Finding Ohana

 3/4

Starring: Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, Kelly Hu, Branscombe Richmond

Rated PG for Language, Crude References, Adventure Action and Some Suggestive Comments

No review of "Finding Ohana" could be complete without mentioning "The Goonies."  The debt that this movie owes the beloved 1985 adventure is impossible to ignore, but the creative team behind this new iteration gives it enough invention and flavor that calling it a "ripoff" would be unfair.  There's more effort to be found here than the premise would have you believe.

Pili (Peahu) is a treasure hunting enthusiast.  Having just won a geochasing competition on the streets of The Big Apple, she's looking forward to a summer of solving puzzles and having adventures to find the big prize at camp.  Her hopes are dashed when her grandfather Kimo (Richmond) has a heart attack, and her mother Leilani (Hu) ships her and her self-absorbed brother E (Aiono) off to Hawaii to care for him.  It isn't such a bad alternative, considering just how good Hawaii looks, but that's just me.  Anyway, in no short order, Pili finds a notebook in Kimo's drawer about a lost pirate treasure hidden somewhere on the island.  It's an adventure she can't refuse, particularly because Kimo hasn't paid his property taxes in four years and is in danger of losing his home, which has been in the family for generations.

In broad strokes, the film is standard fare.  Indiana Jones is repeatedly referenced, but "The Goonies" is a closer cousin.  In fact, Ke Huy Quan, who appeared in both "The Goonies" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," has a small role in this film.  It's in the details where this film diverges.  This is as much about an appreciation of Hawaiian culture and reconnecting as a family as it is about finding gold and rubies.  While not especially well-written, this material is more effective than the treasure hunt.

The acting, by newcomers and character actors, is solid but unspectacular.  Newcomer Kea Peahu has a lot of spunk and energy, but not much range.  Still, it's easy to get behind her.  The same can be said for her co-stars Alex Aiono (as her jerk older brother who is more concerned with his looks and whether or not people can pronounce his full Hawaiian name right than anything else), Lindsay Watson (who plays the local hottie) and Owen Vacarro (the obligatory geek).  They're likable and energetic, but I wouldn't call them first class thespians.  Their more experienced co-stars Kelly Hu and Branscombe Richmond are more relaxed in front of the camera and it shows.

When compared to "The Goonies," "Finding Ohana" has less going for it.  The acting isn't as good, the writing is subpar, and the film is easily fifteen minutes too long.  The humor is also on the lame side, particularly the flashbacks.  Watching pirates pantomime 21st century English is just as awkward as it sounds.  On the other hand, it's more ambitious and takes more chances.  And even moments that are paler shadows of the Richard Donner classic are still a lot of fun.  There are some genuine thrills (one of which reminded me of "The Descent") and the special effects are terrific.  And a special shout out must go to the cinematographer, Cort Fey, who makes Hawaii look fantastic.  The climax of the film is also noteworthy as it both crackles with tension and touches the heart.

Flawed as it may be, I enjoyed myself while watching this movie.  The characters are likable, the plot is fun, and it makes you feel good.  That's more than enough for me to recommend this.  Especially for family movie night.

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