Mandie and the Secret Tunnel (2009)

Plot: Preteen Amanda "Mandie" Shaw (Lexi Johnson) is devastated by the sudden death of her beloved father - and by the realization that she will now be at the mercy of her greedy mother and bad-tempered sister, who plan to send her to work for another family and get her out of their lives. In desperation, she runs away to the mansion of her father's estranged brother; but when she gets there, caretaker Jason Bond (Dean Jones) gently informs her that her uncle has been lost at sea - and no one can find his will. Mandie, her friend Joe Woodard (William Yelton), and next-door neighbor Polly Cornwallis (Amanda Waters) race to find the will for Jason before any of the relatives do - and in the process, Mandie discovers some incredible secrets about her father's family and her own past.

----------

High Points:
- First-ever dramatization of the popular Mandie books
- Heartwarming story that stays relatively true to the book (perhaps even improves on it a little)
- Sensitive, understated performance by Dean Jones
- Filmed on location in the breathtaking hills of North Carolina in autumn, and in a fabulous old antebellum mansion
- Clean, family-friendly movie

Could Be Better:
- Joe. I mean ... a pale little kid with blond curls, who talks with an affected drama-class voice and wears stylishly dapper clothes? That's not the Joe that I grew up with. And Uncle John's long hair is a little scary.
- There are a few professional-quality actors in the cast, but for the most part, the film has a decidedly amateur feel.
- The movie is LONG.
- The cinematography is weird - there is a lot of computer-enhancing, and sometimes it feels like you're looking through an old warped spyglass or something.
- The movie, while making a strong effort to tone down the racial stereotyping found in the book, does still feature fairly strong stereotypes of Native Americans and African Americans.
- The story tells about Mandie's family history through flashbacks during the main story, but the flashbacks tend to be abrupt and interrupt the flow of the story.

Possible Concerns:
- At the beginning of the movie when Mandie's father has died, Joe comforts Mandie with a hug from behind. However, the romance that was ever-present in the books actually is heavily played down in the movie, and this is the only instance of them being affectionate.
- There is an expectant mother in a couple of scenes; it is quite appropriately handled, but I know that my family is old-fashioned and doesn't usually feel quite comfortable with depictions of pregnancy in mixed company.  :-)
- Mandie is given a bath by Liza in one short scene, but the very thick bubbles come up to almost cover her shoulders.

Vicki's Vote:  3/5

----------

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel is based on the first book in the Mandie series, in which we are introduced to the complicated backstory that will affect the rest of Mandie Shaw's adventures. Fourteen-year-old Mandie's world turns upside down when her father dies suddenly of pneumonia - her mother has always lavished Mandie's older sister Irene with favoritism, gifts, and privileges, so Mandie's father has tried to make up for it by sharing time and secrets with Mandie, including their special ritual, the "Indian Princess" story. Now he is dead and Mandie is left alone with her chilly mother and spoiled sister - who immediately begin planning to send Mandie away to work for another family.

In desperation, Mandie runs away with her father's Cherokee friend Uncle Ned, who takes her to the enormous mansion of her father's estranged brother, John Shaw. She is immediately taken in by the servants - Aunt Lou, Liza, and caretaker Jason Bond - but as soon as she gets settled in, Jason gently informs her that her uncle was caught in a terrible storm on his way to Europe and is presumed dead. Mandie is crushed - it seems as though she will never have a real family.

But Jason presents one last chance for Mandie to find a piece of her father's family - her uncle's missing will. As Mandie and her friends Joe Woodard and Polly Cornwallis dig through secret passageways and generation-old documents to find the will, pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place in a very strange way. Could there be a special secret behind her father's Indian Princess story?

Having read all forty-something of the Mandie books during my childhood and teenagerhood, I was very excited to hear that someone was finally making a movie about them - so with excitement and trepidation, I settled down last night to watch Mandie and the Secret Tunnel.

More than two hours later, I tried to prop my eyelids open with my fingers as the last chord finally sounded and Mandie finally fell into the arms of ... well, if you've read the books you'll know who.  :-)

It took me a full ten minutes to decide whether I liked the movie. I believe I did like it. The adventure themes of the book were strongly played up, and the gooey sentiment was strongly played down - it made the story much more accessible to boys and families in general, and removed all of the uncomfortable book scenes where 13-year-old Joe declares his intent to marry 11-year-old Mandie. The tone of the movie was much more lighthearted than the tear-soaked book, and many of the scenes were quite funny. The setting of the movie was utterly spectacular - Uncle John's mansion was much grander and more ornate than I ever imagined it in the books, and it was filmed in the full autumn glory of North Carolina.

The biggest drawback to the movie was also the most inevitable, and that was the spotty casting. Some of the actors delivered professional-quality performances that were a delight to watch - particularly the ever-charming Dean Jones, whose performance is amazingly subtle and nuanced - but many of the actors were mediocre, and many of the lines fell very flat. It also feels absolutely interminable - it's only 1 hour and 40 minutes minutes long, but many scenes drag badly and it feels much longer than that.

However, there are many good things about this movie as well. It brings much more of the Cherokee part of the series into the movie, which boosts the interest level dramatically. It doesn't do much to explain Mandie's twisted family history, but in some ways, that makes the movie more enjoyable because the focus is on the action, not on the elopements and annulments and everything else that went on. The costumes were fairly period-accurate (I was especially impressed with the Cherokees' costumes), and they gave some personality many of the "flatter" characters, such as Jim and John Shaw and Elizabeth. Oh yes, and Polly Cornwallis was made much more likeable and innocent than the boy-crazy Polly of the book.  :-)

On the whole, I think Mandie and the Secret Tunnel is a good family movie that I would recommend seeing once. Unless you are a Mandie fan, it probably isn't worth watching twice; but it was fun to watch once, and it's a good, clean movie that I would recommend to any Christian family.

***

For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers

(actually the synopsis of the book, but the movie follows the book pretty closely)

Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers

Read More

Random Harvest (1942)

(This is a clip, not a trailer; the only available trailer is not helpful because it assumes that you've read the book.)

