Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995)
C. – 94-m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Christina Ricci, Anna Chlumski, Polly Draper, Diana Scarwid, David Keith, Gillian Barber, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Jewel Staite, Andrew Wheeler and Jennifer Hale (as Carren Learning).
A city girl (Christina Ricci) moves with her mother to where her mother grew up and makes friends with a tomboy (Anna Chlumski). Together they solve the mystery of Bear Mountain, Molly Morgan, treasure and find out what friendship is all about. “Some friendships are worth a fortune,” isn’t just the tagline for this film in this reviewer’s opinion. A coming of age story that isn’t afraid to be somewhat dark and yet capture the happy abandonment of such things that teen friends can experience when they are together. The warmth of the film brings nostalgia to this viewer even many decades after first seeing it.
Trivia: Christina Ricci revealed that she wished she had never starred in this film on Watch What Happens Live in a segment titled: “Never Should Have.” Christina Ricci and Ashleigh Aston Moore starred as friends in Now And Then (1995). And finally this was the film debut of Jewel Staite.
Rated: [PG] – Mild Language & Thematic Elements, Including A Child’s Exposure To Domestic Abuse.
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.
Now And Then (1995)
C. - 100m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Gaslight Addition, Dear Friends
Starring: Demi Moore, Gabby Hoffmann, Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Rita Wilson, Walter Sparrow, Cloris Leachman, Hank Azaria, Bonnie Hunt, Rumor Willis, Devon Sawa and Brendan Fraiser.
A group of teen girls growing up during the summer of 1970 have some summer fun and form a life-long bond. Years later, in 1991, they reunite for one of them being pregnant and giving birth to a baby. I am convinced that this should be considered part of the strongest teen coming-of-age stories from the 1980’s. The, “adult,” cast is perfectly fitted to the, “teen,” cast in appearances. While the story is simple the way the cast plays it makes one wish they were around when these teens were growing up, even if they are far removed from it. It has the feel of a John Hughes film without actually being that. The story of life long friendships may seldom play out in real life but it always makes for a feel good film. Another annual must-watch film; suggested for summer viewings!
Trivia: Reportedly, in the scene where Chrissy punches Roberta in the face for pretending to drown, Christina Ricci forgot to turn her head and wound up actually getting punched in the face full force by the late Ashleigh Aston Moore. This shut down production for a few days due to Ricci being badly bruised. Incidentally, Ashleigh Aston Moore had to gain 20 pounds for this film. Also, this was one of two films she made with Christina Ricci in 1995, the other being: Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995). Additionally, Christina Ricci’s love interest in this, Devon Sawa, was also her love interest in the same year’s Casper (1995). It is also reported that Christina Ricci and Gabby Hoffmann are best friends in real-life. And finally: Notice that every time the teen women play, “Truth Or Dare,” they always pick truth.
Rated: [PG–13] - Adolescent Sex Discussions
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.