Last Flag Flying (2017)

Last Flag Flying (2017)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Darryl Ponicsan
Screenplay By: Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan
Pro. – Dir.: Richard Linklater
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell and Samuel Davis.

Thirty years after they served together in Vietnam, three friends reunite to help bury on of their sons. A very sad but moving story is actually pretty well summarized as: The Last Detail (1973) and Taking Chance (2009) meets The Big Chill (1983). It is more of an emotional rollercoaster than one may think from the trailers. Fine performances by the actors! This film should not be missed.

Trivia: This is a spiritual sequel to The Last Detail (1973) and the novel was an actual sequel to it. This was filmed in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rated: [R] – Language Throughout Including Some Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)

Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)

C – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Margot Robbie, Domhall Gleeson, Stephen Campbell Moore, Richard McCabe and Geraldine Somerville.

The story of the life of A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie The Pooh stories. Sad but interesting biopic offers an interesting but vary polarizing look at PTSD and how it effects a family. One feels bad for both the author in question and his son who had to fight to have an identity other than “Christopher Robin”.

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Some Bullying, War Images & Brief Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Series (2001 – 2011 & 2016 – 2024)

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

C – 152m (Theatrical Cut) / 159m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter
Novel: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Ian Hart, Warwick Davis, Verne Troyer, Sir John Hurt, Richard Bremmer, Geraldine Somerville, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Alfred Enoch, Leslie Phillips, Sir John Cleese, Terence Bayler, Simon Fisher–Becker, Nina Young, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Zoe Wanamaker, Elizabeth Spriggs, Derek Hough and Julianne Hough.

Music By: John Williams

Orphaned Harry Potter is rescued from negligent stepparents and is sent to Hogwarts for his first year of school. He makes new friends, makes the sports team, and faces some sinister goings on at the school. Masterful adaption of the first Potter novel soars with great acting, a John Hughes like charm, added by Chris Columbus (who directed the first two Hughes Home Alone films), and a wonderful set of CGI images.

Trivia: Alan Rickman was hand picked by J.K. Rowling for the role of Snape. She gave him the vital details of Snape’s backstory that were not revealed until the final novel. Sir Richard Harris had trouble remembering his lines. Daniel Radcliffe would ask him to help run lines so that Harris would have more practice. Robbie Coltrane was the first actor cast. J.K. Rowling vetoed at least one line in the script because it would contradict her then unpublished Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. Rosie O’Donnell wanted to be in the movie as Molly Weasley and so did Robin Williams as Hagrid. They both asked to play the roles without pay but Rowling vetoed it saying she wanted a strictly English and Irish cast. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score – John Williams.

Rated: [PG] – Some Scary Moments & Mild Language
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)

C – 161m (Theatrical Cut) / 174m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Chamber Of Secrets, Incident At 57th Street, Harry Potter 2
Novel: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin, Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Matthew Lewis, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miriam Margolyes, Sir John Cleese, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Shirley Henderson, Leslie Phillips, Christian Coulson, Robert Hardy and Julian Glover.
Music By: John Williams

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have a hard time getting to Hogwarts and darker goings on make Harry suspect something is up. Unfortunately Harry is hearing a strange voice in his head. A mysterious journal holds secrets from Harry’s past and a nice but clumsy elf named Dobby wants to help Harry Potter. Great sequel starts the shift of the story to a darker tone. Almost everything works here. Over–length hampers it a bit.

Trivia: Rupert Grint has a terrible case of severe arachnophobia to the point that he didn’t have to act in the spider scene. To this day, he still hasn’t watched the entire sequence. Sir Richard Harris died a few weeks before the film’s release. Director Chris Columbus reported visiting him in the hospital shortly before he passed and having Harris yelling at him, “Don’t you dare recast the part! I’ll be fine for the next film!” Full–size models of the actors replaced them when their characters were supposed to be petrified. One of two Harry Potter films not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other was Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). 

Rated: [PG] – Scary Moments, Some Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)

C – 142m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban: The Imax Experience, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, Harry Potter 3
Novel: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Alfonso Cuaron
Producers: Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Richard Griffiths, Pam Ferris, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Hardy, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Josh Herman, Alfred Enoch, Emma Thompson, Jamie Waylett, Julie Christie and Timothy Spall.
Music By: John Williams

The third year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter and company finds the school with a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher with a secret, dark happenings going on and a murderer named Serious Black on the loose, who is said to be out for Harry himself. Well done entry in the series is a step down from the first two but it is still well done. Be aware that this is the final outing in the: [PG] rated entries and at the time was a shock that it was not: [PG–13].

