Maniac Magee (TV 2003)

An extordinary orphan boy changes the lives of a variety of people as he searches for a home.

Director:

Bob Clark

Writers:

Jerry Spinelli (book), Michael Nolin (teleplay),

Stars:

Michael Angarano, Melissa Bickerton, Orlando Brown

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael Angarano	...	Maniac (Jeffrey Lionel) Magee
Melissa Bickerton	...	Dottie Freeze
Orlando Brown	...	Mars Bar
Caylen Clark	...	Maniac's Mother
Brandon de Paul	...	Russell McNab (as Brandon Depaul)
Shan Elliot	...	Bump Gilliam
Isaiah Griffin	...	Piper McNabb
Adam Hendershott	...	Big John McNabb
Wyatt Knight	...	Mr. Magee
Richard Lawson	...	Mr. Beale
Tommy Leavy	...	Baseball Player
Garrett Morris	...	Mr. Cobble
Jada Pinkett Smith	...	Narrator
Kyla Pratt	...	Amanda Beale
Nastassja Schmiedt	...	Hester Beale

Storyline

Jeffrey "Maniac" Magee was orphaned as a baby, but nothing gets him down. He comes to a small town which, although divided by racism, is populated by colorful/comical characters. As he searches for his place in the world, Maniac changes the people around him, espcially the other children. With his amazing athletic abilities and good, almost unbelievable deeds, his name becomes legend and with this new status he will try to unite the town.

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Plot Keywords:

based on book

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Genres:

Action | Fantasy | Adventure | Comedy | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 2003 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Maniac Magee: They don't call me "Maniac" for nothing!

User Reviews

Loved the book, hated the movie.

I adored this book as a kid. I also grew up in the town Twin Mills is based on (Jerry Spinelli's hometown, Norristown, Pa.) and I can guarantee you that the people who made the movie have never been to Norristown. They probably didn't even read the book.

It was much, much too happy and shiny with no sense of its story or setting. Norristown is a bleak town divided by racial tensions; the story of Maniac is one boy making a difference. The movie is a trite little piece of shiny Nickelodeon crap.

All in all, I can't recommend avoiding this movie enough. Just read the book to your kids, and while you're at it, read Dump Days, an excellent companion.