Scrooge - 1935

Excellent early adaptation of this classic story, although very abridged. Unfamiliar with this version, this film came as a wonderful surprise. The movie does cut some very important aspects of the book but at only a little more than an hour that is not too surprising and they do a good job of merging the gaps. Wonderful performances by all especially Sir Seymour Hicks as Scrooge. Interesting interpretation of the Christmas spirits. Excellent B&W filming that succeeded in enhancing the various emotions of this story and included some wonderful detail in both sets and costumes. The disc includes both the B&W and the colorized version but you must go to the special features to get the B&W version. This will definitely be a “Christmas Carol” favorite!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey - 2007

Charming adaptation of the well known children’s Christmas story. A grieving and reclusive woodcarver (Berenger) agrees to replace a loved wooden nativity that has been lost. Surprisingly, this well written film managed to remain true to the original book, a feat not always achieved, especially when so much must be added in order to reach the time frame of a movie. Performances were excellent by the entire cast but especially the three central characters. Filming was exceptional with rich colors and lighting that enhanced the emotions portrayed. Wonderful musical score! This is definitely a new Christmas favorite that will be watched many times.****

Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 2008

Enjoyable, light-hearted Christmas romance. The storyline included the usual single, suspicious mom (Burns), the stiff “almost” fiancé who only pretends to like her son, and the caring, handsome, spontaneous stranger (Christie). With the help of her match-making uncle (Winkler), both the Christmas spirit as well as a romance blossoms. Although this was certainly a predictable film, it somehow managed to be fairly charming anyway. Performances were pretty good with a fair amount of chemistry between the characters. It was especially enjoyable to see the great performance of Henry Winkler as the lovable, interfering uncle. The film also included some enjoyable humor as well as several heart-warming moments. Definitely one we can enjoy watching each year. ****

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear - 2005

Entertaining! After finally being forced to leave college, Flynn (Wyle) becomes a “librarian” and protector of antiquities. With a script that loosely follows in the footsteps of “Indiana Jones”, this film was great fun with adventure, humor and romance. Admittedly, the story was highly implausible, had several plot holes and was certainly far from family friendly. However, it never really pretended to be anything other than a light-hearted adventure that wanted you to suspend belief and just enjoy the story. The performances were pretty good, fitting in well with the style of the film, and the special effects were also well done. This is one we’ve enjoyed watching more than once. ****

The Errand of Angels - 2008

Charming inspirational film highlighting the work of sister missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). This is not a fast-paced film but the story moves along smoothly and is well written. The acting is good, especially for this type of independent film and the cinematography of Austria is beautiful. Most of the dialog was in German so concentrating on the subtitles and eliminating distractions were a necessity for us. This film beautifully expounds on some of the very basic elements of the Mormon faith, blending it well as part of the story. Enjoyable film.  ****

Madame Curie - 1943

Exceptional film highlighting the life and scientific work of Madame Curie (Greer Garson) and her husband (Walter Pidgeon). Watching the incredible sacrifices made by these early scientists will leave you feeling humbled at the efforts they made. Outstanding performances by all, but especially by Greer Garson. She is so immersed in the part of Madame Curie that you can actually feel her determination to finish the work in spite of any obstacles that occur. Wonderful filming that enhances this intense subject matter. The story is perhaps a little long but not enough to be a problem. Although this is not a film that I would watch over and over, it is both an important part of our scientific and cinematic history and well worth viewing.  ****

Miss Potter - 2006

Delightful film on the life of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. With excellent performances by both Renee Zellweger as Miss Potter and Ewan McGregor as her publisher, the story moves along smoothly. It was fascinating to watch a little of what a woman author would have faced in order to be recognized and published in this era of time. Although the script distorts several of the facts about her life and sometimes becomes a little too whimsical, the cinematography is wonderful and helps keep the basic story believable. The film had me wanting to locate a copy of her books, which to me is a strong plus for a movie's success in this genre. Enjoyable family viewing!   ****

Wife Vs. Secretary - 1936

Delightful classic romance. This was an intelligent and well written film that included a wonderful blend of humor, warmth and drama. Surprisingly, the storyline managed to focus on an obviously happy couple and their romantic marriage without resorting to often used cheery fluff. Plus, it avoided the typical addition of the home-wrecking "other woman", allowing gossip and suspicion to provide the conflict. Although filmed in the 30's, the story was amazingly timeless and felt as if could have been filmed today. Performances were outstanding! This was probably one of Clark Gable's most lovable characters while Myrna Loy was at her best as the intelligent and loving wife. The chemistry between them was especially appealing! Plus, the excellent performance of Jean Harlow as the smart, driven secretary really added depth to the story. It was also fun to see Jimmy Stewart early in his career. Whether a fan of classic film or of any of these wonderful actors, this is one not to be missed.  ****

