My kids loved this movie. we watched it every chance we got.it was fun a fun movie. we watched it as a family and everyone of us enjoyed it. it was a movie you could watch without any uncomfortable spots that you would have to explain to the younger ones. my boys loved this movie and they would love to be able to see it again. even after all these years they remember it. that Amy Jo Johnson was a very cute girl. all my boys had crushes on her. they loved her as the pink power ranger which is why we watched this movie to begin with. (as you can tell i am rambling a bit to fill lines LOL). but seriously it is a fun movie and worth watching. Disney please give us a DVD or replay!
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jsudac22 June 2008
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I admit I have little frame of reference; I was aware of the Disney Channel growing up, but I couldn't tell you anything about its programming. Maybe this isn't so atypical of the network after all, but compared to what we most commonly see from the biggest entertainment company in the world, this surprises in its early scenes with an opening sequence that's surprisingly dark and distressing. That mood and the peculiarities don't quite stop there, as exposition carries a tone almost suggesting psychological drama as a family (the teen boy especially) is struggling with The Past and Adjusting; the young daughter is written as somewhat wry and precocious; plot is slowly introduced with themes of the insatiable greed of capitalism and heedless development. Of course, from there this TV movie does become more common: a ghost stuck in the world of the living, one person that can see them, some problem that must be resolved, and family and social maladjustment for the living protagonist. Unless you're an especial fan of someone involved, or of Disney, then this maybe isn't essential viewing - yet even such as it is, 'Susie Q' is still quite enjoyable, worthwhile on its own merits.
Broadly speaking there are perhaps no real surprises here. The drama flows from the notes of tragedy (golly, this gets depressing), Zack's other personal problems, and the larger themes with ever-increasing relevance in subsequent years of the repugnant amoral cruelty of the rich and powerful. The comedy is borne primarily of the dynamics between living protagonist Zack and the deceased title character, and the shenanigans that follow therefrom. To one degree or another we've seen this feature before, or at least its constituent elements, including hokey god talk, stylized covers of popular classic songs, and scenes that are a little over the top at times (to the point of threatening our suspension of disbelief a little bit). For all that, however, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good time. Despite some kitsch and commonness, Shuki Levy and Douglas Sloan have actually whipped up a screenplay that's gratifyingly smart. There's earnest heart and mirth poured into the characters, dialogue, scene writing, and the narrative at large - and moreover the screenplay is so sharp as to lightly touch on the active harm represented in police, and their collusion with the wealthy. If that's not progressive and unexpected for a Disney production, then I don't know what is. (Okay, so maybe one surprise.)
The effects are modest, but done quite well, and all the other contributions of those behind the scenes are solid, including production design, art direction, and costume design. Director John Blizek demonstrates firm command of the medium as he helms the production and ties it all together. In addition to the writing, though, it's to the credit of the cast that they breathe welcome life into the proceedings. While everyone here does well with the parts they are given, naturally those who have the most time on-screen make the biggest impression. Justin Whalin is given an opportunity to illustrate his acting skills in a number of ways as troubled but determined Zack, and he handles the main role very well. Andrea Libman, only 12 years old at the time, is a delight as kid sister Teri, embracing the intelligence of the youth with all the spirit she can muster. And Amy Jo Johnson, at least in some measure arguably the biggest star on hand (the first pink Power Ranger, of course), in my mind shows why she has continued to enjoy a low-key but enduring career as she plays the late Susie Q with personality and range that's a joy as a viewer.
Truth be told, this is stronger and more fun than I'd have ever assumed sights unseen. It's rather well made overall, and more specifically, for any touches of gaucheness, ordinariness, or simplification in the storytellling, there's care and sincerity in the writing that makes 'Susie Q' actively engaging, satisfying, and even rewarding. Why, it even manages a tinge of minor suspense in the last act! Between the screenplay and the fine cast this picture can claim its best value, though those are hardly its only praiseworthy qualities. Granted, anyone who has a hard time abiding TV movies, or family friendly fare, may not see anything here to change their mind; for all its worth, it bears definite kinship with its brethren. All the same, among its peers this is surely a few steps above, and I'm so pleased to have had my expectations upended. It might be a smidgen silly and ham-handed, but I for one think 'Susie Q' is an excellent example of why we shouldn't be so quick to judge a film based on its origins. I ultimately really enjoyed this, and it earns a happy recommendation! -
lisafordeay18 July 2019Susie Q is a 1996 Fantasy film starring Amy Jo Johnson and tells the tale of a young guy called Zach who meets a young woman named Susie. Of course what he doesn't know is that Susie is a ghost who died in 1955 and his the ONLY person to see her(similar to that 2005 film Just like Heaven).
