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Reviews
Pocahontas (1995)
Vastly underrated
This was the most under-appreciated Disney film of all time. I rewatched it last night and finally grasped just how great it was over 20 years later.
The animation and scenery were both gorgeous and the colors in the Virginia countryside were fantastic. No, it wasn't historically accurate, but it did contain issues that hold significance to this day. I truly believe that this film belongs in the top 5 Disney films ever.
Pocahontas character was the most realistic Disney figure to that point and the animal characters were hilarious. One can only hope that with the passing of time that Pocahontas will get the respect it deserves.
Ice Age (2002)
Hilarious
This is one of the funniest animated films I have ever seen. And the funniest single character is Scrat. You can't help but feel for him and how he always 'almost' gets his acorn only to have the worst luck. However the main story is very touching in its own way. Sid the sloth is left behind by his family on the way to escaping the coming ice age. He meets up with Manny, a crusty wooly mammoth voiced by Ray Romano, who does a fantastic job. They come upon a mother and her infant and while the mother dies in the icy water they rescue the baby and set off to return him to his own "herd." Along the way they pick up Diego, a sabre tooth tiger who is leading them into an ambush by his pack. As time goes on, though, Diego warms up to them all and they end up saving each others life several times over. In the end they all fall in love with the kid, return him to his tribe, and leave as friends. To be an animated film, this has a very moving and emotional storyline and an excellent climax. Its just a shame that I didn't watch this until now, over 13 years after it was released. My Grade: B+.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
The best romance of 2015
I will admit that although the previews made it look appealing, I wasn't expecting much. Was I ever wrong and gladly so. This is the first major role i've seen Blake Lively in and she was fantastic as Adaline Bowman, who, after a freak accident at age 29 in 1937, ceases aging. Michael Huisman, who I've never seen did a very good job as Ellis, who falls in love with Adaline. And how can I not mention Harrison Ford, one of my all time favorites. I have never seen him give a bad performance and he gives a good one here, understated as it is as Ellis' father. So many little things make this movie enjoyable: Adaline's daughter Flemming, her dog Reggie, the fact that she has a very old-fashioned persona, the use of car accidents to bookend the film, the fact that Blake Lively is a very beautiful woman period, and of course the ending(although I WON'T spoil it. If you are hesitant, do yourself a favor and watch this. It is WELL worth the time and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to purchase it on DVD to watch. My Grade: A-.
Notorious (1946)
The master at his finest
Perhaps the best of Alfred Hitchcock's films, along with North By Northwest, although Notorious is far more subtle and intuitive. Cary Grant as the agent Devlin and Ingrid Bergman as the alcoholic daughter of a spy are perfect. And so is Claud Rains, who plays Bergman's ex and the Nazi leader, to a tee. The classic Hitchcock staples are all here: dominating mother, weak villain, famous kiss and a happy ending. Much like Cary Grant being the master of talking with his facial expressions, Hitchcock can get more suspense out of a movie than almost any other director ever has. Simply put, this is one of the best films of all time and definitely worth watching. My Grade: A+.
Garage Sale Mysteries: The Wedding Dress (2015)
Best of the series
I have watched all of the Garage Sale Mystery films so far and although I liked them all, this one was my favorite by far. I must have seen something these other reviewers didn't, but I really enjoyed watching The Wedding Dress. Lori Loughlin was great as Jennifer Shannon, and there was nothing cold or cruel about her, imo. And, I did not find her smile distracting, I thought it was nice. Also, I thought the secondary plot between her daughter and the boyfriend was a very welcome addition to the story. Yes, the ending was predictable, but come on, its Hallmark! All in all, a very enjoyable film, that IS worth watching. My grade: B+.
Aloha (2015)
What could this have been?
After seeing the trailers, I was excited to see this. I missed it in theaters and rented it on Redbox. I have to say i'm glad I didn't spend the money for a movie ticket, as it was a big letdown. Alec Baldwin and Bill Murray's characters are absolutely awful and are completely undeveloped. Rachel McAdams and John Krazinski are both favorites of mine, but in this movie they have no spark whatsoever. The only thing that makes this watchable is the relationship between Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone's characters. They are entertaining and sweet in how they take a complicated path to being together.
