Finding Ohana (2021). Watched this today as I saw it was newly released on Netflix. I also read someone said it was kind of like The Goonies so it had my interest piqued.After watching, I would say it had some similarities to The Goonies like there is a map, a secret treasure, possibly cursed treasure, puzzles and traps to solve to obtain treasure, and along the way a bond between family and friends is built.
The film stars Kelly Hu who many might recall seeing as the sorceress in The Scorpion King opposite Dwayne Johnson or as Lady Deathstrike in X2: X-Men United. She plays the mother of two of the children who find adventure.
Branscombe Richmond plays her father. He's played minor roles in many movies and TV shows as well as mabye a couple of lead or co-lead roles. I recognize him as Bobby Sixkiller in the TV show Renegade. He's playing a Native Hawaiian in 'Ohana' but he's actually Native American and I believe I've seen him play Mexican characters who are usually bad guys.
Anyway, the 'main' characters are the 'kids' played by what I would consider unknowns or up-and-comers...at least to me they are.
One of the lead female kids is Pili and the actress who plays here is a little over the top with her portrayal and mannerisms. It just seemed a little overdone. One of the lead male kids is her brother, Ioane, and although his acting is not as overdone, it doesn't always seem genuine...like I felt like he was acting and not actually feeling his character, if that makes sense. The other two kid actors playing Hana and Casper came across with more ease in portraying their characters.
One surprise actor who had a bit part but is very recognizable (to me anyway) is Ke Huy QUan who I can still see as the little Asian kid from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom.
Overall the movie was a good, family-type movie. It had some fun, comedy, sadness and rejoicing. Although much of it was predictable, I didn't feel like I wasted my time watching.
FINAL VERDICT: If you already have Netflix or a family/friend does, this movie is a good, quick watch for a bit of fun.