So will they won't they get together. The Story is silly,the acting is decent and it was actually a pretty decent flick. If you love supernatural films then check it out. -
brunettedaze179214 August 2009Don't you ever miss the good old days when Disney actually made great movies that really moved you? Growing up with Disney I always found myself being captivated by the characters. Every single one seemed truly talented and knew how to act their way through a movie. I remember Friday nights and running to turn on the TV just to watch their newest movies. Susie Q was one of my all time favorites. I never forgot this movie. Even till this day when one mentions the song "Susie Q" I always remember the movie. If anyone is thinking of watching this movie I promise you, you will fall in love with it. I don't think I will ever be able to forget it. You will not regret watching it.
Unfortunately it's sad to see Disney movies such as "The Hannah Montana Movie" come out. What ever happened to Disney? -
M. Dean3 April 1999There is a moment in this film when Justin Whalin's character tries to get Amy Jo Johnson's character (the film's namesake ghost) to stop following him everywhere. No one can see or hear the ghost but him, and because of this she won't leave him alone. Walking along a sidewalk with the ghost on his heels, the boy abruptly whirls and tells her enough is enough, leave him alone. He tries to soften the blow by saying that ordinarily he'd be thrilled to have a beautiful girl following him around.
"Do you really think I'm beautiful?" the ghost replies, in a small and trembling voice. For that single moment I saw what the film had the potential to be. The tragedy of Johnson's character, a non-person stuck in a world that has no place for her, is momentarily brought into sharp focus as she reacts to this connection with the living boy.
However, the film does little to expand on this theme, instead preferring dime-store sentimentality and slapstick comedy. The film is still decent entertainment for the kids, and the two leads have enough sex appeal to keep the adults in the room for awhile. However, it's a shame the filmmakers didn't have the courage to delve a little deeper. -
I loved this movie so much when I was little. I really want to watch it again, but it's not on Disney+, or any other streaming service. I also can't find it on dvd to purchase. I hope Disney will put on on Disney+ soon!
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redleader-5760714 October 2022It is too bad that the company that purchased Hostess didn't leave well enough alone with Suzy Q's. I was disappointed when they stopped making them, but find I am even more disappointed after trying the ones just put back on the market. They are nothing like the quality of the previous Suzy Q's and cannot match Hostess Cupcakes either. If they aren't going to be as good, why bother at all. How Sad for previous Hostess lovers. Unfortunately, i ordered after hostess closed. No expiration date was listed on add. I took a chance and lost. They were well past the expiration day which made them not edible. Should be one star, but i take some blame for not asking before ordering.
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SweetFunChk15 August 2002I love this Disney Movie! Its a real cute movie, and when it comes on again, I will have to make a mental note to tape it. I really like how they break into the bank trying to find Susie's parents information. You should really see this movie. Its great for the whole family.
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icywind88025 February 2006Susie Q. is one of those rare, and sweet movies that give you a warm feeling. It's bittersweet, but wholesome, and it's characters are fun, and captivating. At first, I thought the movie would be the cliché cuddly movie that would bore me after five minutes, but was I wrong. It made me tear up at times, and it's plot was enticing, making me root for the good guys. I loved the movie, and still remember it today, 9 years later!! I recommend it highly to ANYONE, and the movie is family oriented, so you won't have to worry about unsuitable content. Truly, if Disney would show more movies that are up to par as Susie Q., it would be the most popular family oriented channel in the world. Now if only Disney would show it just ONE more time!^_^ Go Susie Q.!!
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Gabby-29 August 1999Although not the most technically advanced film I have seen, this was a fun and enjoyable couple of hours. The main characters are sweet and you really get to like them, and feel something when Susie Q. has to go, but feel good again when she returns as Maggie.
