33 reviews
Classic movie! My wife has been wanting to watch it and I've tried tracking it down. She loved this movie growing up and I remember watching it as well. Unfortunately this movie is nowhere to be found on dvd or any streaming service. I went so far as to email Amy Jo Johnson's agent/manager and they do not even have a copy of the movie. This movie will solely exist in our memories until Disney releases it to its streaming service. This was a straight to TV movie and from what I've read it never made it to DVD format. It's sad that a good movie such as this has been lost to us since no one can seem to bring it back out to Disney +. Perhaps that have forgotten it as well. Shame.
- thomasspurlock-34206
- Sep 12, 2023
- Permalink
My kids loved this movie. we watched it every chance we got.it was fun a fun movie. we watched it as a family and everyone of us enjoyed it. it was a movie you could watch without any uncomfortable spots that you would have to explain to the younger ones. my boys loved this movie and they would love to be able to see it again. even after all these years they remember it. that Amy Jo Johnson was a very cute girl. all my boys had crushes on her. they loved her as the pink power ranger which is why we watched this movie to begin with. (as you can tell i am rambling a bit to fill lines LOL). but seriously it is a fun movie and worth watching. Disney please give us a DVD or replay!
I admit I have little frame of reference; I was aware of the Disney Channel growing up, but I couldn't tell you anything about its programming. Maybe this isn't so atypical of the network after all, but compared to what we most commonly see from the biggest entertainment company in the world, this surprises in its early scenes with an opening sequence that's surprisingly dark and distressing. That mood and the peculiarities don't quite stop there, as exposition carries a tone almost suggesting psychological drama as a family (the teen boy especially) is struggling with The Past and Adjusting; the young daughter is written as somewhat wry and precocious; plot is slowly introduced with themes of the insatiable greed of capitalism and heedless development. Of course, from there this TV movie does become more common: a ghost stuck in the world of the living, one person that can see them, some problem that must be resolved, and family and social maladjustment for the living protagonist. Unless you're an especial fan of someone involved, or of Disney, then this maybe isn't essential viewing - yet even such as it is, 'Susie Q' is still quite enjoyable, worthwhile on its own merits.
Broadly speaking there are perhaps no real surprises here. The drama flows from the notes of tragedy (golly, this gets depressing), Zack's other personal problems, and the larger themes with ever-increasing relevance in subsequent years of the repugnant amoral cruelty of the rich and powerful. The comedy is borne primarily of the dynamics between living protagonist Zack and the deceased title character, and the shenanigans that follow therefrom. To one degree or another we've seen this feature before, or at least its constituent elements, including hokey god talk, stylized covers of popular classic songs, and scenes that are a little over the top at times (to the point of threatening our suspension of disbelief a little bit). For all that, however, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good time. Despite some kitsch and commonness, Shuki Levy and Douglas Sloan have actually whipped up a screenplay that's gratifyingly smart. There's earnest heart and mirth poured into the characters, dialogue, scene writing, and the narrative at large - and moreover the screenplay is so sharp as to lightly touch on the active harm represented in police, and their collusion with the wealthy. If that's not progressive and unexpected for a Disney production, then I don't know what is. (Okay, so maybe one surprise.)
The effects are modest, but done quite well, and all the other contributions of those behind the scenes are solid, including production design, art direction, and costume design. Director John Blizek demonstrates firm command of the medium as he helms the production and ties it all together. In addition to the writing, though, it's to the credit of the cast that they breathe welcome life into the proceedings. While everyone here does well with the parts they are given, naturally those who have the most time on-screen make the biggest impression. Justin Whalin is given an opportunity to illustrate his acting skills in a number of ways as troubled but determined Zack, and he handles the main role very well. Andrea Libman, only 12 years old at the time, is a delight as kid sister Teri, embracing the intelligence of the youth with all the spirit she can muster. And Amy Jo Johnson, at least in some measure arguably the biggest star on hand (the first pink Power Ranger, of course), in my mind shows why she has continued to enjoy a low-key but enduring career as she plays the late Susie Q with personality and range that's a joy as a viewer.
