Hurricane on the Bayou (2006)

Critic Reviews

• Philip Kennicott, Washington Post

  The narrative is built one happy cliche at a time until the story of Katrina ceases to be about appalling environmental neglect, or the colossal failure of the federal government to manage a disaster.

• Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

  A classic 'before and after' document, terrific images of what was once there, actual footage of the storm itself, moving TV news coverage of the disaster and a conclusion that's more optimistic than it has any right to be.

• Ty Burr, Boston Globe

  The smart, classy Hurricane on the Bayou preaches an invaluable environmental lesson for children and parents: Don't monkey with the ecosystem without expecting payback.

• Erika Gonzalez, Denver Rocky Mountain News

  Despite its split personality, Hurricane offers more good than bad, including a lively soundtrack featuring Benoit, the Neville Brothers and Fats Domino.

• Michael Booth, Denver Post

  Katrina will end up changing the entire South, from Houston to Florida, for decades to come, yet Bayou still insists on its upbeat gospel ending.

• Bob Townsend, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

  A convincing and entertaining argument for the importance of preserving Louisiana's wetlands.

• Lewis Beale, Film Journal International

  Hurricane on the Bayou makes its points in a compelling, and moving, manner.

• Arthur Salm, San Diego Union-Tribune

  [Features] a knockout soundtrack, some very impressive gators and two irresistible forces: Hurricane Katrina and 14-year-old fiddler and eco-warrior Amanda Shaw.

• Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review

  ...amazing footage of Katrina's aftermath...

• James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette

  not simply another 'isn't it tragic' picture of the Gulf Coast, post-Katrina. The movie spends just as much time celebrating the joyous music that has always been a part of New Orleans...

• Edward Ortiz, Sacramento Bee

  Though some of the images of the aftermath will seem chillingly familiar, there is ample aerial footage of the destruction that carries a deeper impact because of the wide screen.

• Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press

  This is an often-moving film, but its approach to life in post-Katrina Louisiana is hopeful, even celebratory.

• Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

  Although its subject matter gets tossed around a little, "Hurricane on the Bayou" always gets its message across.

• Bridget Byrne, Boxoffice Magazine

  It's a gumbo stew of a movie in which all the ingredients don't meld neatly, but then it has an excuse: Nature beat it to the punch.

• John Wirt, Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

  The film's originally speculative scenario became reality on Aug. 29, 2005.

• Chuck Wilson, L.A. Weekly

  A film free of political fury, but full of activist optimism, this tame but heartfelt documentary is a fine companion piece to a day at the science museum.

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