I guess the appeal of this movie was aimed primarily at the kids. They would identify with the young players, although it does seem that Republic wanted to rope in adults as well, as some of the scenes are rather gruesome. In fact, as the plot progresses, it seems that Republic was keen to rope in picture-goers of all ages and tastes.
It's a ploy that doesn't work because the movie's various components and plot strands tend to work against each other and thus antagonize picture-goers of all stripes and ages. For example, if the film is aimed at the kids, there are many scenes that kids would find either plain boring or - even worse - distressing!
The film also goes overboard to maintain the star's appeal to horse lovers. In fact, I'm amazed that Trigger's name does not form part of the title. "Trigger Kidnapped!" is what I would use.
Or you could easily dream up a title that would appeal to the large juvenile audience that the film is also obviously aimed at.
Instead, the movie strives to be all things to all viewers and ends up satisfying none. The title itself is a cop-out. "Under California Stars" contains no clues as to the movie's content. Why not be brave and come right out with "Trigger Snatched" or "Trigger Abducted".
"Under California Stars" tells us nothing.
True, some of the scenes are well done but, as said, they don't make a cohesive whole but tend to work against each other!
It's a ploy that doesn't work because the movie's various components and plot strands tend to work against each other and thus antagonize picture-goers of all stripes and ages. For example, if the film is aimed at the kids, there are many scenes that kids would find either plain boring or - even worse - distressing!
The film also goes overboard to maintain the star's appeal to horse lovers. In fact, I'm amazed that Trigger's name does not form part of the title. "Trigger Kidnapped!" is what I would use.
Or you could easily dream up a title that would appeal to the large juvenile audience that the film is also obviously aimed at.
Instead, the movie strives to be all things to all viewers and ends up satisfying none. The title itself is a cop-out. "Under California Stars" contains no clues as to the movie's content. Why not be brave and come right out with "Trigger Snatched" or "Trigger Abducted".
"Under California Stars" tells us nothing.
True, some of the scenes are well done but, as said, they don't make a cohesive whole but tend to work against each other!