Truth be told, this is stronger and more fun than I'd have ever assumed sights unseen. It's rather well made overall, and more specifically, for any touches of gaucheness, ordinariness, or simplification in the storytellling, there's care and sincerity in the writing that makes 'Susie Q' actively engaging, satisfying, and even rewarding. Why, it even manages a tinge of minor suspense in the last act! Between the screenplay and the fine cast this picture can claim its best value, though those are hardly its only praiseworthy qualities. Granted, anyone who has a hard time abiding TV movies, or family friendly fare, may not see anything here to change their mind; for all its worth, it bears definite kinship with its brethren. All the same, among its peers this is surely a few steps above, and I'm so pleased to have had my expectations upended. It might be a smidgen silly and ham-handed, but I for one think 'Susie Q' is an excellent example of why we shouldn't be so quick to judge a film based on its origins. I ultimately really enjoyed this, and it earns a happy recommendation!
Broadly speaking there are perhaps no real surprises here. The drama flows from the notes of tragedy (golly, this gets depressing), Zack's other personal problems, and the larger themes with ever-increasing relevance in subsequent years of the repugnant amoral cruelty of the rich and powerful. The comedy is borne primarily of the dynamics between living protagonist Zack and the deceased title character, and the shenanigans that follow therefrom. To one degree or another we've seen this feature before, or at least its constituent elements, including hokey god talk, stylized covers of popular classic songs, and scenes that are a little over the top at times (to the point of threatening our suspension of disbelief a little bit). For all that, however, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good time. Despite some kitsch and commonness, Shuki Levy and Douglas Sloan have actually whipped up a screenplay that's gratifyingly smart. There's earnest heart and mirth poured into the characters, dialogue, scene writing, and the narrative at large - and moreover the screenplay is so sharp as to lightly touch on the active harm represented in police, and their collusion with the wealthy. If that's not progressive and unexpected for a Disney production, then I don't know what is. (Okay, so maybe one surprise.)
The effects are modest, but done quite well, and all the other contributions of those behind the scenes are solid, including production design, art direction, and costume design. Director John Blizek demonstrates firm command of the medium as he helms the production and ties it all together. In addition to the writing, though, it's to the credit of the cast that they breathe welcome life into the proceedings. While everyone here does well with the parts they are given, naturally those who have the most time on-screen make the biggest impression. Justin Whalin is given an opportunity to illustrate his acting skills in a number of ways as troubled but determined Zack, and he handles the main role very well. Andrea Libman, only 12 years old at the time, is a delight as kid sister Teri, embracing the intelligence of the youth with all the spirit she can muster. And Amy Jo Johnson, at least in some measure arguably the biggest star on hand (the first pink Power Ranger, of course), in my mind shows why she has continued to enjoy a low-key but enduring career as she plays the late Susie Q with personality and range that's a joy as a viewer.
Truth be told, this is stronger and more fun than I'd have ever assumed sights unseen. It's rather well made overall, and more specifically, for any touches of gaucheness, ordinariness, or simplification in the storytellling, there's care and sincerity in the writing that makes 'Susie Q' actively engaging, satisfying, and even rewarding. Why, it even manages a tinge of minor suspense in the last act! Between the screenplay and the fine cast this picture can claim its best value, though those are hardly its only praiseworthy qualities. Granted, anyone who has a hard time abiding TV movies, or family friendly fare, may not see anything here to change their mind; for all its worth, it bears definite kinship with its brethren. All the same, among its peers this is surely a few steps above, and I'm so pleased to have had my expectations upended. It might be a smidgen silly and ham-handed, but I for one think 'Susie Q' is an excellent example of why we shouldn't be so quick to judge a film based on its origins. I ultimately really enjoyed this, and it earns a happy recommendation!
- I_Ailurophile
- Dec 1, 2022
- Permalink
Don't you ever miss the good old days when Disney actually made great movies that really moved you? Growing up with Disney I always found myself being captivated by the characters. Every single one seemed truly talented and knew how to act their way through a movie. I remember Friday nights and running to turn on the TV just to watch their newest movies. Susie Q was one of my all time favorites. I never forgot this movie. Even till this day when one mentions the song "Susie Q" I always remember the movie. If anyone is thinking of watching this movie I promise you, you will fall in love with it. I don't think I will ever be able to forget it. You will not regret watching it.
