Jump (2005)

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Director:

Justin Bookey

Writers:

Justin Bookey (writer)
Mark Twain (inspiration)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

Go for Croak

Plot:

This is a documentary about the famous frog jumping contest inspired by the Mark Twain story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."

Plot Keywords:

Frog | Calaveras | Jumping | Jump | Twain

Runtime:

68 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Black and White (archive footage)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company:

Coolbellup Media Inc.

Movie Connections:

References "ABC Weekend Specials: The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County (#5.2)" (1981)

Funny, fresh, and right on target!

I grew up in Calaveras County, attending the Frog Jump every year, and no one has ever captured the nuttiness and fun of it nearly as well as this film. It follows several serious frog jockeys from training (yes, frogs can be trained) through the final competition, and at the screening where I saw it the audience was laughing and loving every moment. Previous attempts at filming this have ended up merely eccentric and dry; "Jump!" actually goes into the minds of the competitors, the locals, and (dare I say it?) the frogs. Even if you're not familiar with the Mark Twain story, you'll come to an understanding of why this particular contest is so near and dear to the locals. A picture of true Americana -- a joy to watch!