Lots of stock dialogue, and a contrived plot-line, but most of all, LOTS OF FUN. -
MovieAddict201612 September 2003A slight but fun film about a young girl who dies in a car crash on her way to the high school prom, only to come back some thirty years later in the form of a ghost to help settle a few things with the help of a teenager living in her old house. Stupid, slight and fun to watch. Recycled premise and jokes, very basic, but fun.
3/5 stars -
John Ulmer -
I absolutely loved this movie when I was younger. I pretty much grew up watching this movie over the years. It stopped being shown on Disney some time in the early 2000's. I occasionally thought of this movie over the past eight years, and I finally saw it again last week. It is STILL a great movie. It was great seeing this movie that I watched for many years.
I don't know why Disney won't show it. The movie should at least me released on DVD. It deserves to be. Please, show this movie on TV! Younger people shouldn't miss out on this excellent movie. I want to get a copy of this movie SO much. -
David_Brown6 July 2012You can add me to the list of people who think this is an excellent film, and one of the best of its type. By the way: I generally avoid these kind of films (I only tried it for Shelly Long). Spoilers ahead: The entire basis of the film is the fact that the death of Suzie (Amy Jo Johnson) caused a terrible chain reaction which included her parents having to lose their house to a crooked banker, and only by coming back can they be saved from living in poverty, and at the same time, pull basketball star Zach Sands (Justin Whalin) out of his depression over his father's death, and start him on the road to playing basketball again (Interestingly enough, Suzie's dad was a basketball coach, and he will become an assistant coach working with Zach). At the end of the film, she inspires him to start playing again, and naturally, the team wins. The only unresolved question, is when she comes back as Maggie, does she know about the past, or it just Zach and his sister Teri played by Andrea Lipman (And who steals the film), who know the truth? No matter what, you know that Suzie/Maggie & Zach will end up together for the rest of their lives.
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tweetybird1stbaby20 May 2005this is the best movie i have ever seen and i love it very much is is so sad and loving i could watch this movie over and over again. when i first seen it on Disney channel i was like i would love to see this movie again. i would love to watch this movie everyday and i recommend it to anyone. this is really a good movie. to anyone who has not seen this movie and is thinking about it they better go and see it because it is really good. i love the part when the boy found out about the girl and from then on i was just all into this movie. if i could watch two movies everyday it would be this one and beloved those are my two favorite movies i really love them
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Lark-23 March 1999Susie Q, is a very adorable movie I stumbled upon on the disney channel. One plus for watching this is Justin Whalin. His presence kind of helps with covering up Amy Jo Johnson, otherwise known as the ever-lasting Pink Ranger.
Well if you stand watching her prance around in her too tight prom dress then you'll be ok. If you can stand watching Justin Whalin in his boxer shorts trying to be modest then you'll be even better. The plot of the movie is a quest to save Susie Q's (Amy Jo) parents from being homeless by finding her grandfather's papers that stake his claim to half the town. In the process Justin Whalin's character falls in love with Susie Q's ghost. It's a very cute movie, I could tell the whole plot and some dialogue, but I don't think I should spoil the ending and such for you. -
carills804 February 2008does anyone know where i could get my hands on this video or the film for this. I have been searching for it for a long time to show my daughter to show her and i can not find it anywhere. probably because it was only on video and they never made the DVD or VHS or idk.
i saw this right off Disney back in 1996 and i think it would be the best video to show her. such a good movie that has every type of emotion displayed throughout the whole movie. also has a lot of actors that started their careers with this movie. If anyone knows how to get a copy of this movie or has a copy and willing to sell it to me for like 50 bucks or something, please call 201-566-0148. thank you -
coldangel023 July 2007I'm absolutely disgusted this movie isn't being sold. All who love this movie should email Disney and increase the demand for it. They'd eventually have to sell it then. I'd buy copies for everybody I know. Everything and everybody in this movie did a good job, and I haven't figured out why Disney hasn't put this movie on DVD or on VHS in rental stores. At least I haven't seen any copies. This is a wicked good movie and should be seen by all. The kids in the new generation don't get to see it and I think they should. It should at least be put back on the Channel. This movie doesn't deserve a cheap download. It deserves the real thing. I'm emailing them now. This movie WILL be on DVD.