Jesse Stone: Thin Ice - 2009

Another enjoyable thriller based on the character in the Jesse Stone books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Stone (Selleck) is wounded after being shot during a stake-out. This well written film is the first not based on an actual novel but it is certainly a great addition to both the books and the earlier films. Exceptional performances by the entire cast. Selleck is definitely well-suited to the role of Chief Stone. Beautiful cinematography and a superb musical score that enhance the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. As with its predecessors, this one is definitely worth your time. On a side note, although this film could technically stand alone, the earlier "Stone" films would fill in some of the storyline gaps and make this one more enjoyable. It also definitely has a mild cliffhanger conclusion.  (5th in series) ****

Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise - 2006

Entertaining thriller adapted from the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Jesse Stone (Selleck) is determined to find the killer of a young murdered girl. This addition to the “Stone” tv films is definitely as well made as its predecessors. Superb performances by the entire cast, but especially Selleck as Jesse Stone. His portrayal of the emotionally troubled police chief is right on the mark. Exceptional cinematography and musical score that enhanced the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. Not to be missed! On a side note, although this film could stand alone, we found it enjoyable to have seen the earlier “Stone” films. (3rd in series)  ****

Jesse Stone: Sea Change - 2007

Another great thriller adapted from the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief Jesse Stone (Selleck) re-opens a case involving the murder of a bank teller. Although there is a certain predictability with the “Stone” series of films, this new addition is definitely as well made as its predecessors. Selleck is right on the mark with his portrayal of the troubled Jesse Stone, as well as excellent performances by the supporting cast. Outstanding cinematography and musical score that enhanced the story and certainly surpasses many of the made-for-tv films you usually see. Enjoyable addition to this series of films. On a side note, although this film could stand alone, we found it enjoyable to have seen the earlier “Stone” films. (4th in series)  ****

Jesse Stone: Stone Cold - 2005

Enjoyable thriller based on the books by Robert B. Parker. Chief of Police Jesse Stone (Selleck) works to solve a series of senseless murders. This was a thoughtful, well written story that involves the viewer in both the plot and the characters right from the beginning. Selleck gives a strong performance as the Chief of Police, perfectly balancing the character’s keen insights into police work as well as his personal problems. Great character development both for the main and the supporting cast. Superb cinematography and musical score! Definitely worth your time! On a side note, although filmed for television, this particular “Jesse Stone” film carries an R rating. We watched this on tv but do not know if anything was edited. All the films in this series seem similar in adult content and are certainly not family friendly regardless of rating. Consider your audience. Note: Although filmed first, this one occurs 2nd chronologically.  ****

Jesse Stone: Night Passage - 2006

Enjoyable thriller based on the books by Robert B. Parker. Former detective Jesse Stone (Selleck) arrives in a small town to be their chief of police. This was a thoughtful, well written story that involves the viewer in both the plot and the characters right from the beginning. Selleck gives a powerful performance as the troubled, alcoholic cop who manages to be commanding in spite of his own personal problems. Great character development both for the main and the supporting cast. Superb cinematography and musical score that surpass most tv movies! Definitely worth your time! Note: Although filmed after “Stone Cold”, this one takes place first. ****

The Moon-Spinners - 1964

Enjoyable film of suspense and intrigue based loosely on the novel by Mary Stewart. While on holiday on the island of Crete, Nikki (Mills) becomes involved in trying to find a fortune in stolen jewels. If you have read Stewart’s book and are looking for a faithful adaptation, you will not find it here. However, Disney did a great job of creating an intelligent screenplay that matched the spirit of the story. Great performances by all, but especially that of Hayley Mills, who definitely demonstrated her ability to move into older roles. Personally, though, I would have preferred to see the strength her character showed in the book and a little less screaming. :-) The filming was excellent with some wonderful scenes of Crete and the local culture. Loved the edge-of-your-seat windmill scene! This is definitely a great family friendly film that we would enjoy watching again in the future. ****