Plot: Amnesia-stricken soldier "John Smith" (Ronald Colman) is launched into a brand-new life after World War I when a beautiful young woman (Greer Garson) helps him escape from a mental hospital and run away to the countryside. Paula's faithfulness and love as his nurse, then as his wife, help him fill his emptiness with family and community and bring him to the brink of a successful new career ... but then tragedy strikes again, jerking him back to his life before the war and completely erasing his memory of life as "Smithy." How will the rich young nobleman ever understand the gaping hole left in his heart by a happiness he can't even remember?

----------

High Points:
- Original, fascinating plot is unpredictable and keeps you guessing
- Beautiful and sensitive acting by the gentlemanly Ronald Colman and the lovely Greer Garson
- Slow pace gives you time to connect with the characters, while maintaining nail-biting suspense
- Gentle, sweet romance between two people who need each other very much

Could Be Better:
- Absolutely nothing. This movie is fabulous!


Possible Concerns:
 - Paula begins her life as a showgirl; and early in the movie she dances a faux-Scottish routine in a very short kilt. Now, she being Greer Garson, she somehow manages not to be too inappropriate; but the scene is quite short and can easily be skipped with no damage to the plot. (Just make sure to stop fast-forwarding as soon as the dance is over, because something important and heartbreaking happens immediately after it ...)
 - The character of Kitty is a little bold and forward because she is trying to "catch" Charles and persuade him to marry her. She is not inappropriate, but she does smoke and is rather flirtatious.

Vicki's Vote: Such a classic, I don't even know how many stars to give it!

----------

Random Harvest is one of the best-known and best-loved movies of all time. This poignant romance is both nerve-wrackingly suspenseful and achingly sweet, the story of two people desperately in love but separated by the wall of amnesia.

The movie opens in the hopeful but sad halls of the mental asylum near Melbridge, in England. We see a long hall of patients ranging from the nearly well to the completely crippled and fearful; and at the end, standing alone by a window, is the quiet, sad-eyed soldier known as "John Smith." Smith was in a terrible battle in France that completely wiped his memory of his own life, even his name; and his injuries have left him with a stutter so strong that it takes tremendous strength to say even the few words he remembers. He is gentle, sad, and desperately hoping that his family will find him and help him belong in the world once again. Yet his hope is fading; and each time he loses hope, a little more of his recovery slips away.

Then the news comes that World War I is finally over - and in the excitement, the asylum's guards abandon their posts and rush out to join the celebration. Smith is drawn to the unguarded gate almost involuntarily; and before he knows it, he is through the gate and out in the real world once again. But it's not easy - disoriented and coming down with the flu, he wanders into a little tobacco shop, where his stuttering alerts the shopkeeper that he's from the asylum. She runs to call the police and it looks like his brief foray into freedom is over.

Then a quiet voice comes out of the shadows, and Smith comes face-to-face with Paula, the sweet and vivacious woman who personally decides to take responsibility for his recovery.

As Paula nurses him back to health in the peaceful countryside, "Smithy" begins to build a new identity, drawing strength from Paula's gentle companionship and establishing himself as a budding newspaper writer. He and Paula are married, and before too long, a beautiful baby boy is born. A telegram comes with an important job offer at a big newspaper; Paula packs his bags and tucks the house key in his pocket, and Smithy is off to get a start on his new career.

But then tragedy strikes again - a car strikes Smithy in a blinding rainstorm; and with the blow to his head, his memory of his previous life comes flooding back. Suddenly he is Charles Rainier, the wealthy - and single - young heir trying to figure out where three years have gone. He has no idea of his life as Smithy, no memory of Paula or their little son. All he has left is dysfunctional siblings who wish he had never come back - along with a strange key in his pocket and a gnawing feeling in his heart that he left something important in those lost years. Will he ever learn who or what lurks in the shadows of his mind? And what will happen to Paula if Smithy never returns?

The very first time I saw this movie on the Turner Classic Movie channel, I was nearly moved to tears. Ronald Colman is the perfect gentleman, and he is so sweet and gentle in this movie; Greer Garson is the perfect lady, and she is so amazing and strong. This is a simply beautiful story of a love that transcends even a memory loss that builds a wall between two completely different worlds.

My favorite part of this movie is that it is realistic - maybe the plot is a little contrived, as the critics say, but it does a beautiful job of staying away from melodrama or gooey sentiment. Paula and Smithy's marriage is a true friendship and partnership based on affection, dedication, and sacrifice. The emotional scenes are touching and heartwarming, not gushy and uncomfortable. This is a movie that shows mature, committed, yet joyful and happy married love; and it is my favorite movie because such movies are quire rare, even within the genre of old black-and-whites.

Because Smithy and Paula's love is so strong and beautiful, it is incredibly painful to endure the middle of the movie where Smithy regains his memory and becomes Charles Rainier again. His family is horrified because he reappears on the very evening that his siblings are dividing up their dead father's inheritance; he is left with a large inheritance but no direction or career; he is relentlessly pursued by a young woman whom he does not love; and through everything his eyes are positively haunted, constantly searching for the answer to the agonizing questions in the back of his mind. The first half of the movie will make you cry with its sweetness; the second half will make you cry with sympathy and anguish.

But don't worry - the ending is worth it.  :-)

This movie is very sweet and wholesome, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for families - as I mentioned in my "concerns" section, the woman who pursues Charles is rather bold and flirtatious and she does smoke; but while she is annoying (correction: while you hate her guts), she's still pretty harmless. I would especially recommend it for teen girls and young women, as it does have a touch of the melodramatic and it has our favorite theme: strong, undying love that transcends all obstacles.  :-)  I definitely recommend that you grab a box of tissues and your family and take some time to watch this beautiful movie!

***

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers

Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers

Read More

Fear In the Night (1947)

Plot: A midnight burglary ... shadowy screams ... a weird octagonal room ... two people murdered. Vince Grayson (DeForest Kelley) sits up in bed after a horrible nightmare - or was it? When he discovers that his wrist is injured and he has a strange key in his pocket, he's afraid it was much more than a dream - that it really happened somehow while he was asleep. But instead of trying to help, his detective brother-in-law (Paul Kelly) believes it was cold-blooded murder, and he vows to bring Vince to justice. How can Vince persuade Cliff that he wasn't controlling his actions? And how will he ever find out what was controlling him?