Trivia: In order to get to know the lead actors director Alfonso Cuaron had them writer character essays in the first person. Daniel Radcliffe wrote a one–page summary, Emma Watson wrote a 16–page essay – indicative of Hermione – and Rupert Grint never turned his in. A clause in the director’s contract forbade him from cursing in front of the kids. Sir Ian McKellen turned down the role of Dumbledore after playing Gandolf by saying two things. 1.) “I had enough trouble living up to one legend. Two would be two much to hope for.” (This reviewer would like to point out that Sir Ian McKellen played and elderly Sherlock Holmes masterfully in Mr. Holmes (2015), making it two legends anyway!) 2.) That he would be an ill fit to replace Sir Richard Harris because Richard Harris considered him, “a dreadful actor.”  

Nominated for Oscars® for: Best Special Effects and Best Original Score – John Williams.
Rated: [PG] – Frightening Moments, Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)

C – 157m (Theatrical Cut) / 166m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire: The IMAX Experience, The Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter 4
Novel: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Mike Newell
Starring: Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Jeff Rawle, Robert Pattinson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Stanislav Yanevski, Robert Hardy, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Michael Gambon, David Bradley, Warwick Davis, Clemence Poesy, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Alfred Enoch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miranda Richardson, Gary Oldman and Sir Ralph Fiennes. 

Harry Potter finds himself in his 4th year at Hogwarts competing in a potentially dangerous game that is the wizard equivalent of the Olympics. The best of the Potter films and books boasts of splendid acting, great CGI and perfect pacing. Book purists will wriggle in pain over much of the book being cut away but for masterful story telling and striking the perfect balance between light and dark in the series, you can’t do better than this.

Trivia: In one of the first takes of Hermione’s “Cinderella moment”, Emma Watson tripped and fell down the stairs. Mike Newell didn’t realize Alan Rickman wore contacts for his role as Snape, so it took him by surprise when he was complimenting Rickman on his eye color and Rickman popped one of them out. Daniel Radcliffe alone logged 41 hours and 38 minutes underwater during the filming of the underwater scenes. Radcliffe also suffered two ear infections following said filming. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix: The IMAX Experience, The Order Of The Phoenix, Harry Potter 5, Tip Top
Novel: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Michael Goldberg
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Melling, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Robert Pattinson, Ralph Fiennes, Natalia Tena, Brendan Gleeson, George Harris, Peter Cartwright, Gary Oldman, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Julie Walters, Timothy Bateson, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Robert Hardy, Jason Isaacs, Chris Rankin, Sir Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Timothy Spall.

With their warning of Lord Voldemort’s return, Harry Potter and Dumbledore are targeted by Wizarding authorities as they slowly take over Hogwarts. Meanwhile there is a prophecy waiting to be heard and fulfilled. The least of both the book and film series in this reviewer’s opinion. Though the film isn’t terrible it is a huge step down from the rest of the series and serves only as a bridge story, the plot points of which can be guessed from the very beginning. 

Trivia: The second of two films in the series not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other being Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002). During filming Alan Rickman banned Matthew Lewis and Rupert Grint from being within five meters of his BMW because during the making of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) they had spilt a milkshake on his car. Evanna Lynch, the actress that plays Luna Lovegood, made her character’s radish earrings. Stephen King said that the character of Delores Umbridge was, “the greatest make believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter.”

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince (2009)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince: The IMAX Experience, The Half–Blood Prince, HP And The HBP, Harry Potter 6
Novel: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Bonnie Wright, Dame Julie Walters, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Tom Felton, Alfred Enoch, Evanna Lynch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herman, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Matthew Lewis, Dame Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Natalia Tena, Mark Williams, Jason Isaacs and Robert Knox.

Harry Potter in his 6th year at Hogwarts finds a bookmark with the name “The Half–Blood Prince” on it. He also finds dark secrets from Voldemort’s past. The redemption film and book of the respective mediums’ series, in this reviewer’s opinion. The film is a step up from the pervious one and is haunting well past the first viewing though it is strictly routine. Great acting and CGI as always. 