The Coward - 1915

Compelling film of a young man whose fear brands him a coward even in the eyes of his father. This was truly a remarkable film of the inner struggle this boy felt (and most of them were just boys) when presented with the realities of war. The story is a fairly simple one with little character development except for that of the father and the son. At only a little more than an hour, the story moves along quickly; perhaps a little too swiftly, but the impact of the story is still present. The film itself is color-toned black & white and includes very few title cards. Most of the story is told simply by the actions of the characters themselves. Certainly the moment the boy faces his inner demons strikes a chord in each of us and includes a perfect title card: "The blood of his fathers, the shadowy hands of past generations of fighting men shatter the fetters of cowardice, and the last of the house of Winslow stands forth unafraid." The ending is a little abrupt but typical of the silent era. Although not for everyone, this is a wonderful part of our cinematic history. I'm not aware of this film available separately but it can be found with a collection of silent films of the Civil War.  ****

Born Free - 1966

Exceptional adaptation of the book by Joy Adamson. This extremely accurate film is based on the struggle of George and Joy Adamson (husband and wife) to return a lioness they had raised back into the wild. This heart-warming story will delight you from the very outset, and includes both humor and intense drama. Outstanding portrayal of the Adamsons by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna. In fact, they deliver such believable performances, you will wonder if they are really ARE the Adamsons. Actually filmed in Africa, the cinematography is superb, both of the countryside and the lions. Whether or not you are into wildlife films, this is truly a classic and not to be missed!  ****

Yours, Mine & Ours - 1968

Enjoyable movie based on the book written by Helen North (“Who Gets the Drumstick”) which tells of their real-life experiences after she met and married Frank Beardsley, joining their two families (18 children). Although not totally accurate, the movie does a great job of portraying many of the emotions and efforts of Helen and Frank to unite their families. The struggles they face are both humorous and touching. Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda have great on-screen chemistry and are very believable in their roles with a great supporting cast. The movie is full of humor and is especially enjoyable because it’s a more realistic portrayal of the situations a family of this size would encounter. Having read the book years ago, I fell in love with this movie and have enjoyed watching it many times. (If you are a fan of more believable humor rather than the slapstick variety, this is the version to watch rather than its recent remake.)  ****

Oklahoma - 1999

Outstanding musical with the remarkable music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, including the well known “O What a Beautiful Morning.” Differing from the earlier ’55 film, this was an actual stage production recorded on film. Since the staging is superb and each scene is easily definable, this was actually one of its strengths over its predecessor! Superb performances from Hugh Jackman, Josefina Gabrielle and Shuler Hensley in the lead roles. In fact, they easily lived up to, and sometimes surpassed, the wonderful performances in the ’55 film. Good performances from the supporting cast as well, with some incredible choreography. One definite strength was probably the main confrontation between Curly and Jud. It was pretty intense and was definitely a pivotal point in the story. Although this is not my favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein production, this one will definitely be watched again.  NOTE: Although fairly family friendly, this story does handle some adult topics.****

Oklahoma - 1955

Wonderful musical with the remarkable music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, including the well known “O What a Beautiful Morning.” Based off of a stage production, this film included many things that would have been impossible on stage: fields of corn, horses, burning haystack and buggy race, to name just a few. Excellent cinematography and choreography! Superb performances from Shirley Jones, Gordon MacRae and Rod Steiger in the lead roles. Good performances from the supporting cast as well, although I had a hard time accepting Eddie Albert in the role of the Persian peddler. One weakness was probably the main confrontation between Curly and Jud. It was pretty mild and over so quickly you hardly knew it had happened. Although this is not my favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein production, it is definitely one that has been watched many times.  NOTE: Although fairly family friendly, this story does handle some adult topics.****

Jane Eyre - 1983

Excellent BBC miniseries based on Charlotte Bronte’s well known novel. This is certainly a very faithful version of this romantic story with a well written script. In fact, the dialogue is frequently almost verbatim from the book. With the added length of a miniseries, this series was also able to include many of the scenes and characters cut from other versions of this story; a definite plus! Exceptional performances from both the main and  supporting cast, especially those of Timothy Dalton as the brooding Rochester and Zelah Clarke as the quiet and vulnerable Jane (although Dalton was perhaps too handsome for the role). :-)  The costuming was well done and in keeping with the era of time the novel took place, but the inside sets at Thornfield seemed a little overly decorated and were somewhat distracting. Regardless of any weaknesses, this is definitely one of the best versions available.    ****