Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928) Review in 2025
Steamboat Bill, Jr. is a classic silent comedy film starring Buster Keaton, where he plays the role of a young man who returns home to his family's steamboat business and gets caught up in a series of hilarious misadventures.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some slapstick humor and mild violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of silent comedy and Buster Keaton. It's a classic film that holds up well even today, and its blend of action, comedy, and adventure makes it a great choice for viewers of all ages.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the story of William Canfield Jr., the son of a steamboat captain, who returns home after his father's death and tries to take over the family business. However, he faces opposition from his stepmother and her lover, who try to sabotage his efforts and take control of the steamboat. Along the way, William gets into a series of comedic misadventures, including a famous scene where a tornado destroys half of the town, but spares the steamboat where William is standing.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear structure and a satisfying resolution. However, some viewers may find the plot a bit predictable and formulaic.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Buster Keaton delivering a standout performance as the titular character. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Evelyn Pierce delivering a particularly memorable performance as the love interest.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Buster Keaton delivering a standout performance as the titular character. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Evelyn Pierce delivering a particularly memorable performance as the love interest.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with Charles Reisner bringing out the best in Buster Keaton's comedic talents. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action, comedy, and drama.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with some impressive stunts and set pieces. However, some viewers may find the black-and-white visuals a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's blend of action, comedy, and adventure makes it a great choice for viewers of all ages. Buster Keaton's performance is superb, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The direction and cinematography are also top-notch.
Cons
Some viewers may find the plot a bit predictable and formulaic, and the black-and-white visuals may seem a bit dated. However, these are minor quibbles, and overall, the movie is a classic that holds up well even today.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm not a steamboat captain, I'm a steamboat captain's son!'"