With that being said, this movie was simply all over the place. Story lines were introduced and then abruptly dropped and almost every problem was left without a resolution. Its like someone took several good scenes and ideas, shook them up and tossed them on paper. This film just doesn't work as a complete picture. With so many talented actors involved, I can't help but think: How good could this have been? My grade: C-.
My Favorite Wife (1940)
This is how to make a comedy
Cary Grant and Irene Dunne together are fantastic. She plays his supposedly dead wife who was shipwrecked 7 years ago. She just happens to reappear on the day he marries his new wife, who is very snobbish and cold. Watching his facial expressions, it always amazes me how he could use them better than any actor in history. The look on his face when he sees her as the elevator door is closing is worth the watching of this movie alone. The hotel clerk and the judge are also both hilarious in their limited scenes with Grant. Even Randolph Scott, who's character was stranded with Grant's wife's character, is very amusing in his bickering with Grant. But the real kicker is the ending and watching Cary Grant fidget and stress over how to choose his REAL wife in their cabin. This movie is everything a comedy should be and one that any Cary Grant fan or classic movie lover should definitely see! My grade: A+.
Gourmet Detective: A Healthy Place to Die (2015)
As good as the first one
I have to say that this was a good movie. Not great, but still good. Henry(Dylan Neal) and Maggie(Brooke Burns) are together at a spa resort for a food conference and Henry spies a murder/crime occurring below his balcony. He and Maggie work together, albeit reluctantly at first (on her part) Much like the first movie, their bickering and sniping is really good-natured and masking a mutual attraction that sees sparks fly on both their parts. Of course, they solve the crime, thanks in large part to Henry's quick thinking, and end on a happy note. This movie is for sure worth viewing, and I look forward to the next one as these two have great chemistry on screen. My grade: B.
The Lazarus Effect (2015)
Honestly, a big letdown for me.
I missed this movie in theaters, but based on the trailers I was beyond excited to see this. I mean, look at the ingredients: horror, raising the dead, and of course the beautiful Olivia Wilde. I hate to say this, but I was wrong about this film. Like some other reviewers have stated, certain stretches of this film stand on their own as good or even great, such as the scenes with resurrecting the dog or bringing Zoe back to life. The problem for me was that none of these "pieces" fit together for a complete story. For example, their is no definitive reasoning for shutting down the experiment, nor is the reason for Zoe's nightmares fully resolved. And yes, the movie does have a decisive ending, but there is no rhyme nor reason to it. I know that horror movies are often disjointed and have stupid endings, but this one really disappointed me because it could have been SO much better. As it was, Olivia Wilde was the only thing that made it watchable. My grade would be a C-.
Charade (1963)
How is this not bigger than it is???
This is one of the best suspense movies ever that was not directed by Hitchcock and the only screen pairing of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. That alone should have made it one of the most famous movies ever. I only stumbled across it by accident on Amazon and I am very glad I did. Walter Matthau as the spy and especially George Kennedy as one of the four "bad guys" really steal every scene they're in. But Cary Grant as the good guy who we never are quite sure about until the end, and Audrey Hepburn as the young widow absolutely blow everyone else away. Their chemistry practically crackles in the air and the ending especially is one of the most suspenseful, yet tastefully structured of any classic film. This film gets and A in my book and is well worth taking the time to seek out.
Gordy (1994)
Why all the negative comments?
I don't get why so many people do not like this movie. I am 29 years old and just rewatched it last night with a friend for the first time since it came out in 1995 and we both loved it.
The story of someone trying to save their family and make friends at the same time is always touching. So what if its a talking pig who befriends two young children and takes the nation by storm after saving one of the kid's lives? I found the ending to be extremely touching when Gordy finds his family and the children's parents get married. Doug Stone was fantastic as the father and I still love his singing to this day.
Don't watch this movie expecting Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast. Watch it expecting to be entertained and see a family friendly film and you will enjoy it.
