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RickRunyan
Reviews
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Timeless Christmas AND good legal angle as well as romance
Having just re-watched this classic for umpteenth or more time, I was struck by an observation that hadn't occurred to me before.
It goes without saying that this film is a classic in many respects. It is certainly one of the most highly regarded Christmas holiday films, if only judged by the number of times it is re-broadcast by many networks every year during the Christmas season.
It is also a lovely and sensitive love story, bringing several important romantic relationship themes such as faith and trust to the surface.
Perhaps sensitized by the many popular TV series based on law and legal firm themes, I noticed this year for the first time what an interesting legal angle is presented by the 1947 film as well. The defense of Kris Kringle is as clever and as unexpected as any the more recent TV series writers have concocted going all the way back to Perry Mason.
So, this year watch it for its triple impact: wonderful feel-good Christmas story, endearing love story, and also the legal thesis of what constitutes "hard evidence." Merry Christmas and/or Happy and Warm Holidays to all.
Cold Case (2003)
Emotional impact
Others have offered individual emotions evoked by Cold Case. I'd like to gather these thoughts together (without trying to repeat everyone's comments) by underscoring how evocative this show is in many dimensions.
For me, it touches on many levels. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and worked downtown for almost 10 years. Seeing the city is as nostalgic for me as some of the cases that go back and illustrate the city as I remember it over several decades back to the 50s.
"Heartbreaking" is a term already used by others commenting here. I have to agree. Especially the episodes involving the loss of or harm to children. With grandchildren now, I realize how lucky we were in raising our own children while avoiding the many horrible fates that befall some of our contemporaries. This show redoubles my awareness and proactive efforts to not take my grandchildren's safety for granted.
Also already mentioned is the music. As I sit here composing this, I am listening to the closing scene soundtrack to the Nov 27, 2005 "A Perfect Day" episode, Donovan's "Catch the Wind". This is the second time Napster has benefited from the moving episodes of Cold Case. The first was the closing scene soundtrack from the "Wishing" episode, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." I'm amazed at the production staff's ability to find popular music so keyed to the theme of a given episode.
"Topical but not preachy" has also been stated. Another sentiment I agree with but wish to elevate to standing ovation. The writers', actors' and directors' ability to pull this off is worthy of high praise in this era of media mindlessness.
Cold Case is not a "feel good" show in the sense of leaving the viewer feeling happy. Yet it is in the more meaningful sense of leaving the viewer feeling something. For me that something is having my heartstrings expertly plucked.
Highest praises for Cold Case and all the people who go into making it what it is!
Spotswood (1991)
"There may be a chance for you yet, Errol Wallace" - Caroline Wallace
Errol Wallace's wife, Caroline, perfectly played by Angela Punch McGregor, delivers that turning point line and sums up the plot. Bottom line focused efficiency expert finally sees the people whose lives his career of recommendations affect and unwittingly saves his own marriage in the process.
Some might say "slow and plodding", but then they'd be missing the point. Layers of character development compactly delivered in 90-some minutes contradict that sentiment. No one does it better than Sir Anthony. Reminiscent of Merchant and Ivory's "Howard's End" but set in 1969 in Victoria Australia's working district of Spotswood a few kilometers from Melbourne, Hopkins again makes his measured character riveting more by acting than by dialog. For instance the look on his face is priceless while not being overplayed when, after asking Caroline to get him an "axe handle or something heavier", fearing a second labor retaliation on their home, she brings him a flimsy lady's umbrella.
To paraphrase another reviewer, "Quite a little gem."
Working Girl (1988)
A feel-good movie illustrating an honest portrayal of how tough business can be, especially for a woman.
The movie production, the stars and the music add up to the average 7-something rating IMDb voters have given this film. For me, though, it's a solid 9. When I add to the above the substance and message of this movie, it becomes an underrated sleeper. Yes, the message is stylishly delivered in "feel good" format. I like that from time to time... sort of like Hoosiers. But like Hoosiers, I'm left with so much more than feeling good, I'm moved. Nicely layered without being too complex, it portrays one of our society's most overlooked problems, even nearly two decades later... how to take smart people seriously when they aren't already "connected" through conventional means. Harrison Ford delivers his predictably superb performance, but Melanie Griffith has been too often under-appreciated when she has in fact delivered an excellent performance. She does so here, as she does in "Shining Through" (1992). Here, her "gumption" and unassuming, all-I-want-is-a-fair-chance ethic is one worthy of her being the role model for many a "Working Girl"! Carley Simon's Oscar-winning theme is similarly a worthy bonus. Thank you, Mike Nichols and team.