Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy
| Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Harold Cronk |
| Written by | Harold Cronk |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Philip Roy |
| Edited by | Dustin Soloman |
| Music by | Will Musser |
Production company | |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 101 Minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy (2012) is a family-friendly adventure-comedy film with the descendents of a treasonous band of Civil War villains known as Copperheads serving as the antagonist characters.
Plot
The film's protagonist, young Mickey Matson (Derek Brandon), discovers a map encoded upon a Petoskey stone left to him by his late Grandpa Jack (Christopher Lloyd). The adventure, taking Mickey Matson and Sully Braginton (Francesca DeRosa) from one clue to the next as they summon the courage to prevent the destruction of home and country. Plot development includes flashback scenes to the Lincoln presidential era and the Civil War.
Cast
- Derek Brandon as Mickey Matson
- Francesca DeRosa as Sully Braginton
- Patrika Darbo as Grams
- Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa Jack
- Ernie Hudson as Ivan Stumpwater
- Lee Arenberg as Billy Lee
- Frank Drank as Jeremiah
- Kevin Yon as Buckshot Plindenberg
- Rick Plummer as Stalwart Priggish III
Themes
Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy is a coming of age film, complete with suspense, drama, comedic relief and Civil War references. The film's primary artifact is a Petoskey stone, which is also the state stone of Michigan.[1][2][3]
Production
- Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy was approved for a Michigan film industry incentive award.[4]
- Primarily filmed at 10 West Studios in Manistee, Michigan, location landmarks in Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy include the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee and White Pine Village in Ludington.[4]
Release
Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy held a red carpet premier on May 10, 2012 at the Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. [5]
Home media
For the DVD release on July 16, 2013, WalMart retailing personnel suggested changing the film name to The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure, advising that the term, "Treasure" would be more clearly understood by younger viewers than the term, "Conspiracy". It was also suggested, "The Adventures of..." be added to the title for higher visibility, keying on the word "Adventure" would categorize the film under "A" in digital listings. The film's writer and producer, Harold Cronk commented, "...We’re not arrogant enough to think we know more than the largest retailer on the planet Earth. We like to work with people. We think it’s going to be a great partnership.”[1][6]
Reception
The Dove Foundation, gives Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy a four Dove rating, the film is "Dove Family-Approved, Suitable for all ages". ChristianCinimea.com movie reviewer, Edwin L. Carpenter writes:
- Dove Worldview:
- This movie is a delightful journey into the imagination! When you have a story which has its roots in President Lincoln and the Civil War, a boy and a girl, bad guys, a quest for three elements which could cause great harm, and the wonderful Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa Jack, what's not to like? [7]
WZZM 13 ABC published a review from BoxOfficeMom.com, giving Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy a four and a half out of five "buckets", with some violent content: A bank robbery, gunshots are fired without casualties, slapstick violence such as hot-sauce thrown in a bad guy's face and two suspense scenes that may scare younger viewers.[8]
Critical response
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2013) |
So…Cronk, as he is affectionately referred to these days, made this wonderful little family film about Mickey Matson and the adventure on which his grandfather’s inheritance sends him. Most of the movie was filmed in locations around Manistee and Mason counties and features many local actors and “actors” (I’ll explain). Cronk’s script was fun, heart-warming and engaging. The film captures the beauty and nostalgia of West Michigan. It also offers some thrills and a few moments that make you jump in your seat. Fun [9]
— Ann Genson, Movie Review: Mickey Matson is top notch, Mason County Press
Soundtrack
Composer Will Musser provided the score for Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy including three titled works.[10] Sara Niemietz, Edgar Struble, and Tom Stype wrote the song, "Never On My Own". Engineered, mixed and mastered by Luke Rangel, Sara Niemietz performed "Never On My Own" for the closing credits.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Performers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Patriots" | Will Musser | Instrumental | |
| 2. | "Main Theme" (Opening credits?) | Will Musser | Instrumental | |
| 3. | "Copperheads" | Will Musser | Instrumental | |
| 4. | "Never On My Own" (Closing credits) | Sara Niemietz, Edgar Struble, Tom Stype | Sara Niemietz |
Historical and scientific accuracies
References
- ^ a b Movies News Desk (15 July 2013). "The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure Now Available on DVD". Movies. BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
Mickey Matson is available for purchase exclusively at Walmart stores throughout the United States beginning July 16th
- ^ "Mickey Matson And The Copperhead Conspiracy (2012)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- ^ "The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure". 10 West Studios. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
- ^ a b Begnoche, Michelle (13 September 2011). "Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy Approved for Film Incentives". Michigan Film Office. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
As Michigan natives, the producers of this film have made highlighting the state a priority throughout this project, making it a great fit for Michigan on a number of levels...
- ^ "Christopher Lloyd walks GR red carpet 'Mickey Matson and Copperhead Conspiracy' debuts". Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wood TV 8 - WoodTv.com. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
Thursday night's movie is sold out, but you can still catch the film at Celebration! North, South and Rivertown starting Friday.
- ^ Begnoche, Steve (7 July 2013). "The why behind the change of names to "The Adventure of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure"". Ludington Daily News. Archived from the original on 16 July 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
- ^ Carpenter, Edwin L. "Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy". ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ Pritchard, Denise (7 May 2012). "Box Office Mom: Mickey Matson & The Copperhead Conspiracy". WZZM 13 ABC. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
Kids and parents will be thoroughly entertained with the unpredictable and suspenseful storyline.
- ^ Genson, Ann (13 May 2012). "Movie Review: Mickey Matson is top notch". Michigan: Mason County Press. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ "Will Musser: Music". WillMusser.com. Retrieved 27 June 2012.