----------

High Points:
- Fast-paced action and creepy special effects
- Unusual plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat
- Dark film noir feel without the immoral overtones that often accompany the genre
- Emotional, desperate performance by a very young DeForest Kelley
- Another smoothly creepy bad guy

Could Be Better:
- The movie begins immediately in the middle of the action, so you don't get to know the main character until later in the movie. Because of this, it takes a while to warm up to him.
-  This is a very low-budget film, so it is short and the quality is not the greatest. The acting is good, as most of the actors had experience as supporting cast members of other films, but the sets and music are fairly cheap.

Possible Concerns:
- Vince Grayson, in his desperation, attempts to commit suicide twice. It is not inappropriately portrayed or overly graphic, but some might take issue with including this in a movie.
- It is revealed later in the movie that the two murder victims were involved in an adulterous relationship. Again, the references are innocuous, and neither essential to the plot nor emphasized.

Vicki's Vote: 3/5

----------

Fear in the Night is a low-budget film noir that plays out like a story in a magazine - low on characterization and description, but high on action and thrills. Vince Grayson is a quiet young banker who lives a nice life, puttering along in a nice job, a nice relationship with his sweet girlfriend Betty, and a nice friendship with his sister and brother-in-law. His world is quiet and predictable. But one morning, he sits up in bed terrified after a bizarre nightmare - that he murdered a man and a woman who were robbing a safe in an eerie, mirrored octagonal room.

What a dream! Or was it? Vince discovers wounds on his neck and wrist in exactly the places that the shadowy thieves grappled with him, and in his pocket are an unfamiliar button and a strange old key - items that were not there the night before. Vince is overcome with horror. Could he have murdered people in his sleep? And without waking up?

Sick with fear and revulsion, Vince skips work and goes to see his brother-in-law Cliff, a detective with the local police force. Cliff dismisses the story as just a realistic dream caused by Vince's overworked nerves, even after a spill of blood-red nail polish causes Vince to panic and faint.

The next morning, Vince feels no better - if anything, he is even more certain that he must find the answer to his mystery. He scours newspapers for a week, searching for any reference to a murder or to a mirrored octagonal room. But it is by sheer chance that he, his sister Lill, Cliff, and Betty find themselves on the road to the murder house - and though the territory looks completely unfamiliar to him, he is subconsciously able to direct Cliff straight to the house and know exactly where to find the key.

Then they find the octagonal room with bloodstains on the wall, and a police colleague of Cliff's comes by the house and begins to give details on the murder. Cliff begins to believe Vince's story - to a point. He informs Vince that in 24 hours, he will be arrested for murder. Vince is desperate. How can he convince Cliff that he wasn't controlling his own actions? Will he be able to solve the mystery before he's sent to jail for life - or worse?

I sought out this movie because I wanted to see DeForest Kelley's film debut, and I was delighted to find that his acting was the same when he was twenty as it was when he was fifty. His pleasant Southern drawl and exaggerated facial expressions made the movie very enjoyable.

Undeniably, however, this is an odd film. It is by far the lowest-budget film I have watched for a long time. The music is cheesily haunting, a constant moan in the background of every scene; the idea of what made Vince Grayson murder someone in his sleep is so original that it's almost tacky (and Cliff seems to figure it out in a flash of inspiration rather than a logical process that you can actually follow); and the constant despair and hopelessness in Vince's eyes make you wish there were something you could do to help him out of this mess he's in. The first scene hurls you into the action with bewildering speed, and the rest of the movie is a nail-biting ride of clenching your chair while you wonder what's going to happen to this poor guy next.

Despite its flaws, however, this is a clean movie that would be completely suitable for older kids and young teens old enough to handle strong despair and attempted suicide. I would suggest that it is especially appropriate for guys, as there is lots of action but little characterization and almost no romance. As a rather rare film, it's also a good addition to the repertoire of the devoted classic movie fan. And if you are familiar with DeForest Kelley from Star Trek, Bonanza, or Gunsmoke, you will enjoy the chance to see him as a (very) young rising actor.

If you have an hour to spend and would like to watch something a little different, I would recommend this movie without hesitation. You'll be surprised to find out what took over Vince Grayson's mind!

 For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers

Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers

Full Movie on YouTube

Read More

Tribute to the Greats: Buster Keaton

Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton was one of the greatest stars of American silent movies. He was brought up in vaudeville with his parents and siblings, who perfected an act known as "The Three Keatons: The Roughest Act That Was Ever in the History of the Stage" - young Buster was regularly tossed, thrown, dropped, chucked into the audience, and told to come crashing down stairs as though he were going to be killed. The only requirement was that he not get killed. Buster soon learned to execute fantastic stunts while (mostly) avoiding serious injury; and when his father's alcoholism forced him to leave the act in his early twenties, he found an instant niche performing his hilariously funny but demanding and dangerous stunts in film.

 

Buster began working in short, 30- to 40-minute comedy films, partnered with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, an established comedy star at the time. Their partnership was brilliant. Sometimes Arbuckle was the helpless victim of Buster's dizzy schemes; sometimes Arbuckle would rescue Buster from one calamity or another; often, Arbuckle was the slow-witted friend of the happy-go-lucky Buster. And sometimes, they were just equal partners in silliness.

Eventually, Buster began to star in his own films, and eventually to direct them. He wrote, acted in, and directed 20 films between 1917 and 1923 alone, including classic films such as Neighbors, Hard Luck, and The High Sign.

Buster's acting trademark, besides his porkpie hat, was his characters' ability to endure everything the movies threw at him - adventure, danger, romance, and comedy - without smiling. He had learned during his vaudeville days that the audiences found it funnier when outrageous things happened to him, but he didn't laugh. He became known as "The Great Stone Face" for his deadpan expression and apparent lack of emotion; but with the advent of film, audiences could enjoy his gift for expressing subtle emotions through his enormous eyes.

In 1926, Buster co-directed and starred in The General. This silent adventure-romance movie about a steam locomotive engineer in the Civil War was a flop at the time, and in fact contributed to Buster's then-failing career; but is now regarded by many film critics as one of the greatest movies ever made.

