Tiger Cruise Movie

[Sarangel]

In the family movie "Tiger Cruise," those clever folks at Disney Channel take the very real, very tragic events of Sept. 11 and tie them up in a neat package to present to younger folk without disturbing them but instead getting them to think. This is no easy feat, that is to say, to do it with style and care. The heartwarming movie isn't the most exciting fare in recent Disney outings but it has a big heart and an earnest intention or two.
The movie concerns other real events likewise wrapped up in fiction and given tastefully to youngsters and their parents. Anna Sandor and Bruce Graham's script is engaging and only mildly riddled with saccharine. Director Duwayne Dunham takes the material and gives it even more credibility. Unfortunately, the pace often lags, but this is a measly complaint given the good this movie will do for families.

Hayden Panettiere stars as Maddie Dolan, a teenage Army brat who is tired of not ever seeing her father (nicely played by Bill Pullman) because of his Naval career. So she decides to participate in an event called Operation Tiger, an annual weeklong tour of naval operations that family members can take to find out what their loved ones actually do aboard ship. Some other youngsters visiting family members join Maddie, and together they take the tour of a lifetime.

Maddie goes on ship with the hope of convincing her father, the executive officer of the USS Constellation, to give up his career in the military and return home. But what occurs is something not even Maddie could have dreamed up. Two days into the cruise, on Sept. 11, 2001, the United States is attacked by terrorists and the course of everyone's life changes. Maddie gets an up-close view of father's great courage and heroism.

The contents might move a bit slowly, but the drama in "Tiger Cruise" is there all the same. The pic has the benefit of a strong cast, especially Pullman as the heroic dad. Panettiere is not far behind, providing some convincing moves as a teenager who grows up in a hurry when her sense of her father and the world around her is permanently altered. Leave it to Disney to weave fiction and reality into a seamless narrative. The movie was filmed aboard the USS John C. Stennis in San Diego and the USS Nimitz, at sea.

Cast: Maddie: Hayden Panettiere; Cmdr. Gary Dolan: Bill Pullman; Tina: Bianca Collins; Anthony: Nathaniel Lee Jr.; Grace: Mercedes Colon; Kenny: Mehcad Brooks.

Airs 7 p.m. Friday 8/6/04 on the Disney Channel.

 

[laceemouse]

I just had to add that my kids and I saw this last night for the first time and really enjoyed it. We like all of the made for the Disney channel movies, from the silly comedies to the meaningful dramas. We felt that this one was very well done. As much as everyone complains about Disney they are the only ones who consistently produce entertainment that we feel is apropriate for our kids. We even enjoy their show like Raven and Even Stevens. They remind me of the good old days when the whole family could enjoy network tv together. We also like many of the reruns on ABC family. Now ABC itself leaves a lot to be desired IMO, as do the other networks. We are very picky about what our 4 kids watch. Even our oldest 2, who are 13 and 11, we do not want them to see all the trash that is out there. I just had to say Kuddos to the Disney channel!!!!! "Tiger Cruise" actually made me cry at times, and the kids and I had some good discussion following it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I saw that the Bachelor was on ABC Family one time--not very good family entertainment.

Wish I still had extended cable to see this movie. But we are just down to basic--only PBS for the kiddos.

 

[lwilliam]

Our first night in Disney, after a very long drive, was spent
watching Tiger Cruise. It was wonderful. Of course, mom here,
cried her eyes out. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this, but
we, as a family, enjoy all the Disney movies (although after
my son, aged 12, watches the same movie about 25 times, I do
get tired of them). Must see Tiger Cruise again.

 

[jimmytammy]

We too are careful on what our kids watch. Disney has some decent shows. Motocrossed was another good made for tv movie that comes to mind.

 

[laceemouse]

Lisa, I agree with you about ABC family. While we love the old Full House reruns, not everything they show is okay for kids. A couple of years ago my oldest DD had a sleepover and a friend wanted to watch "Whose Line is it Anyway?" The kids were about 11 years old, and I was hesitant but agreed (I had only seen it maybe once before.) The first joke was "My ex-husband was SOOOO bad in bed!" I quickly turned it off and broke out the board games! It is a funny show for adults but NOT family viewing. I wish they would keep it clean.....Lacee

 

[cooldisneymom]

Thank You to the Disney Channel for Tiger Cruise!!! My family loved it!! Thank you most of all for reminding us how horrible 9/11 was and that we should never forget. Excellent movie!!

 

[navy guy]

Tigercruise may have a heartwarming story but the film contains many many errors. Tigers do have access to many areas of the ship but an aircraft carrier would never have a paper airplane contest especially with planes on board. Creates a potential hazard to the jets that could be life threatening for personnel.

Also the ship that the movie was filmed on is the John C Stennis. It's prominent 74 on its flight deck tower kind of counteracts the film saying the ship is 65 or whatever number they gave. Also the Nimitz number 68 is shown for some odd reason. Also one scene meant to be comical is actually quite dangerous. The young man falling into the safety net probably would have missed the safety net if he had actually fallen over. There is no foosball on the carrier and when I saw ithe movie my friends and I saw laughed at all the mistakes in it.

I watched in on the USS John C Stennis.

 

[laceemouse]

navy guy, I hear ya! My husband is ex-Coast Guard and he can hardly stand to watch any entertainment about the military. He complains about the uniforms, how people speak to each other, safety issues, ect, ect....My kids and I enjoyed Tiger Cruise as ENTERTAINMENT, but I can see how you and you friends would have trouble suspending disbelief like we do. Doctors have the same trouble with medical shows, cops and lawyers with crime shows, and on and on. We are just happy to find something appropriate to watch as a family.

 

[navy guy]

yeah I guess I am little jaded being an insider but all in all as entertainment it works well. The other common mistake in military themed movies ( though i don't think I saw the mistake in tiger cruise) is non officers addressing officers by their first name intead of title or sir or ma'am. That is a major military no no.