North by Northwest (1959)
Another winner
Once again Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock team up to create a gem of a film, this time with Eva Marie Saint as leading lady. Cary Grant plays Roger Thornhill, who is mistaken for another man and pursued by Philip VanDamme (James Mason) and his henchman, Leonard. Along the way, Thornhill is framed for murder and falls in love with a beautiful blonde Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), who may or may not be who she appears. Leo G. Carroll is excellent as the Professor, with his completely stone faced wit and dry sense of humor. The crop duster scene and the final showdown on Mount Rushmore are not only the highlights of the film, but two of the best action sequences of all time. Every actor in this film appeared to have enjoyed making it and it shows, as it is always a joy to watch a Hitchcock or Grant film, especially their collaborations. This move gets an A in my book!
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Cinematic Gold
Cary Grant and Grace Kelly's one film together is quite simply, in my book, the best of either one's career. Then, when you throw in Alfred Hitchcock as director, how could it not be great? The plot is fairly straightforward: Cary Grant plays John Robie, a reformed "cat" burglar who is being framed for a string of recent thefts in France. Grace Kelly plays Frances Stevens, who is in Europe with her mother to find a suitable husband. I just wonder who that will turn out to be? Hmmm? Cary Grant could get more out of a scene with the way he cut his eyes and moved his facial expression than any other actor i've ever seen, not to mention being the best at comedic timing as well. After all, some of the funniest parts are the dinner scene where he purposely avoids looking at Frances or the fact that she kisses him in the doorway and he doesn't mention it until she brings it up the following afternoon.
Without giving too much away, I will say that the ending is very twisting and definitely well worth the wait. Anyone who is a fan of Cary Grant or Grace Kelly owes it to themselves to see this film. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. I would give this film an A+, 5 Stars, a perfect ten, it is that great.
Trainwreck (2015)
WOW! What a debut!
This is without a doubt the best comedy I have seen in the last several years. Amy Schumer isn't politically correct or socially conscious, but boy is she ever funny. Her character Amy may come off to some as annoying and irritating, but I found her crudeness and coarseness charmingly endearing. Plus, the fact that she doesn't look like your "typical" actress is a HUGE plus, as I think Amy looks perfect the way she is. Bill Hader was the perfect foil to her crass humor and their relationship was very entertaining to watch unfold. Coming into this movie, I did not care for LeBron James, but I am glad to say that his role was hilarious and a pleasant surprise. And, even though I am definitely NOT a John Cena fan, I felt his role was very good. I truly hope that this is only the first in a long line of hits for Amy Schumer and that her career continues to skyrocket. Go see this movie, I promise you that it will be well worth the time. My grade would be an A.
Casper (1995)
More Heartfelt than one might expect
I recently re-watched this and despite the fact that its been 20 years since I originally watched this a young kid, I still loved it immensely.
The story is fairly simple: a rich, hateful woman inherits a house and hopes to find treasure hidden to get rich quick. She is scared away by Casper the friendly ghost and his three uncles, who are not so friendly.
So she hires a psychiatrist, Dr. James Harvey, to exorcise the ghosts. He moves in with his young daughter Kat, who still misses her mother greatly. She is scared at first, but quickly befriends Casper.
Watching this movie with a friend was emotional due to the fact that he had lost his wife about 2 years prior to this film being released, so the scenes toward the end with the spirit of Dr. Harvey's wife and Casper, and then her spirit and Dr. Harvey were bittersweet and a little close to home.
This was a very good, enjoyable film, and this is coming from someone who also loved the cartoon as a kid. My grade: B.
Rooster Cogburn (1975)
A great film, but not the best
First off, let me say that it was a pleasure to see John Wayne & Katharine Hepburn in the same movie for the only time in their careers. Although, they were too old to play these parts, that doesn't change the fact that any movie they were in was infinitely better simply due to their presence.
However, I felt that the plot was generally inferior to True Grit, which the character of Rooster Cogburn in based from. Second, the supporting cast in this film was extremely weak, especially, the villains. And third, the plot was very haphazard, making little to no sense in several parts.
With all that being said, this is still a very good movie and one any fan of Wayne or Hepburn should definitely see.
My grade would be a B.
The Shootist (1976)
Heartbreaking, yet redemptive
I will be the first to admit that although John Wayne, imo, is the best Western actor ever, this was not his best film. With that being said, the fact that it was his last also does NOT diminish its quality or value in the least.