During the late 1920's and into the 1930's and 40's, however, Buster's career began to decline. Although he was excited about the advent of "talkies" and eager to try out his talents in sound films, he also had to sell out to another company - he could no longer direct his own films. His personal life was suffering as well, from alcoholism and his failed marriage. As a result, he was cast in goofy, slow-witted roles that sharply contrasted with his persona of the lovable schemer of the 1920's. An example is this 1930's film about Prohibition, What! No Beer?, in which he was cast alongside another popular comedian, Jimmy Durante.

Buster went through a black period in his life in the late 1930's. Things began to turn around when he married Eleanor Norris in 1940. Eleanor was 23 years younger than Buster, but she helped him break free of alcoholism and begin rebuilding his career, little by little; and by the late 40's, he had begun appearing once again in movies, including cameo roles in well-loved movies such as In the Good Old Summertime (1949).

As a matter of fact, Buster's talent for directing comedy was so revered that director Robert Leonard requested that Buster direct one of the funniest scenes in In the Good Old Summertime. The scene that Buster produced unmistakeably reflects his style from his 1920's comic shorts.

Buster turned his attention to television in the 1950's and 60's, with his own weekly TV show, regular cameos on other shows, and occasional film appearances. He became something of a living legend to American viewers and was once again well-known and loved.

Buster Keaton died of lung cancer in 1966. His legacy, however, continues to live on. His use of props and sets pioneered the way for later innovations in stunt acting, and his skillful combination of comedy, love, loneliness, attitude, and optimism drew audiences to the theater in a critical time of cinema's early development. Even today, his movies draw thousands of views on YouTube, and he was recently featured in a Turner Classic Movies tribute week showcasing some of his best-loved films. He was truly one of the most important actor/directors in motion picture history.

 

Dates and information cited from Wikipedia.

Read More

Saboteur (1942)

Plot: Barry Cain (Robert Cummings), an easygoing young worker at an aircraft factory, is catapulted into the heart of a horrible crime when he accidentally bumps into a man at work - and minutes later, the factory erupts in flames. The authorities believe he's the saboteur. But Barry knows the man he bumped into was the real saboteur; and he begins a frantic chase across the country to find him, dodging the police on one hand and the real saboteurs on the other. Along the way he meets beautiful Pat Martin (Priscilla Lane), who at first tries to turn him in, but becomes his trusted partner in the search. Then they're caught by the ruthless saboteurs. Will they live to warn the police that the country's security is in terrible danger?

----------

High Points:
- Nail-biting suspense with deliciously unbelievable twists of fate
- Frantic, exhilarating pace - much like a Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew novel
- Endearingly naive characters who combine youthful enthusiasm and patriotic determination
- Sweet, fresh romance
- Smoothly creepy bad guys

Could Be Better:
- Nothing! This movie is a gem!

Possible Concerns:
- Barry and Pat travel together across the country; nothing indecent is done or even implied, but they are alone together for many days and nights.
- At one place in the movie, a woman thinks Barry and Pat are a couple who has been out doing immoral things at night; she is quickly chastised by another character and it is made clear that there is no inappropriate activity, but this did make me uncomfortable the first time I saw it.

Vicki's Vote: 6/5

----------

Review: Of all of my favorite early Hitchcock movies, Saboteur is one of the best. One improbable twist of fate follows another at a frantic pace that leaves you hanging onto the edge of your seat for dear life, carried along by the intelligent and golden-hearted Barry Cain and Pat Martin as they try to outrun the oily, terrifying American villains. You will hold your breath right up to the silent and shocking final scene. To use a colloquial phrase, this is a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids.

The movie begins with a typical day in an ordinary (although already somewhat dark and creepy) aircraft factory in pre-WWII California. Barry Cain and his buddy are heading for lunch, and in the shuffle they accidentally bump into another worker, who drops his mail on the ground. Barry picks up the letters and glances at them before the man snatches his mail and stalks off with a snarl. The incident seems pointless - except that minutes later, the entire factory erupts into uncontrolled flames. The man with the mail shoves two "fire extinguishers" into Barry and his friend's hands, and they run off to fight the fire - but Barry watches in horror as his friend is engulfed by uncontrollable flames.

When the horror is over and Barry has done everything he could, he makes one more stop on his way home to comfort his friend's grieving mother. While he's there, the police come to the door. Barry Cain is wanted for sabotage: those fire extinguishers were filled with gasoline.

Barry flees, and the chase begins: a chase that covers thousands of miles and relies on the goodness of ordinary Americans, their patriotism and pure values. Along the way he wins the heart of Pat Martin, the beautiful fashion model who also happens to have a brilliant mind and a love for her country. It is a chase in pursuit of a very different kind of American - the American saboteur. What kind of man would try to destroy his own country? The naive American boy and girl soon find out; and it is a race against time as they try to track down the killers before they strike again - and evade the death that is following them across every mile.

I love this movie. The framework of the movie, a group of American saboteurs working undercover in the days just before WWII, is completely believable and historically likely; but it's so much more than believable. It's like a vivid dream. The possible becomes impossible - out in the open at a wealthy ball, Barry and Pat are surrounded by armed saboteurs hidden behind curtains and above stairwells; murder is committed in a theater of people watching a comedy; a handwritten cry for help is discovered just at the right time by just the right people. And the impossible becomes possible - two young people stand face to face with the deadly group of wealthy, oily saboteurs and cry out that love will win over hatred, every time.

This is also a movie that you can watch with middle schoolers and young teens (barring just the one line of dialogue that I mentioned in the first section). It is fast-paced and clean, a story of two typical young people faced with extraordinary situations. It's a thrilling celebration of patriotism and a cautionary tale of vigilance. Robert Cummings and Priscilla Lane do a wonderful job of reflecting youthful, wide-eyed optimism and sweet romance. In fact, I might even say that I recommended this movie for middle schoolers and young teens. I guarantee - you will be in suspense from the chilling beginning all the way to the shocking end!

Read More

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Official Trailer

Plot: Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet) Dashwood's lives change almost overnight - their father dies; all of their money is left to their greedy half-brother; and they and their mother and younger sister are forced to relocate to a tiny cottage in Devonshire. But what initially seems like tragedy eventually leads to love - or will it? As Elinor silently suffers doubts about the love of the kind-hearted Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), Marianne is caught in a stormy romance with the dashing John Willoughby (Greg Wise) and the steady Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). The sisters feel miles apart from each other - until life comes crashing down around Marianne. When the sisters cling to each other for help in the midst of disaster, they each learn that the other has a valuable lesson to give.

