Everyone Loves Mel

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Everyone Loves Mel is a 2000 American family fantasy film directed by Joey Travolta. It stars Ernest Borgnine, Julie Hagerty, and Greg Evigan.

Plot
Bonnie and Peter are trying to fix their troubled marriage while their teenage son faces his own challenges. Bonnie’s father takes Roger and Travis to stay at the family farm for the summer. The grandfather is fighting developers who want to take the land to build an amusement park, which he opposes. On the farm, the boys learn about a legendary turtle-like creature named Mel, known locally as Swannie. Mel helps the boys feel at home in the small town. After Roger accidentally causes trouble at the developers’ property with their grandfather’s tractor, the sheriff arrests Grandpa. Bonnie and Peter come to stay, and the kids plan a daring rescue: they help Mel escape from the amusement park and return to the lake, causing chaos along the way, with Susie’s help.

Cast
- Ernest Borgnine as Grandpa
- Julie Hagerty as Bonnie
- Greg Evigan as Peter
- Bug Hall as Travis
- Josh Paddock as Roger
- Vanessa Evigan as Susie
- Plus other members of the cast

Release
Everyone Loves Mel was released on March 10, 2000. The film runs about 92 minutes and is in English (United States).

Reception
Reviews were mixed. Dove.org praised the film as a creative, imaginative story. Teen Ink noted it was a low-budget production with some non-professional actors, but appreciated its earnest vibe and family message.

External link
The film’s IMDb page is available for more information.