Like another reviewer noted, there are no true villains here, only misguided people that want to use Wayne's character's notoriety for their own monetary or political gain.
What truly makes this movie poignant are three things: Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and the fact that John Wayne made this film about a man dying of cancer while he himself was dying of it for real. How he did that I will never know, as it would be too hard for me to do in front of a camera.
All in all a well fitting end to a legendary career of a man that will never be equaled or surpassed, the Duke John Wayne. I give it a B+.
Family for Christmas (2015)
Pleasant break in the summer
I thought this was a very entertaining and enjoyable movie. Despite the fact that it is July, I love Hallmark Christmas movies.
Lacey Chabert plays a young woman who is faced with the question of what if. Santa gives her a chance to see what her life would be like if she hadn't got on the plane and left her college sweetheart ten years ago.
She wakes up with two kids and married to him. At first it is awkward and she acts strangely. But she quickly grows to love them and just as she is settling in, boom! Santa brings her back to reality.
Anyone that has watched a Hallmark film can see where the ending is headed. Yes, Lacey's character realizes her mistakes and gets her happy ending with her love.
No, this is not an award-winning film, but it ISN'T supposed to be. Lacey Chabert, for my money, is the best actress in these TV films. She is not only gorgeous and talented, but she has a sweet disposition that makes any movie she is in instantly enjoyable. Check this out when the Countdown to Christmas starts later this year, you won't regret it.
The Longest Ride (2015)
Best Nicholas Sparks movie since The Notebook
Luke, a young bull rider, meets Sophia, a college student about to graduate. Even though she is moving to New York in 2 months, and she know nothing about bull riding, the attraction is instantaneous and they began a romance.
Circumstances lead them to know a man named Ira Levinson, who through a box of letters, is reliving his romance with his deceased wife Ruth.
This movie was extremely emotional and was a true pleasure to watch. I don't want to give to many details away to ruin the plot for those who haven't read the book or seen the film, but suffice to say it does have several great twists.
Nicholas Sparks has always been a great writer, but he has also become a good producer, first on Safe Haven and now on The Longest Ride. Britt Robertson and Scott Eastwood truly shine in their first major roles and will surely become mega-stars.
Do yourself a favor and go see this movie, you will enjoy it.
One Starry Christmas (2014)
A lot better than some would have you believe!
First of all I have to disagree with the reviewers who made fun of Sarah Carter as cheesy and her smile as annoying. I found her to have an engaging and warm personality as Holly. Plus, I thought her smile was dazzling and it was nice to see someone happy. After all, it was a Christmas movie. Second, other than the ending, the "singing cowboy" bit was the highlight of the movie for me. George Canyon did an awesome job singing "Wild Bill", so much so that I downloaded it and some of his other songs.
And I found Holly's dad's love of John Wayne and the cowboy lifestyle to be endearing. After all, isn't Christmas about dreams coming true? Then, there's the ending. Yes, we all know a horse wouldn't run all the way from New Jersey to New York City on pavement, but come on people use your imagination! Yes, Holly and Luke falling in love this quick could only happen on a Hallmark Christmas film, but so what? Christmas movies are supposed to be about love and happiness and this one fits the bill perfectly. In fact, it was my favorite of 2014's Christmas season, so do yourself a favor, ignore the critics and watch this gem of a movie!
Christmas at Cartwright's (2014)
Another Christmas Winner!
Once again, Alicia Witt makes a great Hallmark Christmas film, this time playing Nicky, a single mom who loses her job right before Christmas. By a stroke of magic, she becomes the Santa at Cartwright's department store, thanks to Harry, the Christmas consultant, who may or may not be who he seems.
Nicky also begins to fall for Bill, head of the men's department, but he doesn't know she is Santa. He asks her out, but she gets nervous and leaves halfway through. Eventually, through the scheming of Fiona, special events head who likes Bill, Nicky is exposed and fired.
Thanks to a little bit of faith, "Christmas magic", and forgiveness, Nicky gets an even better job at Cartwright's and a second chance with Bill. What's more, her daughter, through a lot of practice, has improved her reading and reads the Night Before Christmas to Bill and Nicky to end the movie.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a movie to definitely re-watch this season!