Unfortunately it's sad to see Disney movies such as "The Hannah Montana Movie" come out. What ever happened to Disney?
Unfortunately it's sad to see Disney movies such as "The Hannah Montana Movie" come out. What ever happened to Disney?
- brunettedaze1792
- Aug 13, 2009
- Permalink
This movie was one of the cutest movies I have ever seen. The plot is funky and I really enjoyed it. I taped it but I taped over it. I wish I hadn't. I will tape it when and if it comes on again. Just watch it. It is very enjoyable for kids, especially.
- lisafordeay
- Jul 17, 2019
- Permalink
I loved this movie so much when I was little. I really want to watch it again, but it's not on Disney+, or any other streaming service. I also can't find it on dvd to purchase. I hope Disney will put on on Disney+ soon!
- girlattherocksho7
- May 11, 2020
- Permalink
There is a moment in this film when Justin Whalin's character tries to get Amy Jo Johnson's character (the film's namesake ghost) to stop following him everywhere. No one can see or hear the ghost but him, and because of this she won't leave him alone. Walking along a sidewalk with the ghost on his heels, the boy abruptly whirls and tells her enough is enough, leave him alone. He tries to soften the blow by saying that ordinarily he'd be thrilled to have a beautiful girl following him around.
"Do you really think I'm beautiful?" the ghost replies, in a small and trembling voice. For that single moment I saw what the film had the potential to be. The tragedy of Johnson's character, a non-person stuck in a world that has no place for her, is momentarily brought into sharp focus as she reacts to this connection with the living boy.
However, the film does little to expand on this theme, instead preferring dime-store sentimentality and slapstick comedy. The film is still decent entertainment for the kids, and the two leads have enough sex appeal to keep the adults in the room for awhile. However, it's a shame the filmmakers didn't have the courage to delve a little deeper.
"Do you really think I'm beautiful?" the ghost replies, in a small and trembling voice. For that single moment I saw what the film had the potential to be. The tragedy of Johnson's character, a non-person stuck in a world that has no place for her, is momentarily brought into sharp focus as she reacts to this connection with the living boy.
However, the film does little to expand on this theme, instead preferring dime-store sentimentality and slapstick comedy. The film is still decent entertainment for the kids, and the two leads have enough sex appeal to keep the adults in the room for awhile. However, it's a shame the filmmakers didn't have the courage to delve a little deeper.
I love this Disney Movie! Its a real cute movie, and when it comes on again, I will have to make a mental note to tape it. I really like how they break into the bank trying to find Susie's parents information. You should really see this movie. Its great for the whole family.
- SweetFunChk
- Aug 14, 2002
- Permalink
Susie Q. is one of those rare, and sweet movies that give you a warm feeling. It's bittersweet, but wholesome, and it's characters are fun, and captivating. At first, I thought the movie would be the cliché cuddly movie that would bore me after five minutes, but was I wrong. It made me tear up at times, and it's plot was enticing, making me root for the good guys. I loved the movie, and still remember it today, 9 years later!! I recommend it highly to ANYONE, and the movie is family oriented, so you won't have to worry about unsuitable content. Truly, if Disney would show more movies that are up to par as Susie Q., it would be the most popular family oriented channel in the world. Now if only Disney would show it just ONE more time!^_^ Go Susie Q.!!
- icywind880
- Feb 24, 2006
- Permalink
I absolutely loved this movie when I was younger. I pretty much grew up watching this movie over the years. It stopped being shown on Disney some time in the early 2000's. I occasionally thought of this movie over the past eight years, and I finally saw it again last week. It is STILL a great movie. It was great seeing this movie that I watched for many years.
I don't know why Disney won't show it. The movie should at least me released on DVD. It deserves to be. Please, show this movie on TV! Younger people shouldn't miss out on this excellent movie. I want to get a copy of this movie SO much.
