Reviews

Taking into account that this movie was filmed on a small budget by a first time writer/director I think it's not half bad. Yes, it is cliched in some parts but, honestly, how many movies aren't nowadays and why must we immediately discredit a film because it relies on cliches? Yes, the film takes its time, good suspense films often do because they have to give you enough background information to make the plot seem believable. In this film, it takes time for Jane to realize that the person living downstairs is up to no good, it takes time to learn enough about characters to make you suspicious of them. Too many movies just throw a character on screen and immediately wants you to assume that they did it. This film actually has all the suspects have several scenes with Jane so you become suspicious of more than one or all. Frankly, I found this movie spooky...no not particularly original but still it creeped me out. Watching it along late on a Saturday night while housesitting a large creaky house it gave the chills. Not to say you couldn't enjoy it in the comfort of your own home and still get shivers. The long and short of it is, the cast makes it better than a B Movie direct to video waste of time/money. It is filmed VERY well considering it was a small budget and if you are willing to swallow your movie hangups about cliches (which are only resolved by one or two movies a year) this movie will entertain you. Give it a shot.

It was destined to be a hit. After all, the whole world had read Colleen McCullough's epic tale of love in the outback. But director Daryl Duke exceeded all expectations with his five-night extravaganza. "The Thorn Birds" is well-edited from the book without skimping on important details and makes use its sprawling setting. But without a doubt, the best part of this show is the performances. Barbara Stanwyk, Jean Simmons and Richard Kiley, all of whom won Emmys, are the stand-outs. But Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Bryan Brown, Mare Winningham and Piper Laurie are also excellent. This was a television event and it's terrific that it is available to rent at most movie stores, because absolutely everyone should see this show.

There are about five really outstanding mini-series in this world and "Eleanor and Franklin" is one of them. Aside from the excellent attention to costumes and sets, it has remarkable performances by Jane Alexander, Edward Herrmann, Lilia Skala and the Emmy-award winning Rosemary Murphy. There is also fantastic music by John Barry. This drama is gripping, intricate and always fascinating, giving the viewer an inside-look at the legendary First Couple. Don't miss this show!