Change Your Image
rbrucecarter
Reviews
A Cinderella Story (2004)
A Good Re-telling ---
--- of a classic story. This might have spoilers. With all due respect to Ken, who thought his negative review was worth three identical postings, I disagree. The classic Cinderella story, as re-told several times on screen, is always set in the past. Previous to this, the best version by far had to be "Ever After", which proved once and for all that Drew Barrymore can act, and can play nice characters by the way. This version puts the story in the present day, and sets up the circumstances plausibly. The "wicked stepsisters" are hilarious, and will probably be underrated for their roles. The "wicked stepmother" is portrayed as realistically as could be wanted by Jennifer Coolidge from Legally Blonde. She brings to mind Rhea Perlman's portrayal as Matilda's mother, or perhaps the Dursley's from Harry Potter. Chad Michael Michael Murray pulls off yet another multi-dimensional character role as Sam's love interest, similar to his role in Freaky Friday - he has depth beyond the surface level. Last but not least, Hilary Duff portrays "Sam" as a typical teenage girl caught in bad circumstances, but nevertheless maintaining optimism and dignity in the midst of it. Comparisons with Lizzie McGuire are unquestionable, right down to running into the locker door. But the reason for this is not any negative reflection on Hilary Duff - it is that Lizzie McGuire was a realistic portrayal of the plight of teenage girls in middle school (minus a lot of the really bad problems in real middle school that Disney could not present). I find Hilary's portrayal of Sam to be believable, multi-dimensional, and able to garner sympathy for the character. Particularly notable is her development of the character into a person that can stand up for herself and take effective action to counter the abuse - which is not a part of the traditional Cinderella story. Yet she has enough sympathy for her former tormentors that she makes a deal that saves them from prison - a nice touch that further develops the character of "Cinderella". An enjoyable movie for adults as well as children.
The Saddle Club (2001)
Quality Show, Well Worth Watching
I have seen several other reviews here that are really negative, and I could not disagree more. In fact, I am jealous that Australians get quality television like this, and we get trash like Survivor, American Idol, and Fear Factor. I am 49, my 8 year old daughter got me started watching. The photography is beautiful, the plot lines well developed, the acting is excellent. The values taught by the show are universal and good. It is also nice to see Zachary Bennett's little sister Sophie - she not only reminds me of her brother, but has some of the same qualities that made Felix a good character on Avonlea. I notice that Keenan Macwilliam's acting was good enough to get Disney's attention, because they cast her in "Get a Clue". Lara Jean Marshall, Heli Simpson, and Kia Luby also get my attention - quite lovely girls! Heli plays the part of Veronica - and plays "bad" very well, although you can tell that her character is secretly jealous of the other girls. I expect to see a lot more of these beauties in the coming years! There have been two seasons with 26 episodes each, separated by a year's haitus - so you see the girls at one age in the first season (2001), then grown up quite a bit in the second season (2003). I can't help but think that the show's popularity in the United States spurred more production - when the producers originally thought it had run its course.
Amleto (1917)
Ruggero Ruggeri the melancholy Dane if I ever saw one
"The movie is from England, with Ruggero Ruggeri in the lead. He is the melancholy Dane if I ever saw one." - Dr. Allan L. Carter, head of the Texas Tech College English Department, January 22, 1939
Lizzie McGuire (2001)
One of the best sitcoms of the last 40 years
I have lived long enough to remember the great sitcoms of the 60's - Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, etc. What made them great is the same thing that makes Lizzie McGuire great - a great cast whose talents complement each other, and make believable characters. There is quite a bit of hyperbole used for comic effect. I have to mention one of the most important details: NO LAUGH TRACK!!!! The show has genuine funny moments that do not require the audience to be prompted to laugh. I read a comment here by a father who would not want his daughter to be like Lizzie. I hope mine grows up to be like Lizzie. I would be honored to have a daughter who does not do drugs, does not steal, is respectful the majority of the time, works hard in school to do well, and who is not stuck on her own good looks. Excellent role model. Even though I am 48, I can still relate to the situations and characters in the show - because they are timeless. Far from being a peak inside a 14 year old's mind, it is a peak inside every person's life experience - because we all share feelings and situations similar to hers from time to time.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002)
More like the first two
I thought that this one was a lot closer to the magic of the first two than Home Alone 3 - which I did not think was that good. Of course, MacCauly Culkin could not reprise his role, as he is now in his 20's. It stands to reason that the cast would have to be different, so I tried to judge the movie on the basis of its adherence to the "Home Alone" universe. I found it a bit disquieting that only two of the siblings remain - Megan and Buzz (no explanation as to where the others went). Of course I never was that clear about which kids belonged to which family. The story was charming, a tale of restoration of a marriage. It was interesting to see Marv as a married man - he was always the stupid one. He got what he deserved, an even more clumsy wife! Natalie's transition from nice lady to mean potential stepmother was a bit rough and sudden, but not entirely unbelievable. I thought there could have been some more clever gadgets and surprises for Marv, his wife, and his evil mother - but there was still plenty of "fun". This one will join 1 and 2 in my collection. But not 3.
Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge (2001)
Better than the first
possible spoiler - don't read if you don't want to know. The talented Kimberly J. Brown reprises her role from the first Halloweentown, with Debbie Reynolds playing her grandmother. I find it impressive that Kimberly can interact effectively with a star of that magnitude, it says a lot for her professionalism at 16 years old. While the plot of both movies is pure fantasy, the second movie adds more characters to the mythology of Halloweentown, and builds on the foundation of the first movie by reviving the villain in a new guise, and shows both the naive nature of the teenage Marnie - and of her vulnerable mother. Watch out teen actresses - a 10 year old is nipping on your heels! Sophie has a much greater role in this movie than the first, and is a real charmer. Give her three years or less, and we may see that young actress in a title role in Disney movie! The younger brother has also grown quite a bit, and has a greater role in this movie. Pure enjoyment. The only negative is some occultism, which is troubling - particularly the very real occult practice of reading spells backwards. Treat as fantasy only, and make sure you or your kids are not interested in trying out the magical techniques presented.