Watch Manifest Destiny: The Lewis & Clark Musical Adventure

Manifest Destiny: The Lewis & Clark Musical Adventure is a unique and entertaining film that tells the story of two explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who embark on a journey to find the northwest passage in 1804. But what sets this film apart from any other adaptation of their famous expedition is that it is presented as a funny and quirky musical.

The film is set in a vibrant and colorful world where the audience is immediately transported to the early 19th century. The opening shot of the film is a bird's eye view of the vast, lush and green landscape that spans the American continent. The film's opening song, "This Is Our Destiny," sets the stage for the rest of the movie as the cast sings about the promise of the unknown and the excitement of exploration.

As Lewis and Clark set off into the wilderness, they meet an eclectic group of characters who join them on their journey. There's a flamboyant French fur trader named Toussaint Charbonneau (played by Kev Abrams), his Native American wife Sacajawea (played by Mandi Masden), a group of quirky French fur trappers, and a mysterious and intimidating undead creature called the "Ominous Bear" (voiced by James Miller).

As the journey progresses, the cast performs a variety of catchy and humorous songs, including "A Man and His Dog," "The Raccoon's Lament," and "Funky Medicine." The songs are all surprisingly well-arranged and memorable, and the cast's performances are excellent.

The film's humor is one of its strongest assets. The characters are all somewhat caricatures, but that only adds to the overall charm of the movie. The exchanges between Lewis and Clark are especially funny, with Jeremy Hoffman delivering deadpan quips while Jesse GrothOlson plays the straight man. There are also a number of physical gags and slapstick moments that help add to the film's lightheartedness.

But despite its comedic nature, Manifest Destiny: The Lewis & Clark Musical Adventure is not all fun and games. The film touches on some serious themes, including the hardships and sacrifices of exploration, the clash of cultures between Europeans and Native Americans, and the toll that the journey takes on Lewis and Clark's mental and emotional health.

The film's visuals are another strong point. The filmmakers use a mix of live-action and animation to create a unique look and feel for the film. The animation is used primarily for the animal characters, most of whom have distinct personalities and quirks. The special effects used for the Ominous Bear are particularly impressive, as it is a fully realized creature with expressive eyes and impressive mobility.

As the journey comes to its conclusion, the cast delivers a rousing final song, "The Final Frontier," that perfectly captures the sense of achievement and excitement that must have come with reaching the Pacific Coast. This is followed by an epilogue that touches on the aftermath of the journey and reminds the audience of the legacy that Lewis and Clark left behind.

In conclusion, Manifest Destiny: The Lewis & Clark Musical Adventure is a delightful and unique film that manages to be both funny and moving. The cast delivers excellent performances, the songs are catchy and memorable, and the visuals are stunning. The film's blend of humor and history may not be for everyone, but for those looking for a fresh and entertaining take on Lewis and Clark's famous journey, it is definitely worth watching.

Manifest Destiny: The Lewis & Clark Musical Adventure is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.