I don't know why Disney won't show it. The movie should at least me released on DVD. It deserves to be. Please, show this movie on TV! Younger people shouldn't miss out on this excellent movie. I want to get a copy of this movie SO much.
Although not the most technically advanced film I have seen, this was a fun and enjoyable couple of hours. The main characters are sweet and you really get to like them, and feel something when Susie Q. has to go, but feel good again when she returns as Maggie.
Lots of stock dialogue, and a contrived plot-line, but most of all, LOTS OF FUN.
Lots of stock dialogue, and a contrived plot-line, but most of all, LOTS OF FUN.
A slight but fun film about a young girl who dies in a car crash on her way to the high school prom, only to come back some thirty years later in the form of a ghost to help settle a few things with the help of a teenager living in her old house. Stupid, slight and fun to watch. Recycled premise and jokes, very basic, but fun.
3/5 stars -
John Ulmer
3/5 stars -
John Ulmer
- MovieAddict2016
- Sep 11, 2003
- Permalink
I'm absolutely disgusted this movie isn't being sold. All who love this movie should email Disney and increase the demand for it. They'd eventually have to sell it then. I'd buy copies for everybody I know. Everything and everybody in this movie did a good job, and I haven't figured out why Disney hasn't put this movie on DVD or on VHS in rental stores. At least I haven't seen any copies. This is a wicked good movie and should be seen by all. The kids in the new generation don't get to see it and I think they should. It should at least be put back on the Channel. This movie doesn't deserve a cheap download. It deserves the real thing. I'm emailing them now. This movie WILL be on DVD.
- coldangel0
- Jul 22, 2007
- Permalink
- David_Brown
- Jul 5, 2012
- Permalink
Susie Q, is a very adorable movie I stumbled upon on the disney channel. One plus for watching this is Justin Whalin. His presence kind of helps with covering up Amy Jo Johnson, otherwise known as the ever-lasting Pink Ranger.
Well if you stand watching her prance around in her too tight prom dress then you'll be ok. If you can stand watching Justin Whalin in his boxer shorts trying to be modest then you'll be even better. The plot of the movie is a quest to save Susie Q's (Amy Jo) parents from being homeless by finding her grandfather's papers that stake his claim to half the town. In the process Justin Whalin's character falls in love with Susie Q's ghost. It's a very cute movie, I could tell the whole plot and some dialogue, but I don't think I should spoil the ending and such for you.
Well if you stand watching her prance around in her too tight prom dress then you'll be ok. If you can stand watching Justin Whalin in his boxer shorts trying to be modest then you'll be even better. The plot of the movie is a quest to save Susie Q's (Amy Jo) parents from being homeless by finding her grandfather's papers that stake his claim to half the town. In the process Justin Whalin's character falls in love with Susie Q's ghost. It's a very cute movie, I could tell the whole plot and some dialogue, but I don't think I should spoil the ending and such for you.
this is the best movie i have ever seen and i love it very much is is so sad and loving i could watch this movie over and over again. when i first seen it on Disney channel i was like i would love to see this movie again. i would love to watch this movie everyday and i recommend it to anyone. this is really a good movie. to anyone who has not seen this movie and is thinking about it they better go and see it because it is really good. i love the part when the boy found out about the girl and from then on i was just all into this movie. if i could watch two movies everyday it would be this one and beloved those are my two favorite movies i really love them
- tweetybird1stbaby
- May 19, 2005
- Permalink
does anyone know where i could get my hands on this video or the film for this. I have been searching for it for a long time to show my daughter to show her and i can not find it anywhere. probably because it was only on video and they never made the DVD or VHS or idk.
