2006]

Actually, B.A., I thought your review was rather humorous. Evidently, the people who have responded so vociferously against you, don't understand the subtleties of sarcasm-noir. Why, the comment about Graham Greene and the panther-doll were spot-on, if a bit 'edgy'. And the scene where Amy asks for a sign... B.A., what were you thinking? To me, it was one of the high points of the entire film. I even liked the foreshadowing of things-to-come metaphor. Do you remember? You probably do. And yes, B.A., you would have been wise to point it out. Of course, I am writing about the use of the Husky aluminum tripods that were holding the Bell & Howell Filmos during the Selma march. We all know that in 1965, tripods had 'wooden' legs, but Ms. Holly, in a Tarantino or, dare I say, a Kubric device, used this prop to quietly, darkly, foretell the future of the Civil Rights Movement, with a prop from the future... yeah, a shining symbol of the upward path of both Media, and the Human Condition. B.A., do not apologize for your feelings. After all, they are yours. A good film is SUPPOSED to evoke strong feelings. And that makes W.I.F.T.O. a great film. I can't wait until I can purchase a DVD! Why there are soooooo many sequences that I want to spend time with, caress, savor the nuances... I want to be able to take time and analyze the editing choices. My thoughts go back to the sequence where Lily is dressing in her bedroom as she is preparing to run away from home. The creative use of jump cuts was a stroke of genius! What is your problem! Oh yeah, and when the Klan sent their plain-clothes members out in boats to kill that 'colored' tug boat captain. Wow. Ten or twelve heavily armed men, speeding down-river to find the dark-skinned kidnapper are stopped in their tracks with but a word from the tugboat tilling kidnapper, "Yall go on now." "Well, OK, but you ain't seen the last of us!" What strength, what power... And B.A. you criticized the story-tellers art. My friend, it appears to me that you need to get your mind right. I do not believe that I will ever again see a film that causes such a feeling in my gut as "When I Find The Ocean." Good luck, B.A., and God bless you.

Here's the truth

[billynarp2006 · 28 March 2006]

Okay, everyone is getting little too emotional about this. I'd like to offer my own review of the film, which I hope you all find objective. Now, I didn't like the film. It wasn't my cup of tea. I thought the locations on the river were quite pretty, but that was about it. With that being said, these are the reasons I found it to be lacking: 1. I thought the script was a bit thin. Granted, this was supposed to be a family movie, which I can respect, but I still thought it was at times contrived (ex: The gravestone scene came across as stale). 2. Though I applaud anyone who tries to portray a fictional person (for I have no acting skills myself), I thought many of the performances were hollow. Now, I thought Bernie Casey, Dan Beene, and Richard Tyson were standouts, unfortunately the other performances were mediocre at best. This isn't to be mean-spirited or anything at all, but I felt that Lily should probably have gotten more experience before tackling a film role. Again, it's not to be ugly, but I just wasn't convinced of her character's struggle. 3. I must admit, the scene with Graham Greene and the panther could have been done more realistically, if not cut out entirely. 4. The poachers. Now, I know that a family atmosphere was sought here, but my suspension of disbelief was stretched thin with these guys. This was 1963 Alabama, and these two were supposed to be ignorant racists. As much as I hate the "N" word, having them call Amos a "colored" was unrealistic.

Now, I realize that a lot of time and effort went into this project. It happens whenever any movie gets made. I'm also from Alabama, and I must say that I feel bad for not liking it, but I have to be truthful (by the way, you can be truthful without being a jerk about it). I hope that they (the filmmakers) make their money back, for I don't wish them any ill will, but I'm skeptical about it. If they set their sights on DVD distribution or television, they have a chance at selling the film. If not, then I'm afraid the hope of presenting Alabama as a viable place for filmmakers has been compromised.

terrible movie

[pinkcurtis · 1/10 · 8 April 2006]

This movie doesn't seem to be very well thought out at all. I'm sorry but I just can't believe that this little girl will somehow achieve a sense of peace for her troubled psyche by reaching the ocean where her father died. From the out of place Elmer Fudd, Fargo like hats the deputies were wearing to the anachronistic cordless microphone the reporter was speaking into to the cloth panther to her lack of a believable reaction to being caught in a bear trap, there just didn't seem to be any thought other than 'let's get this movie done'. This is a movie that Ed Wood would have been ashamed of and should have been entitled 'Plan 9 from North Alabama.' There was one good aspect of the movie: Mr. Motalla's musical score was wonderful but that doesn't outweigh all the negatives. It's really a shame that this movie didn't come out better as I fear it will discourage investors from participating in future projects.