----------

High Points:
- Based on one of Jane Austen's most beloved novels
- Sensitive, believable character portrayals and interpretations
- Poignant sweetness, heartwarming romance, and gut-wrenching drama
- Beautiful cinematography (filmed on location)
- Thought-provoking treatment of the conflict between reason and emotion

Could Be Better:
- Elinor and Marianne's party dresses are much too lavish and elegant for their poor station in life; Pride and Prejudice (1995) definitely did this better.
- Edward's character is severely underdeveloped. I haven't read the book yet, but from all I've heard, Edward in the book is rather wonderful; but the Edward in the film is flat and always seems confused. The audience is not led to feel the same attachment to him as Elinor does.

Possible Concerns:
- Taken from the actual book, two instances of illegitimate children are mentioned, one of whom belongs to one of the main characters. The issue is treated simply and delicately, and is appropriate except for the subject matter itself.
- Some of the dresses in this movie are very low-necked. I would not let my dad or brother watch this movie.

Vicki's Vote: 5/5

----------

Review: Sense and Sensibility is one of Jane Austen's best-loved novels. Through the real-life ups and downs of Elinor and Marianne, Austen explored one of the important literary conflicts of the late 1700's - which was more important, sense (reason) or sensibility (emotion)? It turned out that she couldn't decide; and so both Elinor (sense) and Marianne (sensibility) find happiness in the end.

I found Sense and Sensibility to be very similar in many ways to Pride and Prejudice, but the characters were very different, so the movie was just as enjoyable to watch. Due to its shorter length (only about two hours), the temperaments of the sisters are somewhat exaggerated - Elinor is almost painfully sensible, and Marianne is almost embarrassingly emotional. But they are each a good influence on the other, and you can watch them grow and mature as they learn about life and love. You will truly rejoice with each of them when things finally work out in the end.

By far, the best character in this movie is the quiet, grave, gentlemanly Colonel Brandon. He is, as Willoughby puts it, the kind of man whom everyone approves of behind his back, but no one thinks of to his face. He loves Marianne because of her innocence and love of beauty, and he keeps loving her, even when she falls for the dashing Willoughby. Here, truly, is the love that Marianne seeks, the love that "alters not when it alteration finds." The scene where he comes into the house and listens to Marianne singing is every bit as romantic as "The Look" in Pride and Prejudice.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Elinor and Marianne. Although they were completely different, they learned in hardship that they were more alike than they imagined. Marianne learns that Elinor does have a heart just as passionate as hers; Elinor learns that Marianne does have a commitment to doing the right thing, just as she does. It was heartwarming to watch them grow into understanding each other, and each be able to celebrate the other's successes in the end.

I don't have much to say about this movie because it is such a classic ... my only recommendation is, if you love the book, if you love Jane Austen, and if you love romantic period dramas, you have to see this movie!

----------

For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers

Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers

Read More

The Remains of the Day (1997)

Plot: Being the ideal butler and loyal servant to his master is the only thing that matters to Mr. Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), head butler to Lord Darlington (James Fox) - or, at least, he thinks it is. He refuses to show any emotion no matter what happens, even when his own father dies. But things start to happen that make him realize his world can't stay perfect forever. First, the sensible, outspoken Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson) comes to take over the housekeeper position, and immediately sparks begin to fly between them. But are those sparks due to authority clashes - or secret love?

Then, Europe starts to line up for World War II, and Mr. Stevens watches as Lord Darlington begins bargaining with the Nazis. Things start to spiral out of control and Lord Darlington does some drastic things, like firing his Jewish servants and hosting secret dinners for Nazi leaders. Yet through it all, Mr. Stevens continues to blindly serve his master and show no emotion. Miss Kenton finds out that he does care about the things his master is doing - but how much? Will he ever open up and reveal his true feelings, for her or for what is right?

----------

High Points:
- Gripping, emotionally wrenching plot
- Powerful use of nonverbal language - virtually none of the real plot of the movie is communicated directly, but through subtle nonverbal cues
- Rare look at the stressful prewar days among politically influential British citizens
- Unusually deep and realistically developed characters
- Filmed on location, beautiful scenery and spectacular old mansions

Could Be Better:
- Definitely not an action flick - this movie is all about dialogue, emotions, social maneuvering, politics, and interpersonal relationships. My family has discovered that it doesn't have much to interest guys. :-)
- I wouldn't spoil this ending for the world, but be forewarned, you may or may not find it satisfying ...

Potential Concerns:
- Occasional bad language
- A couple of scenes with multiple kisses
- One scene in which Mr. Stevens is instructed to speak with a young man about marriage and childbearing; he can't bring himself to do it and nothing inappropriate is said, but it can feel a little uncomfortable. It is not at all essential to the plot other than showing the conflict between Mr. Stevens' sense of duty and his emotional reserve.
- Most of the movie is a flashback, and the frame of the plot is that Miss Kenton, many years later, is having marital problems and going back to her old love interest, Mr. Stevens. I obviously do not agree with this behavior. I can't say much without spoiling the ending, but she does choose to do what is right in the end.

Vicki's Vote: 5/5

----------

Review: The Remains of the Day is much different from most other movies I love. For one thing, it's relatively new, being made in 1997. For another, the acting and use of nonverbal language is far, far superior to almost any other movie I've seen.

The first time we watched The Remains of the Day, Heather and I were left in tears from the sheer power of the raw emotion depicted in this movie. But here is what makes it so great - yes, many films show raw, powerful emotions; but few show these emotions so repressed, so strangled in the grip of high society. Everything in you will want the characters to just stand up and scream all of those feelings they keep hidden - but I'll warn you, they don't. And that is the beauty of this film.

Mr. Stevens is the head butler, Lord Darlington's right-hand man. He comes from generations of butlers, and his pride in his vocation has grown almost to fanaticism. He allows nothing to interfere with his work - not his family, not circumstances, and especially not himself. He rules his emotions and his underservants with an iron hand that is as firm and unyielding as it is gentle and polite. He does not ever change, and life ticks along smoothly in Darlington Hall, as it has for generations.