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Askalecki23 April 2005Susie Q is a great romantic prom Movie. Amy Jo Johnson (Susie Q) is a great Actress. I think she did a great performance. I hope that sometime that the Disney Company could put this movie on DVD. I think it's kind of cool and a little bit hilarious. It's kind of sad when Susie Q dies in a Car accident in the beginning at first it makes you want to cry or sob. But in the middle when no one suspects Susie Q it gets kind of funny and surprising. There is a little bit of mystery in this movie but not much. But still I would recommend this movie to the whole family if they enjoy comedy, mystery, or romance type of movies. It's Great! I think that Amy Jo Johnson as Susie Q is Cute.
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devil_girl155 February 2005Susie Q is an original and isn't like those other bad Disney film, ***spoiler*** a boy named Zach moves to a new town and has trouble at school, he is good basketball. a girl in the 1950's died with her boyfriend, when their car was crashed off a bridge. Susie (Amy Jo Johnson) from the power rangers - pink ranger- is helping Zach as a ghost to get a necklace along the way he must explain to his sister about her ghost, and finally getting this necklace, Susie returns to the bridge she died on and then she gets in the ghostly car of her boyfriend and they float up. later as he misses her he finds a girl who looks just like her. (do you believe in reincarnation?)Susie Q is a good movie to see now and then but they barely give because Disney needs to fill everything up with stupid movies and shows i give it a
7/10 -
movies2u8 August 2001"Susie Q" is a very enjoyable film that is funny and hilarious. Justin Whalin, Amy Jo Johnson, and Shelley Long are great in the film. The film is like a mystery, but is also a comedy. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining film. I give this film a 7 out of 10. :)
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starbuckssam18 December 2005This movie used to be played constantly on the Disney Channel when I was a bit younger, and I really remember liking it. However, I didn't have great taste back then (not to say that I do now) so I can't vouch for my nine-year-old self too well. The movie was probably a 7/10 but it had some good music so I gave it an extra point. Yeah, worth watching. I know that some fans of this movie are wondering what a certain song is - the one that appears when she is in the car crash. The song is "Play a Love Song" by the Jaguars and it is VERY hard to find and obtain. In fact, this movie is, too. I can't find it anywhere online or on DVD or on VHS. I'd like to see it again so I can gauge if it was actually a good movie. Oh well.
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mrnicolo14 March 2007This movie is very good and the whole family would enjoy watching it.When Susie Q is of to her big night at prom she dies in a fatal car crash on her way to prom by kids who are drunk and high.As the years go by Susie's house gets sold and a family moves into the house that she loves.As the boy who now lives in the house sees Susie and is the only one who can.The two team together with his little little sister and try to save Susie's parents from being broke.Staring Amy Jo Johnson as Susie Q.This movie will fell your heart with comedy,sadness and laughter.I hope that you see this movie because it is very good.But no one seems to have it on DVD or Vh's and it no longer comes on TV.
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I'll be brief: I normally hate films like this venomously ... but there is just something about this one that just draws me in and won't let me go. Granted, there are some major flaws in it (some of the acting is below par at best and the dialogue is sometimes so poor it's funny) but there are enough redeeming features to make it watchable to the end.
But what are they? Well, it's got a cool little plot - by no means is it original, but it is better presented than other films of its kind. The three main stars (Whalin, Johnson, Long) put in fairly decent performances that more than make up for the distinct lack of quality from the supporting cast (the fat cop and Coach Quinn really bugged me), and the scripting is slick and witty (even if it is poor in places).
The bottom line is, though, this film is so CUTE: I grinned all the way through it and it has a place in my video collection purely because it could cheer up anybody. You really have to be some kind of humourless bore not to like this (I DARE somebody to sit through this without grinning!!!).
I do recommend this one if you want a simple, fun, and - above all - enjoyable watch. You won't regret it!
~Top$~ -
cristin689127 April 2007I LOVE this movie. and Disney channel is ridiculous for not playing it anymore. I think they should definitely put Susie Q back on the air at least one night so we can record it!!! but if not does anyone know where I can find it?? my email is cristin6891@aim.com please email me if you know where i can find this movie. Online, or anywhere. I told my kids about this movie and i think that they deserve to see it also. All these Disney movies that are coming out now are fake and boring. I need Susie Q back!! It was a great movie and had great actors and i don't see why it was taken off the air. If everyone loves this movie so much why was it taken off the air. Please take my comment into consideration and along with all of the other comments made to this movie. Thank you, have a nice day.