The Doo Dah Man (2015) User Reviews

Based on a true story

[carolmckerr-01687 · 7/10 · 13 April 2020]

Such a lovely movie and the fact that it's based on a true story heightens the appeal. Well written, produced and directed. The movie is engaging and I felt drawn to both Smitty and Jake's stories.

Engrossing movie

[johngtudor · 7/10 · 12 April 2020]

The casting for this film was really good whereby a hard bitten ex con meets a naïve fellow traveller, with both characters running away from their past. The story develops with a delightful twist at the end. A very enjoyable ride!

Timelessly charming

[mlrrbhudson · 7/10 · 15 April 2020]

Thoughtful story, told in understated fashion, with strong performances from two very likeable lead characters. Gently satisfying.

Easy watching

[andybaruch · 7/10 · 15 April 2020]

This is a lovely film. Well made and convincingly acted. An easy watch for the family, it tells a nice tale about a young man growing up through his adventures with an old con. Very enjoyable.

Gentle, engaging true story

[lrmurb · 7/10 · 22 May 2020]

I'm drawn to a) road movies b) true stories and c) easy viewing humours films. The Doo Dah Man ticked all of the above.

The story is gently told, not digging too deeply into the probable gritty details for Jake's journey. The connection between Smitty and Jake unfolds nicely.

Glenn Morshower, as Smitty, is great as the lovable rouge grifter that schools the rather naive hitch-hiker Is worth the watch alone. Although conning nuns had me conflicted.

The music is great.

Glad it is on Amazon Prime now, as my first viewing experience was poor quality. Looking forward to watching it through again.

Captivating road movie story

[richard_burdge · 9/10 · 29 March 2020]

The road movie has been re-invented may times but the Doo Dah Man is something different. Not seeking to shcok or surprise, this film gently builds the accidental relationship between two travellers with a generational difference. Both esacping something, they uneasily discover and devlop friendship and human care along the journey. The story draws you in calmly and carefully leads you to a compelling need for an outcome for both of them individually, and for their relationship. A most enjoyable and tenderly protrayed story.

Warm-hearted and engaging story with deeper undertones

[rjgreenditton · 8/10 · 27 March 2020]

The Doo Dah Man unfolds gently and with humour. It looks good and the acting is persuasive. You care about both the main characters, and the relationship which develops between them. For much of its course this entertaining film portrays a generally benign world of enjoyable roguishness and likeable people. Yet the main characters are driven by an unresolved sadness, and the film touches lightly but resonantly on some deep themes, particularly the consequences of a broken relationship between father and son.

A great debut film from Claude Green

[martinsconway · 8/10 · 27 March 2020]

I found this road trip movie held my interest all the way and the main actors gave fine performances. The cinematography and editing was easy on the eye. Will recommend to my friends.

Claude Green debut direction

[ajmoore-77388 · 10/10 · 21 March 2020]

Based on a true story this film follows the journey of a young student and an escaped convict as their lives intertwine. The story is well told by Claude who in his first major picture obtained first rate performances from established Hollywood names. Great to find a film that doesn't need to resort to violence but instead stands on the quality of the storytelling.

Great family movie

[sugt-82425 · 10/10 · 29 March 2020]

This was a very heartwarming movie about forgiveness and facing problems in life. It's makes it even better that it was based on a true story and the friendship between the two main characters. Really enjoyed it very much.

A beautifully observed and atmospheric road movie

[nick-1196 · 8/10 · 31 March 2020]

Another fine film in the tradition of European directors taking to the open US road. Also great to see the underrated Glenn Morshower - one of the finer character actors at work today - in a meatier role. Director Claude Green handles the story well and aces the atmosphere, capturing the spirit of a young man who yearns for adventure but soon realises the one thing he can't escape is himself.

Beautifully captured relationship

[geoff-06975 · 9/10 · 30 March 2020]

This road movie captures the essence of a complex and fascinating relationship between two very different people. There is a subtle tension that runs through it keeping you interested right to the end.