But this is the 1930's, and change quickly becomes inevitable. He doesn't know what he is getting into when he hires Miss Kenton to be the new housekeeper. She is sensible, capable, and she always speaks her mind - a complete enigma to the controlled Mr. Stevens. She challenges his authority, she tries to get him to change his mind, and she seeks his support when obstacles arise for both of them. She is an energizing force in a place that has not changed for generations.

But what does Mr. Stevens think about her? We're never really told. Miss Kenton is more dramatic; it quickly becomes plain that she loves Mr. Stevens deeply, and with great pain, because she can't read his emotions. But the clues are there, and you will see them and feel them, even though he never speaks his true feelings for good or ill; but Miss Kenton is oblivious. And this oblivion is a source of rising conflict and tension between them, as feelings get stronger - and more repressed.

Mr. Stevens also faces change in the character of his beloved master, Lord Darlington. Because of an old promise he made during World War I, Lord Darlington feels an obligation to help the German people. He begins secretly rendezvousing with Nazi leaders and doing special favors for German friends. He takes two refugee girls into his home and gives them work - then fires them when he finds out they're Jews. Mr. Stevens watches; but what does he think? How does he feel? If you get to know him well enough, you'll see feelings that will be surprising to you - and to him as well.

This is also a somewhat different movie from what I normally review, in that it is definitely more for adults. The subtle nonverbal cues and gut-wrenching emotional turmoil will probably be lost on younger viewers. As I mentioned in the "Possible Concerns" section, there is also some language, and normally I do not watch movies with marital infidelity in them.

However, because of the sheer superiority of the writing and acting in this movie, the unusual historical backdrop of prewar negotiations and tensions, and the fascinating themes of communication, loyalty, and regret, The Remains of the Day is one of my favorite films. I definitely recommend that you watch this movie.

Read More

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

"Fate doesn't always make the right men kings ..."

Plot: When Englishman Rudolf Rassendyll comes to Ruritania for a fishing trip, he accidentally meets the Crown Prince Rudolf V, who is his distant relative and exact double. Prince Rudolf is to be crowned king the next day, but at the hunting-lodge party he throws for Rassendyll, he serves so much wine that everyone falls asleep. The next morning, the Prince does not wake up; and his bodyguards, Colonel Zapt and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim, know that the Prince's wine was drugged by his wicked half-brother, Duke Michael, to prevent him from being crowned king that day.

Colonel Zapt thinks quickly, and begs Rassendyll to take the Prince's place at the ceremony, just until the Prince awakes. Rassendyll agrees; but although the coronation passes without incident, Rassendyll quickly realizes that he's involved much deeper than he realized - not only does he immediately fall deeply in love with the beautiful Princess Flavia, Rudolf's betrothed, but when Colonel Zapt goes to fetch the Prince, he has already been kidnapped by Duke Michael! With the Duke wise to the plan, how will Rassendyll keep up his ruse and save the throne?

Cast:
Rudolf Rassendyll - Ronald Colman
Prince Rudolf V - Ronald Colman
Princess Flavia - Madeleine Carrol
Duke Michael - Raymond Massey
Rupert - Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Colonel Zapt - C. Aubrey Smith
Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim - David Niven
Antoinette de Mauban - Mary Astor

----------

High Points:
- Gripping, intense, suspenseful plot with unexpected twists and surprises
- Star-studded cast that handles the story brilliantly
- High-budget film with lavish cinematography, beautiful costumes, and realistic props and scenery
- Excellent mix of swashbuckling action, suspenseful dialogue, and poignant romance
- Swordfights!

Could Be Better:
- If you're a hopeless romantic like me, you won't like the ending. :-}

Possible Concerns:
- The consumption of wine is central to one of the first scenes, since it is the drugged wine that starts the plot rolling. As long as you know that the point of this scene is Rudolf's being drugged, as well as to point out his irresponsible and thoughtless personality, you can skip this part without missing anything crucial.
- Duke Michael's henchman, Rupert, is in love with Michael's lover Antoinette, and she uses his attraction during the escape scene to lure him into her rooms so Rassendyll can rescue the Prince. All he does once he gets there is kiss her, but if the idea makes you uncomfortable, it also can be easily skipped, as it is very brief and not essential to the plot.

Vicki's Vote: 6/5!

----------

Review: The Prisoner of Zenda is one of my new all-time favorite movies! I had heard of the book but never read it; I knew it was supposed to be very exciting, so when I saw a version made in the 1930's, and then saw so many of my favorite actors in the cast, I decided to give it a try. I'm very glad I did!

On the surface, this seems like a typical action-adventure movie. Because of this, I was surprised at how much depth of emotion there was in this movie. Rassendyll goes through many powerful emotions as he is yanked from a peaceful fishing trip to the throne room of Ruritania in one day, and he struggles to evade Michael's net, learns to love the sweet and beautiful Princess Flavia, fights through obstacles to get to the Prince, and wrestles with his own knowledge that someday he must give up the throne to its rightful owner. I had never seen Ronald Colman in any movies before, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of emotion he could convey in his face (a key criteria on whether I like an actor/actress).

The ending scene between Rassendyll and Princess Flavia is one of the most powerful I have seen in a long time. Rassendyll says one of the most beautiful lines in film: "There's a world out there, our world; and there's a home for you, and a throne - a woman's throne, in my heart."

I also enjoyed the performances of the bad guys, Duke Michael (the creepy Raymond Massey) and Rupert (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.). Duke Michael was calculating, always calm and in control with a scary coldness. Rupert, on the other hand, was roguishly charming and arrogant. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was only 28 years old when this movie was made, and he brings a lot of youthful enthusiasm and complexity to his role.

But even though there is depth to it, it's still a great, suspenseful action-adventure movie. You're really not sure how this movie is going to end, who is going to win each battle, or what Rassendyll is going to decide to do in the end. And there's something for everyone - do you like swordfights, gunfights, escape scenes, evil schemes, lavish royal balls, beautiful princesses, midnight rescues, or acrobatic stunts? Or any of the above? Then you will like this movie.

This movie is a must-see for any serious black-and-white movie critic. Not only is it based on a great work of literature, but the combination of plot and cast make it a truly exceptional movie.