i saw this right off Disney back in 1996 and i think it would be the best video to show her. such a good movie that has every type of emotion displayed throughout the whole movie. also has a lot of actors that started their careers with this movie. If anyone knows how to get a copy of this movie or has a copy and willing to sell it to me for like 50 bucks or something, please call 201-566-0148. thank you
i saw this right off Disney back in 1996 and i think it would be the best video to show her. such a good movie that has every type of emotion displayed throughout the whole movie. also has a lot of actors that started their careers with this movie. If anyone knows how to get a copy of this movie or has a copy and willing to sell it to me for like 50 bucks or something, please call 201-566-0148. thank you
Susie Q is a great romantic prom Movie. Amy Jo Johnson (Susie Q) is a great Actress. I think she did a great performance. I hope that sometime that the Disney Company could put this movie on DVD. I think it's kind of cool and a little bit hilarious. It's kind of sad when Susie Q dies in a Car accident in the beginning at first it makes you want to cry or sob. But in the middle when no one suspects Susie Q it gets kind of funny and surprising. There is a little bit of mystery in this movie but not much. But still I would recommend this movie to the whole family if they enjoy comedy, mystery, or romance type of movies. It's Great! I think that Amy Jo Johnson as Susie Q is Cute.
- devil_girl15
- Feb 4, 2005
- Permalink
"Susie Q" is a very enjoyable film that is funny and hilarious. Justin Whalin, Amy Jo Johnson, and Shelley Long are great in the film. The film is like a mystery, but is also a comedy. This is a very enjoyable and entertaining film. I give this film a 7 out of 10. :)
I'll be brief: I normally hate films like this venomously ... but there is just something about this one that just draws me in and won't let me go. Granted, there are some major flaws in it (some of the acting is below par at best and the dialogue is sometimes so poor it's funny) but there are enough redeeming features to make it watchable to the end.
But what are they? Well, it's got a cool little plot - by no means is it original, but it is better presented than other films of its kind. The three main stars (Whalin, Johnson, Long) put in fairly decent performances that more than make up for the distinct lack of quality from the supporting cast (the fat cop and Coach Quinn really bugged me), and the scripting is slick and witty (even if it is poor in places).
The bottom line is, though, this film is so CUTE: I grinned all the way through it and it has a place in my video collection purely because it could cheer up anybody. You really have to be some kind of humourless bore not to like this (I DARE somebody to sit through this without grinning!!!).
I do recommend this one if you want a simple, fun, and - above all - enjoyable watch. You won't regret it!
~Top$~
But what are they? Well, it's got a cool little plot - by no means is it original, but it is better presented than other films of its kind. The three main stars (Whalin, Johnson, Long) put in fairly decent performances that more than make up for the distinct lack of quality from the supporting cast (the fat cop and Coach Quinn really bugged me), and the scripting is slick and witty (even if it is poor in places).
The bottom line is, though, this film is so CUTE: I grinned all the way through it and it has a place in my video collection purely because it could cheer up anybody. You really have to be some kind of humourless bore not to like this (I DARE somebody to sit through this without grinning!!!).
I do recommend this one if you want a simple, fun, and - above all - enjoyable watch. You won't regret it!
~Top$~
- cristin6891
- Apr 26, 2007
- Permalink
This movie used to be played constantly on the Disney Channel when I was a bit younger, and I really remember liking it. However, I didn't have great taste back then (not to say that I do now) so I can't vouch for my nine-year-old self too well. The movie was probably a 7/10 but it had some good music so I gave it an extra point. Yeah, worth watching. I know that some fans of this movie are wondering what a certain song is - the one that appears when she is in the car crash. The song is "Play a Love Song" by the Jaguars and it is VERY hard to find and obtain. In fact, this movie is, too. I can't find it anywhere online or on DVD or on VHS. I'd like to see it again so I can gauge if it was actually a good movie. Oh well.
- starbuckssam
- Dec 17, 2005
- Permalink
This movie is very good and the whole family would enjoy watching it.When Susie Q is of to her big night at prom she dies in a fatal car crash on her way to prom by kids who are drunk and high.As the years go by Susie's house gets sold and a family moves into the house that she loves.As the boy who now lives in the house sees Susie and is the only one who can.The two team together with his little little sister and try to save Susie's parents from being broke.Staring Amy Jo Johnson as Susie Q.This movie will fell your heart with comedy,sadness and laughter.I hope that you see this movie because it is very good.But no one seems to have it on DVD or Vh's and it no longer comes on TV.