Fun and touching

[mg-761-63867 · 10/10 · 22 March 2020]

This is a fun film, full of finely observed incident, nicely nuanced characters and some sparkling dialogue. The movie explores the way two very disparate characters can come together, when each in some way fulfills the other's need. The two principals turn in outstanding performances, and the film succeeds in being quietly life-affirming - highly recommended.

Waiting for the The Doo Dah Man II

[brucemmasterson · 8/10 · 24 March 2020]

Director Claude Greene has produced a charming tale that take a note from Dicken's (Fagan and the Artful Dodger) and combines it with a story of growing up and finding one's self. Smitty is a likeable grifter who becomes an unlikely father figure to Jake who proves an able student of the art. There are enough loose threads at the end of the movie to leave the viewer wondering what will become of Jake and Smitty that it makes me want to see Doo Dah Man II.

An atmospheric film with gorgeous cinematography

[sarahcvitali · 8/10 · 22 April 2020]

This film is a pleasure to watch. The pacing is relaxed, but not drawn out, and the cinematography is stunning. The dialogue provides a good mix of humor and emotion, and the lead roles are well cast.

Heartwarming human story

[becksandjohn-15141 · 10/10 · 29 March 2020]

Fantastic acting which drew me in from the start. Leisurely-paced film reflected the countryside and way of life in South West USA, but with some tense moments. Great film score complemented the setting. Loved the storyline which was uplifting.

Interesting delve into father/son relationships

[tonyspraggs · 10/10 · 21 March 2020]

This film is not your average road-trip movie, it is more than that. It goes into the troubled relationships that sometimes occur between a father and a son, and the fact that it is often easier to talk to an unconnected third party than it is to a close relative. Our two protagonists, one a lad running away from a difficult family situation and the other, and a father who is estranged from his family, are bought together by hitch-hiking. An excellent watch from film maker Claude Green.

A journey of discovery - told with insight

[bluetruth-57269 · 8/10 · 24 March 2020]

Warm, open skies and evocative locations in heartland America provide the backcloth to an enveloping and poignant relationship between two men fleeing their backgrounds. As they travel through the sleepy backwaters of the US, it becomes clear that Smitty has squandered his charms and his family. What will be his influence on the younger man? Engrossing, with great locations and cast. Claude Green tells an engaging story.

Very watchable. Very good acting.

[howardyoung-58541 · 9/10 · 29 March 2020]

Rarely are two characters allowed to meet and then build a new relationship all at their own pace, without needing plot twists to pump the action along. Here the premise is essentially very simple - two men travel across the country each in search of something new and different. In their journey together, however, both learn so much about themselves that they realize they are headed in the wrong direction. This would not have worked without very satisfying portrayals by the two leads as well as from supporting cast members. Excellently paced direction, award winning cinematography, and astute casting all help make this a very enjoyable movie.

So good I watched it twice

[alfocollab · 9/10 · 30 March 2020]

A heart warming film based on a true story with superb acting. The music and cinematography were excellent too.

Loved this movie!!!

[echoes-40650 · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

Was looking for something do do while waiting out this pandemic on a rainy day, so watched this move. TWICE! Great story.

Enthralling

[denise-48963 · 9/10 · 26 March 2020]

This film charms you from the first moment with its mood and cinematography. The characters are real and endearing. The entire experience is a journey similar to the journey unfolding on screen. It was a joy to watch.

Beautiful film

[melanievino · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

"Staying Home" during this time of COVID-19 allowed me to watch so many films. This film by Claude Greene is refreshing and much needed during this time. Must See!

One to watch - a real gem

[tsteggall · 10/10 · 21 March 2020]

An entrancing coming of age road movie with performances and a story line that carry you with it all the way. Beautifully shot and rhythmically directed.

Beautiful

[a-68433 · 9/10 · 31 March 2020]

Let me first say that when I watch movies at home I seldomly watch them from start to finish in one go. Too many distractions, too many devices, too much going on. It's a shame, I know. But something was different with The Doo Dah Man. I liked almost everything about it: the development of the story, the acting, the dialogues and especially how the camera captures the scenery. It is a road movie playing in Southern US. It is a slow road movie. It is all about relationships. And that is perhaps the magic because there is a lot going on without the usual firework of special effects, violence, car chases etc.. Mind you, there is a car chase. A slow one.