A Very Merry Mix-Up (2013)
Alicia Witt & Christmas Make Magic!
I found this to be the best Christmas movie of 2013 and I enjoy almost all of Hallmark's Christmas films. Alicia Witt going to the wrong family's home on a mistake was actually a stroke of fate.
Grandpa was a fantastic character, especially in his scenes with Alice(Alicia Witt). Matt's parents were great as well, and her fiancé's family was stiff and horrible.
Naturally, the happy ending saw Alice dump Will and end up with Matt, which is how it should be. Remember, folks, you shouldn't watch a Christmas movie for anything other than pure enjoyment and this film had it in spades.
And oh, by the way, I DID NOT find the music distracting. In fact, I enjoyed it very much.
Aladdin (1992)
It Doesn't Get Any Better
I cannot make it any plainer than this: Aladdin is not just a great film, it is one of the top 5 Disney films EVER. Most everyone knows the story: Aladdin, who is a peasant meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine, who by law can only marry a royal. Jafar, the evil sorceror, uses Aladdin's trusting nature against him to try and steal the magic lamp hidden in the cave, but it doesn't work. Aladdin brings forth the genie and uses the wishes to make him a prince. However, the Genie cannot make Jasmine love him.
Jafar eventually gains control of the lamp and exposes Aladdin as a peasant and it looks like he is going to win and crush everyone. However, his greed destroys him at the last second and Jasmine proclaims her love for Aladdin and chooses him as her husband-to-be.
While that alone would make a great movie, the surrounding characters and nuances are what make it so fantastic. The animation is stunning, made even more so by the fact that it is before current CGI-technology. Second, the supporting characters of Abu, Raja and Iago are hilarious. And, third, the song "Whole New World" is simply perfect, one of Disney's crowning greats (both the movie and soundtrack versions are great!) In the end, Aladdin is quite simply the perfect movie, animated or otherwise. It can make adults and kids alike feel joy and happiness and that's what a movie is meant to do. This is a film that I have and will continue to love for as long as I possibly can. Quite simply, this is Disney's crown jewel!!!
Deadly Revenge (2013)
Better Than I Thought
Cate(Alicia Ziegler) works with Harrison (Mark Hapka) on architecture project for a week. The attraction simmers from the start in a coffeeshop all the way until they are locked in the office one night and admit their feelings. Cate agrees to move across the country to live with him on a whim and begins to fall in love with him.
She then meets his mother, Evelyn, who appears to be loving and learns that his former high school sweetheart mysteriously vanished years earlier. Cate is suspicious, but agrees to take care of Evelyn while she is fighting cancer. Cate swims in the pool often and starts getting dizzy regularly. She isn't pregnant, so what could it be? And why is Mark's mother SO smothering of him? The answers are fairly obvious and the ending is pretty predictable. However, the leads are attractive and the plot line keeps the viewer pretty invested. It's definitely worth watching on a weekend evening, if nothing else.
Surprised by Love (2015)
This is how a fun romance should be
Gridley(Paul Campbell) is a down on his luck drifter who runs into his high school crush Josie(Hilarie Burton) in the park one day. Her boyfriend Richard, who is arrogant and stuffy, knows that Josie's wealthy parents hate Gridley even worse than him, so he pays Gridley to accompany Josie home for the weekend to her parents 40th anniversary party, in order to make him look more appealing.
Yes, there are a lot of standard romantic clichés here: snobby parents, comic mishaps by Gridley, and romantic sparks flying between Gridley and Josie. However, three things make this better than the usual Hallmark romance. First, Tim Conway plays grandpa as a man who fakes dementia to avoid his family's squabbles and is hilarious throughout.
Second, Josie's sister Mindy with her green-streaked hair, which is the result of a Gridley mishap, and her free-spirited, stubborn ways is extremely likable and comes close to stealing the show.
And third, Paul Campbell has just the right amount of quirkiness and makes the viewer both sympathetic and humored.
Of course, Josie and Gridley fall in love, her family accepts him and they end up together as one would expect. But, the journey there is fun and sometimes its nice simply to watch a movie, especially Hallmark, JUST for fun and romance!!