This has to be the worst movie I have seen in ages...and the budget was what?

[blackberriewine · 1/10 · 2 April 2006]

I have seen better movies made in peoples basements....the scene with the plastic flowers and the foam headstones was just awful....and the voice of Lily's dad...why that would scare the devil himself. And the jump cuts....man o man o man ....film school at worst....The acting by Amy Redford was overdone as was most of the others...Graham Greene looked and acted like he was mad as hell through the whole thing...Lee Majors gave an OK performance considering the lines he had to read.. Many of my friends who have also seen the movie thought the Selma March scene looked like a remake of Return of the Living Dead. I must say that some of the scenes of the Tennessee River were breathtaking...but got pretty old after the third or fourth shot of them. All and all let's hope this movie stays in the can.

People, This is worth watching

[craigsawyertalent · 7/10 · 3 October 2008]

I had a small role in this film and finally got around to watching it. People need to get the stick out of their butts. There are some great performances in this film.

It is a film my nieces and nephews will love. It reminded me of the Hallmark movies I watched when I was a kid. My Hats off to Tonya and everyone else that was apart of this production.

Lilly played her first major role like a pro, and brought an air of realism that some seasoned actors cannot. Being a lead in a feature film is hard work and I thought she rocked.

Best wishes to Cypress moon on future projects.

I saw the premier

[wsw_ii · 1/10 · 17 June 2006]

I thought the movie looked rather like a high school attempt...the acting was undirected...it was as if the director did not take any part in this movie. The little girl (LillY) needed a lot of help. I hope she has tough skin. She is going to get slammed. I thought black face was banned. And why was it used at all? Oh well, maybe the folks making this movie felt they could only make a period movie if there was a token black face. And as for the clan....I don't think the unsheeted members would have done the chasing... I think the whole premise of this movie was laughable... God bless the man who put up the money for this one ...he will never make it back.... as ole PT Barnum use to say ..."A sucker is born every day". Congrats Tonya for finding yours!

What an experience....

[brazil1066 · 10/10 · 3 April 2006]

Alabama owes Tonya a big thank you for sharing this sweet story with us. She has shared so much of herself via this movie, her story, her family (daugher Lily as main character and husband Kelvin is the voice of Lily's dead father, as well as many other family members in crowd scenes), friends, the beauty of her home state...each and every frame of this movie is a part of Tonya in a multitude of ways. For a first attempt at a feature length movie, this was wonderful. Yes, there were some parts of the movie that could have been different, better, or left out. But this is MY opinion and everyone has one. I am not a film-maker and do not criticize what I have no understanding of. Now, as far as some of the comments that have been posted...most have been useful. Some have been spiteful and obviously the writer did not even bother to educate themselves before they spoke. Jeez, they couldn't event spell the names right! I hope this person (and I use the word loosely) does not live in a glass house. If you were so tortured watching the movie, why not get up off of your lazy, critical a** and leave. I am not sure where you saw the movie, but I am pretty d*** sure that you were NOT tied to the chair and forced to watch. How old was this miserable person? Old enough to remember the racial climate in 1965 (go back and read the papers and magazine articles written on the subject at the time). Most of the civilized world understands that we have progressed and NOT expect "inbred morons" when they arrive. See W.I.F.T.O. and decide for yourself.

Run for your life!

