The Christmas Wife - 1988

Enjoyable drama. Facing his first Christmas as a widower, John (Robards) answers a personals ad hoping to meet someone to share Christmas Day. The woman (Harris) who responds to his request is obviously hiding something. This quiet story was well written with a touching storyline that managed to avoid getting too sappy. As you watch the characters, you can feel their loneliness without it becoming overly sentimental. Performances were excellent by both Robards and Harris, easily making you feel at ease with their characters. Although this was a family friendly film, the storyline was definitely geared more to an older audience and would not be that entertaining for the very young. Definitely worth watching, though. ***

The Christmas Cottage - 2008

Somewhat entertaining look at the events that shaped one of today’s most endearing artists, Thomas Kinkade. Returning home for the holidays, Thomas (Padalecki) discovers that his mother (Harden) is about to lose her home. This film definitely had its ups and downs. The first half is a little slow moving, struggling to decide what kind of story its really going to be. The film has its heart-warming moments but also has its fair share of cursing and vulgar innuendos. The characters vary from the exceptional performance of Peter O’Toole, the artist next door, to other townspeople that seem little more than caricatures. The last half of the film finally seems to come together, delivering some very heartfelt moments. Was definitely disappointed that the film seemed to tiptoe around the Christian aspect of the story.  In spite of its problems, however, we enjoyed the film. It was worth watching if only to see the incredible performance of Peter O’Toole. ***

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!   ****

Conquest - 1937

Interesting but rather dull historical drama highlighting the story of Napoleon (Charles Boyer) and his legendary mistress, Countess Walewska (Greta Garbo). It is obvious early on in this film that no expense was spared for this film. The costumes are lavish with great attention to detail, as are the varied sets. The B&W lighting and filming are exceptional and add a richness to what is happening on screen. The story of Napoleon himself is very condensed, with the events of years occurring in just 2 short hours on screen. In fact, a personal knowledge of Napoleon and his campaigns is necessary to follow the on screen story of the Emperor and his mistress. The film's greatest strength is the performances of the title characters. Charles Boyer was perfectly cast as Napoleon Bonaparte, giving an Oscar worthy portrayal of the infamous Emperor, while Greta Garbo proves again that she can command the screen, even when her role is really secondary. Their on screen chemistry is extraordinary. In its day, this was a failure at the box office but if you like lavish historical dramas, you should enjoy this one.  ***

Facing the Giants - 2006

Struggling in both his personal and professional life, Coach Grant Taylor (Kendrick) turns to his Christian faith for guidance. This was an entertaining film with both strengths and weaknesses. Any movie produced by a small film company certainly faces many challenges, the least of which is the pool of actors to choose from. Performances ranged from just Ok to good, but for the most part were better than is often found in other films of this type. Filming was fairly good with some great football sequences that rival many bigger productions I've seen. Its biggest weakness, however, was probably the misconception you might gain from its main theme. Its focus, that our Heavenly Father will strengthen us during difficult times, was basically a good message. However, the film seems to promote the idea that if we'll just be good that all our dreams will come true. In my own life, I've certainly discovered trials do not magically disappear, even when I'm doing my very best to "be good". Surprisingly, sometimes those very trials became my greatest blessings because of what they teach me. On the other hand, almost every good miracle that happened in this film, I have either experienced myself or witnessed happening to someone I know: from the new truck, to the change in job status, to a pregnancy in the face of all medical facts to the contrary! I've just never seen that many miracles happen all to the same person! :-) Because I've certainly had my own miraculous wonders, I could look past the overzealous portrayal of these same types of events in the film. Perhaps the real message is simply that we can all turn to Him when times are tough to receive the strength we need. Even with its weaknesses we found the film enjoyable. ***

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.  ****

State of the Union - 1948

Intriguing classic film with the incomparable Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. After businessman Grant Matthews (Tracy) decides to run for president, his ideals begin to get shoved aside by those who are pushing his candidacy. Blinded by his own lofty goals, only his wife (Hepburn) seems to recognize what is happening. In spite of its age, much of the political climate of this film seemed relevant even today. In fact, you realize how little has changed. Performances were excellent with Tracy expertly portraying the idealistic Matthews, as well as a wonderful portrayal by Hepburn as his devoted wife. However, since the focus of this film is more of a political commentary, you will not find the witty dialog that usually accompanies a film with this pair. Excellent performances by the supporting cast, especially that of Angela Lansbury as the scheming newswoman. She definitely shines in this role! Filming is good and since directed by Capra, you will find some great patriotic speeches that help maintain the focus of the story. Definitely worth your time.  ***

The Gin Game - 2003

Dreadful story! This dark drama takes the viewer through the inner struggles of two elderly people as they share their lives during their gin games. As an actual fan of what I refer to as “intelligent drama”, I expected to enjoy this film but the story never came together for me and only managed to be depressing. The roles were masterfully portrayed by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, but their previous work shadows this film and made their roles seem a little unbelievable. As mentioned by others, the language was terrible and very much “in your face” – definitely more than the characters or the situation warranted. Ridiculously abrupt ending! Definitely better choices out there.  *

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!  ****

Rebecca - 1997

Interesting adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. Maxim DeWinter (Dance) and his new wife (Fox) feel the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, who died under unusual circumstances. This remake is actually a more accurate version than Hitchcock’s 1940 film. With its added length, it was able to include many details left out of the earlier shorter film. Even so, it still seemed to lack the mystical feel of either the book itself or its 1940 predecessor. It did stay true to the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s death, which definitely had more of an impact on the characters than the changes made in the Hitchcock version. Performances were Ok but DeWinter (Dance) seemed much older than described in the book (age 41) which made the age difference between he and the young Mrs. DeWinter (Fox) feel almost uncomfortable. Nor did there seem to be any chemistry between them. Superb performance by Diana Rigg as the chilling Mrs. Danvers, however. Very creepy! Good cinematography and costuming that fit the period. Just an Ok remake, though, and not our favorite. ***

Rebecca - 1940

Chilling adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. Maxim DeWinter (Olivier) and his new wife (Fontaine) feel the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, who died under unusual circumstances. A master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock created a mysterious film that keeps you riveted from beginning to end. Olivier gives an outstanding performance as the tortured DeWinter that pairs perfectly with the innocence portrayed by Fontaine as his new young wife. Great chemistry between them! As the chilling Mrs. Danvers, Judith Anderson will make you shudder! Incredible Black & White cinematography for which Hitchcock was so famous. One weakness, however, was the alteration from Du Maurier’s book concerning Rebecca’s death, which unfortunately lessened the impact of that event on the characters. Still, this is an outstanding and well done film that deserved the Oscar nominations it received. Definitely a favorite we've watched many times!  *****