DVD Review
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story DVD
Directed by: Jeffrey C. Sherman and Gregory V. Sherman Cast: Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman Running Time: 1 hr 40 min Rating: PG Due Out: Novemeber 30, 2010
PLOT: Brothers Richard and Robert Sherman had a prolific song writing career that includes very successful songs from Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. But despite working together, they had virtually no contact in the private lives, to the point where there sons only met as adults despite growing up seven blocks apart.
WHO'S IT FOR? The content is for everyone, anyone who enjoys Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Charlotte's Web would enjoy the story, though the rift between the brothers may require some maturity to understand.
MOVIE:
Two cousins who never knew one another growing up collaborated on a film about their fathers' successful and somewhat baffling career. These guys wrote a lot, beyond what I've mentioned above, they're responsible for the only song that's banned by the Geneva convention, "It's a Small World". They were in house at the Disney Studios for much of the 1960's and worked on a number of projects for movies, TV and theme parks for the company. The filmmakers speak to a lot of people who worked with their parents, people who give better insight into their relationship. There's no horrible family secret, it's just the story of two people with an incredibly complex relationship.
Despite what it may sound like, the film is pretty lighthearted. Younger brother Dick's a huge personality though I could see how he could be annoying to work with everyday if you had a somewhat different personality, especially since he's seen repeatedly cutting his brother off, including during their Academy Awards acceptance speeches. It's an interesting story told with a light touch by their sons.
MOVIE SCORE: 7/10
EXTRAS
Why They're "The Boys"
Disney Studios In the '60s
Casting Mary Poppins
The Process
Theme Parks
Roy Williams
Bob's Art
Celebration
Sherman Brothers' Jukebox