[kfc1206 · 1/10 · 23 July 2006]

I am from the same area as the director of this movie. I really really wanted to like it and I can say without a doubt that this was the absolute worst movie I have ever seen - hands down. The dialogue was in many spots laughable, the director's daughter (and main character) was cute but could not act, and the plot was ridiculous and included a stalking panther and a character in BLACKFACE! As a Southerner, I was offended (as were the other people I saw the movie with) at the ridiculous redneck racist stereotypes that this movie upheld. Even the music, which was good in and of itself was too loud and in many spots didn't remotely go with the scene it was supporting.

I can't say it more succinctly - run for your life!

Oh my Lord ! This is really awful!

[silveraudi-1 · 1/10 · 22 March 2006]

I have seen a lot of movies in my time, but this is the without doubt the worst i have seen in all my days! Its 90 minutes of my precious life i want back !

I would think it would get an award for worst movie ever! I tell you what, I sure as HELL would vote for it..

There is no doubt in my mind that Ms Tanya's ability as a director is non existent, the stupid barn scenes where the little girl gets a beating are ridiculous, the grandfather coming back with a packet of M&M candies,laughable, the rabbits by the river, why? & The scene where they all looked up at the sky, then we heard an Eagle, Oh my Lord. The scene when Ms Redford was sitting by the grave, talking to her dead husband, she says...

" Just give me a sign" and a shooting star passes overhead, i wanted to stand up and shoot all persons who were responsible for my torture...!

It is so bad. I am, even now not sure if i want to laugh or cry.. I would like my money back at least... The story itself was just appalling,

Why was everyone blue in the night scenes, the actors all looked like they had bad tans! I started to pray at 1 point in the movie i do recall, oh sweet Jesus, deliver us from Evil,help us block such from such trash out of my head! I reckon she spent about $500 on the entire movie...

Lilly, She was the worst actress in the history of the silver screen, which is not surprising because it was the directors daughter! Can you believe that ! Is that even legal? The director putting her own daughter in the lead role, as an unknown, & she is terrible, I mean we all love our children but she has gone to far..

I feel really sorry for good people who were involved in this movie, Lee Majors, Dianne Lange, Amy Redford, etc, these people have all long established names in the business,& must have been flabbergasted to see the finished film, but i would not be surprised if they sued her because they are made to look stupid. Not to mention how stupid it makes the south look. Alabama is a wonderful place, but if anyone saw this movie, they would be expecting to meet inbred morons as soon as they arrived!

This is such a bad movie in every way possible, bad story, bad acting, bad directing, bad lighting, if Hitler was alive he would take it outside, set fire to all the copies in existence, and erase it from history. Either that or shoot the ones who made the executive decisions..

B.A

Filmmaker doesn't have a clue what she's doing..

[tim-54-146330 · 1/10 · 15 May 2011]

I can only say that the positive reviews are obviously written by the director or her mother! This movie is bad on all accounts it's a wonder the writer/director/producer actually got these old TV stars on it. They must be so embarrassed to have their names attached. Director show's no perception or discernment when it comes to talent, why would she cast her daughter in the lead role, very bad move. The girl is wooden, shows no emotion or lack of connectivity to the material. Holly also doesn't seem to understand the craft of storytelling, the fact that this movie hasn't been formally reviewed or she's not showing it, is a testament that she knows full well it's a bomb. I don't know how anyone can take her seriously as a filmmaker or actually sign on with anything she's doing. Apparently she's going to write/direct/produce a new film about Bonnie and Clyde! Oh Lordy. And so what if it's her first film, there are many first time filmmakers that are truly brilliant, Holly ain't one of em. Get over it, your film is a waste of time, money.

Good Job

[tscott_cfc · 27 March 2006]

I believe that Tonya is a very very talented person and this movie is a great movie. It is a family drama that is clean and maybe the industry is not use to this quality. It deals with a lot of issues that are real... She did a very good job! So therefore, I have to say that I am proud of her accomplishments and her ability to have faith in friends and people that have faith in her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She has helped get many Alabama people involved in this industry and by the way I am from Alabama and Alabama people are proud of her and the work she is bringing to our state!!! Negitive people want to create negative for others, but it is how we perceive the negative.