---------

For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

Read More

Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

Plot: This delightful duo of films chronicles the adventures of Father Charles "Chuck" O'Malley (Bing Crosby), a young, happy-go-lucky priest whose unconventional methods pit him against his more traditional superiors - often with surprising results!

In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is given one of his first assignments, to replace the aging priest at financially strapped St. Dominic's parish in New York City. Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald) is a fussy little old Irishman who has run his parish the same way for 45 years, and he is shocked when his energetic young curate breaks a window playing baseball, gives money to a teenager running away from home, and rounds up a gang of young lawbreakers to become St. Dominic's new choir. Father Fitzgibbons even goes to the bishop to ask for Father O'Malley's transfer. But when these unconventional methods start bringing astonishing results, he comes to realize that Father O'Malley is something special. Even Father O'Malley's creativity is tested, though, when things start to go wrong at St. Dominic's ...

In The Bells of St. Mary's, Father O'Malley has been reassigned to take over a crumbling parochial school at risk of being condemned. When he arrives, the housekeeper informs him that the previous principal had been driven nearly insane by the headstrong nuns at the school; and it quickly becomes clear that easygoing Father O'Malley has met his match in strict, stubborn, headstrong Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). Even as their opposing views on education erupt in arguments, they form a strong friendship dedicated to saving the school, and to helping troubled student Patsy Gallagher (Joan Carroll) deal with her turbulent home life.

Then Sister Benedict begins having fainting spells, and her doctor secretly informs Father O'Malley that she is in the early stages of tuberculosis. Father O'Malley arranges for her to be transferred to a warmer climate; however, the doctor warns him not to tell her she is sick, and so a brokenhearted Sister Benedict assumes that he can no longer tolerate her viewpoints on education. Father O'Malley is torn. Should he disobey the doctor to help his friend?

----------

High Points:
- Award-winning music and acting
- Heartwarming plots and inspiring themes
- Realistic, endearing characters
- Some surprising plot twists keep the stories interesting

Could Be Better:
- Going My Way starts out at a pretty slow pace and takes almost an hour to speed up into the main part of the movie. If you can stick with it, it gets more interesting as you go along. :-)
- If you like adventure and action, these movies may seem boring to you, as they mostly center around everyday problems and occurrences.
- Despite their Christian setting, neither of these videos presents any kind of clear Gospel message or mentions God much at all, except for short prayers.
- Definitely look for the black-and-white version of The Bells of St. Mary's; some colorized versions are not done well and can be distracting.

Possible Concerns:
Going My Way
- Father O'Malley tries to help troubled teen Carol James, who has run away from home to escape her "repressive" parents and become a singer; it is hinted several times that she is living an immoral lifestyle. However, as this movie was made in 1944, the references are fairly veiled. Carol does change her ways later in the movie, as well.
- Father Fitzgibbons has a bottle of alcohol that he sneaks out on "special occasions."

The Bells of St. Mary's
- Patsy Gallagher's parents are separated; Father O'Malley gently works on them to bring them back together, and they reconcile in the end. The effects of their separation are clearly shown in Patsy's life.

Vicki's Vote: Both movies - 5/5

----------

Review: How many movies these days could win multiple Academy Awards by declaring that Christianity is full of joy, laughter, and music? Both of these movies are lighthearted musicals that move at a gentle pace, sensitively depict real-life problems, and yes, Father O'Malley dares to declare to his skeptical friends that he has fun being a priest.

I was introduced to The Bells of St. Mary's many years ago, as it is the livelier and more kid-friendly of the two movies (naturally, since it takes place in a school). So I was excited last night to finally see Going My Way, the first movie in the series. Both of these movies are peaceful, fun to watch, and leave you with a fuzzy feeling for several hours after they're over.

In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is young and exuberant, lively and musical, sometimes clumsy, but with a creative vision that we in the audience can see right away ... even though poor Father Fitzgibbons is sure for nearly an hour's worth of film that he's been saddled with a scatterbrained assistant. Somehow, though, we watch as the tangled mess of huge debts, wayward young people, and generational clashes turns into a beautiful song that starts to turn lives around:

This road leads to Rainbowville,
Going my way
Up ahead is Bluebird Hill,
Going my way

Just pack a basket full of wishes
And off you start,
With Sunday morning in your heart

Round the bend you'll see a sign,
"Dreamers Highway"
Happiness is down the line,
Going my way

The smiles you'll gather
Will look well on you -
Oh, I hope you're going my way too!

(And by the way, I dare you to watch the ending and not cry ...)

When The Bells of St. Mary's begins, however, we see that Father O'Malley has grown up a little bit. His youthful spontaneity has solidified into a firmer set of convictions ... and it's fascinating to watch his firm convictions crash head-on into the even firmer convictions of his polar opposite, Sister Benedict. Just like his relationship with Father Fitzgibbons, it seems that this unlikely partnership will not last; but as they learn to accept each other and start working together, their combined strengths help to rescue troubled Patsy and save the school in a very unusual way.

Both of these movies are wholesome, happy movies that celebrate creativity, understanding, loyalty, friendship, and joy. The music is beautiful late-40's swing, sung by the incomparable Bing Crosby himself, and both of the stories are interesting and believable. I definitely encourage you to see these movies!

----------

For More Information:

Going My Way
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

The Bells of St. Mary's
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

Read More

Go For Broke! (1951)

Plot: Lieutenant Grayson (Van Johnson) is from the Deep South - Texas, to be exact - and when World War II began, he enlisted in the army to fight the Japs. Only ... when he got his commission, he wound up with the 442nd, the only Japanese-American unit in the United States Army. At first, Grayson tries to torment his "Jap" subordinates through harsh discipline and lack of respect; but as the 442nd surges across France and his soldiers courageously perform rescue after rescue, he begins to take another look at his racist attitudes.

----------

High Points:
- Most of the Japanese-American actors were actual veterans of the heroic 442nd Regiment
- Endearing characters
- Historically significant
- Excellent balance of action, dialogue, humor, conflict, and growth

Could Be Better:
- The balance of the movie is dialogue and character development, with very little action; some viewers might get bored with this.

