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The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John (2003)
My Favorite Jesus Film
As something of a Jesus movie junkie I have to say that The Gospel of John is my favorite of them all. Yes, I even like it better than The Passion. It is long, so first you have to adjust to the fact that this is meant to dramatize an entire Gospel. Once you've accepted that, the greatness of this movie dawns on you.
The production values are first rate. The sets, the clothes, the effects are accurate and extremely well done, even down to the threads in the fabrics. There are several miracles, but the one that truly stands out for me is Christ walking on water. This is far and away the best dramatization of that legendary moment, ever.
There are long discourses by Jesus, apparently because that's how St. John recalled him speaking. The director handles these marvelously well -- they are not just talking heads. The fact that they use the conversational Good News Bible for the script keeps you from being overwhelmed by waves and waves of 'bible talk.' But what really makes it work is the unbelievable acting of Henry Ian Cusick. Let me put it this way: Have you ever watched a movie about Christ and secretly wondered why anybody would have followed him, since he's usually played so stiff and formal? Not here. Cusick's Jesus is smart, quick, bold, and charismatic. I would've followed that Jesus anywhere! Christopher Plummer's narration is just right too and ties everything together.
The DVD has a lot of extra information about the meticulous study that went into making this film, and the truly gifted way the Director, Philip Saville, brought this Gospel to life.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
My Hopes Were Fully Realized
Though, as a CS Lewis disciple, I went to this movie with the fear of disappointment in the back of my mind, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" turned out to be a marvelous film! I'd recommend it to anyone, whether they've read the books or not. There were some liberties taken to make the story a bit more "gripping," but I felt they were all in the spirit of CS Lewis' story. And the movie hewed to the book to a remarkable degree.
All the actors were excellent, particularly the little girl who plays Lucy. The wonder in her eyes the first time she sees Narnia is so genuine. Lucy, as you may know, ends up being Aslan's favorite of sorts -- rather like St. John -- and with this portrayal of Lucy one can see why ( even though that facet doesn't really come out strongly till later books).
The transformation of Edward from self-deceived traitor to all-out knight of Aslan is wonderfully handled -- not just a two dimensional cardboard cutout by any means. He saves the day during a crucial moment in the climactic battle between Aslan and the White Witch.
Peter's character develops resolutely but a bit slower than I'd expected. But then, one does not grow from older brother to High King of Narnia in a day (though for some reason I didn't notice the term "High King" being used -- a small egalitarian flaw, if I'm correct).
And in Susan you can see both why she is known as "Susan The Gentle," and perhaps the seeds of why she is no longer a "friend of Narnia" in the final book. Both are there, as her character is drawn in this screenplay.
Aslan is fantastic, voiced by Liam Neeson, one of my favorite actors. The Lion is mostly computer-generated, very realistically, and the voice is both magnificently strong and gently understanding. His "resurrection," I must confess, brought me almost to tears of joy.
The other animals and mythological beings are created magnificently. The epic battle between good and evil is movingly, powerfully done. Lewis himself had described it in a few deft strokes so the movie maker's skill was set free to a great extent, and they acquitted themselves well.
There are a few things added to the book that, frankly, I think they could have done without. A courageous fox who does not appear in any of the books, appears to help the children and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver escape cruel pursuing wolves. He is noble and fine in his own right but I think he was extraneous to the movie.
There is also an entire added scene where Peter performs some desperate daring-do to escape the same wolves a little later on. He also almost kills Lucy in the process and the whole thing is a bit over the top. The movie is 2 1/2 hours and although it is exciting, that whole scene could have been cut out and the film shortened with no real loss.
On the other hand, a scene with Edmund and Mr. Tumnus imprisoned by the White Witch (which did not happen in the book) was a great addition, contributing to the motivation for Edmund's change perhaps more powerfully than the way CS Lewis wrote it.
This is the kind of movie I will definitely go back and see it again, if I get the chance. I certainly hope The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe does well at the box office because I'd dearly love to see the other six books filmed as well.
The Master of Disguise (2002)
Vastly Underrated
This little movie has become one of our family's all time favorites. Honestly, we watch it over and over again, quote it to each other, show it to other people. No, it's not a great movie; but it is a funny movie. You just have to have a taste for silliness, a childlike taste.
When the nefarious Devlin Bowman (Brent Spiner) kidnaps his legendary father (James Brolin), Pistachio Disguisey (Dana Carvey) has to learn the ways of "Energico" and go to the rescue -- not just of his parents but of numerous national treasures besides. Ably helped by an assistant Jennifer (Jennifer Esposito) and his mystical grandfather (Harold Gould), Pistachio slowly becomes the Master of Disguise.
Carvey, who has always cracked me up anyway, whirls through an army of loopy characters -- Granny Num-Nums, Mr. Peru, Terry Suave, Constable Muller, Cherry Pie Man ("Look! It's Cherry Pie Man!," like everybody knows him), and the great Turtle Man. There are also Robert Shaw from Jaws and even President George W. Bush at a crucial moment.
The DVD (yes, we own it) special features show those weren't all he had in mind -- Mayor Maynot is so well done, but was cut out completely, for instance.
Special kudos to Spiner, who was evil, and Esposito, who played along hilariously. And the guy offering hors d'oeuvres to Mr. Peru, just for keeping a straight face.
The Italian accents are uniformly awful, I'll admit, and the gags are sometimes dopey. But they're funny dopey, not painful dopey. If you're not too sophisticated to enjoy a simply enjoyable movie, rent this movie or pick it up for $5 at Half Price Books like we did. Watch it with some kids, about 10 years old. It will be difficult for you to stop laughing.
Planetary Traveler (1997)
Eye & Ear Candy
This is a lovely movie both in the computer-generated graphics and accompanying music, but suffers from a disjointed feeling. An accompanying "making of..." feature describes how the various planets were created by computer animators around the world who never met -- they just corresponded by email.
The result is just a series of gorgeous planetscapes with saucers and "probes" gliding over them, tied together (if at all) by a wispy story of aliens searching for a legendary gateway planet. One almost has the feeling that the story was forced upon a collection of already existing scenes.
The story itself is ponderous, new age philosophy and the gentleman that produced Planetary Traveller seems to have thought it an epoch making project. But if you can get past that and just enjoy the sights and sounds, It believe it's a worthwhile film.