Give credit

[bloodysprings2 · 5/10 · 16 January 2007]

There seems to be a lot of jealous people out there ready to criticize. Granted the movie was not a Blockbuster, but for a first-time effort, people should be given credit. I feel a lot of the negative comments are from people who cannot get their own projects noticed and just want to vent their anger, hate or jealousy on a woman and her child. Buy the movie, it is now available on DVD. Then watch it with an open mind, before judging its makers and actors. Did we all do the job perfect the first time we tried? I think not. As mentioned I personally know some who cannot get their own films financed and have taken their frustration out on innocent people.

If I could give it zero stars, I would

[meresub · 1/10 · 31 October 2020]

I've literally never seen a worse movie. The acting was beyond terrible. My husband and I had a wonderful time watching it because we were just constantly getting a kick out of how terrible it was.

What a pleasure

[anitapace · 9/10 · 3 April 2006]

What a wonderful movie!! It seem that family movies are few and far between these days. It is hard to find a quality film that the whole family can enjoy. It seems like there is little originality left in the movies today, everyone wants to remake one movie or another. Tonya has given us something new. She has succeeded in making a film that touches the heart of old and young alike! Although set in 1965, the topics are still (unfortunately) relevant today. The casting was great...I really enjoyed empathizing with Lily and her family and hating Richard Tyson and the poachers. The score is great...I still get goose-bumps. Being from the area where most of the film was made, I recognized most of the the names of the actors and sites in the film. Thank you Tonya for putting North Alabama on the map. Congratulations on a job VERY WELL DONE!!

Another Chance

[Bricke29 · 10/10 · 27 March 2006]

BA, I have yet to see this film. I will say that your comment seems to be a bit harsh. Especially for someone who has not commented on another film on IMDb. Question - do you have a personal problem w/ the director? It most certainly seems to be so. You have taken pot shot after pot shot to her film, herself, and her daughter. I personally can not wait to see her film. I was to be at the Academy Awards the night after her premiere and unfortunately had to miss it. I applaud her for making a 4-5 MILLION Dollar film in our state. I applaud her work for the film community as a whole, for the State. I trust that she had cast her daughter for the role due to her fitting that role perfectly. I can not imagine her just giving the lead role to her daughter, just because she wanted it. This is her daughters first role and Tonya's first feature film. Be supportive of that. Watch some other well known directors first film and see how far along they have come from that first to their last. I am sure Tonya is on the right track and will be bringing a lot of great projects to theaters in the future.

Educational and The Best Director

[kitty-kat-141414 · 8/10 · 12 August 2007]

I have lived in Selma, Alabama all my life. There is still much racial tension here. I was brought up to love everyone and as a little girl sang the words..."Red, and Yellow, Black, and White...we are precious in His Sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world." My best friend is of another color...do I ever think she is better...or worse than me b/c of color...NO!!! But being involved with this film I learned so much (That wasn't taught in any high school or college class I have taken) about Civil Rights and the Bridge Crossing that was unknown to me until this film. The director wasn't scared of making any of the scenes that most would leave out due to THE RACIAL ISSUES THAT ARE STILL GOING ON IN ALABAMA...She put it all out there. She made a great educational film and one to be praised for THE TRUTH SHE PUT IN HER MOVIE! GO TONYA!!!

My opinion is worth a lot.

[dirtroadprints · 10/10 · 16 January 2007]

WIFTO is a wonderful movie. I cannot wait to get a DVD so I can watch it again. I saw so much love and compassion throughout the film from start to finish. It is a family film. For those of you, who are the negative critics - why don't you get a job on a talent show and be a Simon number two? Is he not great? I wonder how many dreams he has shattered with his low-life insults? What is your impression of Borat? How many filthy words can you count? Is that what we have to look forward to? Gosh, he won best actor. Were you drunk when you saw WIFTO? The film was Great! I hope America can look forward to more family movies such as this one. It is refreshing to be able to watch a movie with your grandkids and not have to listen to the profanity.