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aquakenn
Reviews
Once I Was a Beehive (2015)
Great movie; a hidden gem
Many of the user reviews are from members of the Mormon faith. Their reviews focus on the Mormon faith. This movie is not about religion; it's about friendship. Lane, the main character, was raised my her free-spirited dad (whose faith comes from nature). A year after his death Lane's mother marries a man who is Mormon (again, that doesn't matter). Enter Phoebe, a 12 year old girl riddled with anxiety,and Lane's new step cousin. Lane is the only "non-adult" that accepts Phoebe (in Pheobe's mind). Phoebe's mom's fried, an over the top woman, encourages Phoebe to go. Phoebe doesn't want to. Lane overhears the conversation and reluctantly goes to support Phoebe. Lane suddenly realizes that she is with a bunch of crazy (no offense to Mormons) girls who yell Biblical songs, have weird names, and who are clique-y. Lane is given the chance to go home before she reaches camp, but decides against it. When the girls arrive at camp, Lane and Phoebe support one another while the other girls follow the direction of their "Laurel" leader, Brea. Lane finds solace in Nedra, a 65 year old Vietnam vet. Nedra educates Lane on faith, while not being preachy about it. (SPOILER ALERT: when something bad happens to Phoebe's dog, Lane consoles her about grief and lose. But, while doing so, we can see how Lane switches from consoling Phoebe's pain, to feeling her own pain of her father's death. (END OF SPOILER ALERT) I enjoyed that Lane stated that she still did not know what she believed in, and that it was met with acceptance by the entire camp. Caution: be prepared to cry at some scenes. This movie is about friendship, and the release of grief and loss. Pay no attention to the religious aspects of this film. A.k.a. be open-mined and you'll have two hours of a great story! ALSO the over-the-top camp leader and girls' humor.
James at 15 (1977)
Daring show
I loved this show and made the mistake of throwing out my VHS episodes. James at 15 was such a well produced, topical, and written show. James at 15 was comparable to "St. Elsewhere" Not good rating but an excellent show. James at 16 was so watered down . whereas James at 15 could be very controversial about real teen issues, James at 16 could have been run on Saturday mornings. When Freaks and Geeks came out critics praised it as the next James at 15. Unfortunately this show didn't last long. I think because this 2000 show was written like shows were written in the 70's. Does any know if at least the James at 15 (before the series with Melissa Gildert) is available? I sure do miss this show. I found a site that will make DVDs of old series (Courtship of Eddie's Father) if enough people vote for it. I'll will try to find this site and vote.