Possible Concerns:
- There is moderate alcohol consumption in this movie, including drinking in homes and a brief bar scene at the end. The drinking is always secondary to the dialogue, and is not the focus of the scene; however, some families may find this uncomfortable.
- As is typical of Van Johnson's 1950s war movies, he is constantly on the lookout for beautiful women as he moves through Europe. He only "catches" one; they drink wine and kiss passionately in her house for a few minutes ... until he catches sight of all her souvenirs from other soldiers who have been through before, that is. :-) Other than the concept being bad, the scene is not revealing or suggestive; and it can easily be skipped over if you like, as well.

Vicki's Vote: 5/5

----------

Review: Go For Broke! is a fascinating "time capsule" of a movie - it not only captures the experiences of Japanese-American soldiers just a few years after the war is over, but it does so in the most authentic way possible: by bringing together veterans of the real 442nd regiment to portray their experiences.

The movie is unusual for the time period as well, because it explores the backgrounds and personalities of the soldiers and discusses the prejudices and bigotry they faced back home, in their jobs or in the internment camps. Each of them has a different reason for joining the army, but each of them is committed to fighting for their country and their right to be first-class citizens.

I really enjoy this movie every time I watch it. Van Johnson starts out so obnoxious that I just can't stand him. Why can't he see the humor in Masami's hula dancing, or the wisdom of philosophical Sam, or the sweetness of little Tommy? In this way, we see just how blinding racism can be. But we are allowed to see the men, to learn their stories and why they joined the army - some to get away from the internment camps, some to earn better lives for their wives and children, some to try to make more money to follow their dreams. And in the middle of their conversation, Lt. Grayson barges in and starts yelling derisive orders, ensuring that they won't like him any more than he likes them.

But just as you expect, they all get thrown together and head for the battlefield; and that's where things heat up. Lt. Grayson almost gets busted for being so busy with an Italian girl that he misses the order to march ... but for some reason, his men decide to cover up for him. Then they start proving their worth on the battlefield. By the time Lt. Grayson's coveted transfer papers come through, he suddenly isn't sure that he wants to go. And then the men start to find out that maybe they've misjudged Lt. Grayson, too.

I heartily recommend this movie! It's a fascinating story of racism and respect in a difficult time for minorities, and how one group of courageous men started changes coming for other Japanese-Americans back home. Definitely give this movie a try!

----------

For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

Read More

The Clock (1945)

Plot: The Clock (1945) is the story of a young soldier in a big city - and the girl who trips over him in the train station. Lonely, sensitive Joe (Robert Walker) and bright, confident Alice (Judy Garland) are seemingly thrown together in the middle of New York City; and New York keeps things moving so fast that Joe and Alice just can't seem to get away from each other, until they're separated in the city's largest subway station, without knowing each other's last name or destination. When they find each other again, they decide to get married - but it's a race against the clock to get through the red tape before Joe's two-day leave is up.

----------

High Points:
- Engaging, believable plot
- Sweet characters who grow and change
- Wholesome romance
- Excellent actors, both main characters and supporting cast
- Unusual plot depth involving the characters' destiny being manipulated by the setting (in this case, New York)

Could Be Better:
- Mostly not shot on location; lots of (well-done, but still) backdrops and projection screens
- May be disappointing for some people: Judy Garland doesn't sing at all in this movie

Possible Concerns:
- One scene where a woman changes her blouse on-screen. It is brief (about one minute), and when my family watches it, my dad and brother just close their eyes until it is over.
- A false suggestion by a secretary that Alice and Joe may be having an inappropriate relationship. It is subtly implied; nothing is directly stated.
- A drunk man in one scene; he is harmless and provides some comic relief, but this may be a concern for some families. Also, Joe and Alice are given some wine as a gift early in the movie; they each take one sip before getting back to their conversation. Again, it is unobtrusive, but might be a problem for some families.

Vicki's Vote: 10/5!!

----------

Review: The Clock is my favorite movie of all time because it is sweet and wholesome, but still poignant and dramatic. In many movies, even when the main characters are supposed to be young and innocent, the actors themselves still bring their own "baggage" into the part; but both Robert Walker and Judy Garland were very young when this movie was filmed, so their characters are fresh and youthful. Their romance really seems like the first one for both of them.

On paper, this movie's plot seems to fall into the usual "boy meets girl, they overcome obstacles, fall in love and live happily ever after" mold. However, many critics have noted that this movie actually contains a special kind of antagonist - in this case, the city of New York itself. Now, "the city" takes the forms of different supporting characters - the bus fare collector, the milkman, the Irish mounted police officer ... all of these people are sent at just the right time to either bring Joe and Alice together, or later on, to try to drive them apart. You can feel the unseen force of the city throughout the movie - the man who walks by just as Joe tries to express his feelings for Alice; the busboy eavesdropping on them in the restaurant - it seems maddeningly random, but when Joe and Alice triumph and everything works out at the end, you see that there was a meaning in it, after all.

Of course, this sounds a little mystic. :-P What it actually is, is really superb writing by the screenplay director. And that's what makes this movie a cut above other straightforward romances.

There are a lot of visual symbols and nonverbal communication in this movie that also help to make it special. In fact, this has been a much harder review for me to write than I anticipated, because so much of the movie is felt, rather than heard or seen. The best scene is the beautiful church scene at the end - I can't tell you more about it, though. You have to see it for yourself! :-)

In summary, this movie is one of the best to come out of World War II. It provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the war, the parts of their lives that didn't involve shooting, marching, sailing, or rationing. It is also timeless, though, in the way that it portrays two sweet young people who fall in love for the first time. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie!

----------

For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer (With Spoilers)

Read More

Welcome!

Welcome to Screenplay! My name is Vicki, and I have created this blog to be a resource (or, may I say, a fan site?) for Christians who love movies.

I have been watching movies for as long as I can remember, and while I enjoy movies of all eras and genres, my real passion is for the movies of Hollywood's Golden Years (1910-1950). Here at Screenplay, I hope to review all kinds of family-friendly movies, especially focusing on the dear old black-and-whites.

I will always welcome comments, suggestions, questions, tips, and recommendations for reviews on this blog! The list of all my family's movies currently stands at about 125, so I have a lot of good movies to review for you; but obviously there are way more movies in the world than that, so feel free to send them in!

Grab your popcorn and find the remote, and let's watch some great movies!

Love in Christ,
Vicki

Read More