Wizard-8 "Napoleon and Samantha" is a kind of family movie that Disney company doesn't make any more - or any other movie studio, come to think about it. To a certain degree that is kind of a shame, because for the most part it doesn't have the strident and loud tone found in modern family day movies. Some of the low key scenes are nice and effective, like when Napoleon's sick grandfather has his last conversation with his grandson. But ultimately, the movie is a little TOO low key for its own good. For the most part, it chugs along not only at a very slow pace, but lacking bite; the movie could have used a bit more tension and conflict. Near the end, the tone really changes with the action-packed climax, but it seems to come from a different movie altogether. There is additionally some interest in seeing the pre-fame Michael Douglas (who is pretty good) and Jodie Foster (who is unexceptional, though this was her first movie). However, in the end the movie is pretty forgettable, being hard to differentiate from other cookie-cutter efforts from the Disney company during the 1970s.

johnstonjames This was always one of my favorite family/Disney films when I was growing up. Now that I'm older(much older)I like It even more. It's a much better film then you would expect it to be and a much better film then it is given credit.Michael Douglas is just great, as are Johnny Whitaker and Jodie Foster in the title roles. Not only are Whitaker and Foster appealing but their acting is really very good. Michael Douglas(in one of his first roles ever)makes a tough, energetic debut as a young free spirited college student who befriends the children. In a exciting motorcycle chase toward the end, Douglas can be seen doing some of his own stunts.As for the reviewer who claimed the lion looked drugged up during this film, that's dumb and ridiculous. Major the lion was very old when this was filmed. Major hardly seems drugged since they have him chasing mountain lions and fighting bears and running and jumping. Major wasn't drugged he was just old.This is an outstanding film and more of a Disney classic then people want to give it credit for.

MovieFan86 Michael is extraordinary in this film as he guides two children to coping with their grandad's death and teaches them the meaning of life. Too bad Kirk didn't play the grandpa, that would have been awesome. Look for Michael Clarke Duncan in his first starring role as the lion!

TxMike This 1972 movie, "Napoleon and Samantha" is about a couple of orphaned kids who have a pet chicken and a pet lion from the circus. They meet up with Danny (Michael Douglas) who helps them out.The acting and filming are OK, it's just a good little G-rated movie with no sex, cursing, or violence. What I found most interesting are seeing Michael Douglas in his 20s and Jodie Foster about 8 or 9 when the filming was done, and mentally comparing that to their mega-star status today.