I purchased this DVD for $1.00 at the Walmart bargain-bin with the expectation that, at the least, it would be funny to see what Bill Cosby was up to in 1972. Remember, The Cos' had just finished his TV run as Coach Chett Kincaid on "The Bill Cosby Show". He was hanging out with Quincy Jones and digging Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew". He wasn't yet working on "Fat Albert and Cosby Kids"...but, he had already broke ground with "I-Spy" in the late '60s...and remember...his record albums were part of every mom-and-dad's collection.
So, Bill Cosby in 1972 turned out to be a renaissance man, of sorts. He wrote the music for this made-for-TV movie. He produced. He acted. He even supplied the "original idea".
This funky (okay...what I really mean is...FUNK-KAAAYY) little movie really is a swell period piece...East Coast Ghetto Project dwellers struggling to escape...Mom works as a maid...she's a nursing student, too...Dad works odd jobs and is a talented "scavenger". Dad is scrimping and saving to buy the house of his dreams. Unfortunately, in the process, Dad is missing out on his son's growing-up years. Dad is so cheap, saving every nickel for their escape house dreams.
Mom and Dad are busy fussing and fighting...and then the kid gets sick...real sick...
Good people stuck in hard times. Better than "Good Times"...but, in a sense, this seems like an embryonic version of the classic '70s sitcom.
But, take heed: "To All My Friends on Shore" is not even one little bit funny. Once again: THIS IS NOT A FUNNY MOVIE! This movie is hardcore serious. Serious as a heart attack! And, that's why it's great...
If you watch this movie and you are not moved by it's strength and beauty...well...then I don't think there is any hope for you. What the heck...give it a shot...for one measely buck you can't afford not to see this little forgotten gem.
