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trammie7
Reviews
Fireproof (2008)
Questionable ratings
On the Fandango site out of over 5,000 people, more than 4,000 have given Fireproof a 'Must Go', which is the highest rating given any movie.
Needless to say, I was amazed that Fireproof doesn't even rate up to a 5 out of 10 so far on IMDb. They do state that the rating is not from raw data, but rather a 'weighted average', however they don't disclose exactly how they weigh that average.
I may be mistaken, but I thought Fireproof had been well advertised as a Christian-based movie. Those who don't believe in Jesus felt 'insulted' with the fact that the movie pictured Christ as an important ingredient in a marriage. It didn't say a couple couldn't have a successful marriage without Him, only that if a marriage was failing, perhaps that kind of love was needed to save it.
Personally, I'm 'insulted' by the fact that Hollywood doesn't see any need to make very many wholesome movies that you don't have to worry about the explicit language or sexual content. There a so few films made today that I feel comfortable enough to spend my money to watch - why is that? Shouldn't Christians have movies to see that they enjoy without others slamming them and the movies themselves?
I hadn't planned on writing a review which pits Christians against unbelievers, but after reading the so very different reviews and ratings on two different sites, I couldn't help but respond to what I saw.
Saving Sarah Cain (2007)
I love this kind of movie
I loved the movie so much I watched it three times. It showed people in desperate, difficult situations, either from within themselves or from circumstances beyond their control, and how all those things were ultimately overcome. How could I not love it? It started with despair, pain, and betrayal, but further on everything changed with hope, comfort, understanding, and love. Most importantly, it had a point. If some missed it, maybe later, somewhere down their own road, they'll see what it was.
I would have given the film a 10 until I saw the deleted scenes on the DVD and thought they left the best parts of the story on the cutting room floor. Perhaps they were removed because the theme of family, love, and God might have been viewed as too strong, or one-sided, or forcing someone else's beliefs on the audience. Their absence may have caused some to regard it as 'sappy', or then again, maybe not. Each of us sees things from our own perspective. What I consider my loss - the deleted scenes, some others' loss (in my opinion) - what it was really all about.
Carolina Moon (2007)
Very close
Carolina Moon is one of my favorites by Nora Roberts and I was glad to see that the movie was a close rendition of her book. The screenplay conveyed her version in a cohesive script that kept, not only quite a few of the actual happenings, but a good share of the dialogue.
Claire Forlani spoke and acted much as I had pictured Tory from the story, nervous and nervy, refusing to give up and trying to fight her ghosts of the past. Oliver Hudson's Cade reminded me of a young Cliff Robertson, a low key, but strong and steadying presence, gently compelling her to see her true worth and make her believe how he had always seen her.
Josie Davis played Faith very much in character - on the surface, sassy and superficial, but showing flashes now and again of her true depth. Her long-suffering boyfriend, Chad Willett as Wade, was a good match, especially when he reached the limit of his patience. Jacqueline Bisset was perfect as the cold, implacable southern mother.
Nora can be proud of Angels Fall, Montana Sky, Blue Smoke and Carolina Moon. None of the movies can, of course, touch the words and worlds she creates in her novels, but they pay tribute to a great writer.
Blue Smoke (2007)
Surprisingly pleased
I had my doubts, but was surprised and pleased that Blue Smoke was much better than my expectations.
Using flashbacks was a more effective way of presenting Reena's past and present in the movie. It helped create the picture of who she had become and why. I could understand many of the changes made to accommodate the transition from book to film. In some cases preferred the movie version (the book had a LOT of graphic violence).
Alica Witt did a very believable strong, fierce Reena, showing how she had grown to deal with the tragedies that had made her feel, understandably, vulnerable and fragile. Scott Bakula ... ah ... he just gets better and more seasoned with every new role he takes on: compassionate and kind, but stern and demanding when needed.
The relationships before she met Bo were as heartbreaking in the movie as in the book. Though I couldn't decide if the one she had with Hugh was even sadder than the original version. Was it worse that she was gun-shy and only on the brink of a new, deeper relationship as in the book, or taking the chance of accepting a marriage proposal as in the film?
I honestly didn't think I'd like Matthew Settle as Bo, but he convinced me with his scene in the backyard when he *finally* got to meet his dream girl.
The strong sense of family, and how their love and respect for each other also helped form Reena into such a determined, focused woman was carried through in both versions.
Personally, I thought how the movie dealt with the villain(s) was a nice twist and fitting ending.
Leaves me champing at the bit to see Carolina Moon.
Montana Sky (2007)
Couldn't do it
I wondered how they were going to pack all of Roberts' truly great 'Montana Sky' into two hours. Sad to say, they couldn't.
The basic premise packed three relationships, four, counting the sisters themselves, over a year's time, along with all the mysterious happenings within that period. Only the barest of bones of the story were touched on and even those were rewritten and reworked. Other than the names of the characters, hardly anything, including the events, how they unfolded, and how they were resolved, resembled the original story.
As to the actors: Both Laura Mennell as 'Lila' and Charlotte Ross as 'Tess' fit the concept I had of them, but although Ashely Williams did a wonderful job, I couldn't see her as the 'Willa' I imagined in the book. I so adore John Corbett, he was one of the reasons I looked forward to the movie. He had the perfect personality for 'Ben', though in real life he's a good ten years or more older than the character he portrayed. I guess it made sense that 'Nate's' occupation was changed from lawyer to sheriff and Aaron Pearl was good in the re-scripted role. Nathaniel Arcand played a convincing 'Adam'.
I couldn't help but think as I read 'Montana Sky', then watched it, that the novel would have been much better adapted to a mini-series. It would have allowed the characters and the events to be fleshed out and evolve as they deserved. In comparison, Angels Fall made a much better transition from book to screen in that it didn't have as much ground to cover and could afford to have some parts dropped without losing the essence of the story.
Angels Fall (2007)
Well Done
I have long been a fan of Nora Roberts, but never had the chance to see any of her work retold in a movie. It was definitely worth the wait.
I don't think the plot was altered all that much from how the story was originally told, although there were some things added or changed a bit to throw suspicion around.
The parts that were cut from the story(understandably) did not detract from the movie version - both were excellent.
I could identify with both of the lead actors as playing their characters straight from the book. Johnathon Schaech was especially good as Brody and was well matched with Heather Locklear as Reese. The other characters fit in almost as well, with some minor differences that I had pictured in my mind. But, of course, everyone sees things a bit differently.
I hope the next three movies are done as well as this one was.