Trivia: Robert Knox, who plays Marcus Belby, was stabbed to death on May 24, 2008, just a few days after filming wrapped. Dame Maggie Smith completed filming while undergoing radio–therapy as treatment for breast cancer. Daniel Radcliffe hated his own performance in the film and stated that it was, “hard to watch.” Warner Brothers reportedly received death threats for pushing the release of this film from 2008 to 2009. Emma Watson almost exited the series after the last one but stuck it out. Speculated reasons as to why may vary. Bill Nighy was hired to play Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister Of Magic, but there was no place for him in this film so his role was switched to Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010).

Oscar® nominated for Best Cinematography.
Rated: [PG–13] – Scary Images, Some Violence & Mild Sensuality
[PG–13] – Some Disturbing, Bloody Violence Including Mature Thematic Material, Language, Sexuality, & Disturbing Elements / Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

C – 146m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: The Deathly Hollows Part 1, The Deathly Hollows, Harry Potter 7
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Producer: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Bill Nighy, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint, Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helen Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Sir Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, George Harris, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Natalia Tena, David Thewlis, John Hurt, Evanna Lynch, Rhys Ifans, Simon McBurney, Matthew Lewis, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Imelda Staunton, Toby Jones, Miranda Richardson and Warwick Davis.

Harry, Ron and Hermione travel around destroying Horcruxes and discover the three most powerful objects in the Wizarding world: The Deathly Hallows. The first Harry Potter entry to be called a “Road,” film at the time is more of an angry and melancholy adventure film. The dance in the tent was a nice touch, given that it was not planned to be shot. Once again this is a bridge story but when viewed in the bigger context of the whole novel, it is less annoying than Order Of The Phoenix.

Trivia: Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy, almost didn’t return for this one, thinking his character would have little screen time since he was arrested in Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). When he met with J.K. Rowling he begged to be let out of prison and she replied, “You’re out, chapter 1.” The filming of the “Seven Harrys” scene was so complex that Daniel Radcliffe counted over 90 takes just for one shot. Upon seeing the set for Hermione’s bedroom Emma Watson told the set decorators that there should be more books, which they happily accommodated. This was the first of the films to have J.K. Rowling as a producer. One of the posters in the scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate into London is for the play Equus, which Daniel Radcliffe was in. A scene of Tonks telling Mrs. Weasley that she, Tonks, was pregnant was shot but was ultimately cut from the final film. David Holmes, 25, Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double sustained a serious back injury performing an aerial sequence where he had to fall to the ground after an explosion. The only film in the series not to feature Dame Maggie Smith.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction.

This was planned–to–be released theatrically in 3D but the 3D rendering was not perfected in time for the theatrical release. It is available on Blu–ray in 3D though.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sequences Of Intense Action Violence, Frightening Images & Brief Sensuality
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

C – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2, Harry Potter 7 – 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 – 2, Harry Potter 8
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Prod.: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Warwick Davis, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Alfred Enoch, Katie Leung, Bonnie Wright, Dame Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent Jash Herdman, George Harris, David Thewlis, Dame Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, David Bradley, Natalia Tena, Emma Thompson, Leslie Phillips, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman and Ian Hart.

Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione search for the remainder of Voldemort’s Horcruxes as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts. A wonderful finish to a great series! Rickman stands out with his performance as Snape.

Trivia: Daniel Radcliffe reportedly broke around 80 wands during the franchise since he was using them as drumsticks. In the Gringotts scene near the beginning of the film where Hermione has taken Polyjuice Potion to look like Bellatrix, Helena Bonham Carter is doing an impression of Emma Watson since Watson did a demo for Bonham Carter of how Hermione would act if she were in the scene. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint both had bum casts made so that the seats on the brooms would be more comfortable to sit on.

Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sequences Of Intense Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Casper Trilogy

Casper (1995)

C. – 100m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Bill Pullman, Christina Ricci, Cathy Moriarty, Malachi Pearson, Eric Idle, Ben Stein, Don Novello, Fred Rogers, Terry Murphy, Joe Nipote, Joe Alaskey, Brad Garrett, Dan Aykroyd, Rodney Dangerfield, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson and Devon Sawa.

A paranormal expert and his daughter stay at a mansion in Maine while they try to rid it of three mischievous ghosts and one nice one. But are they helping the wrong entity? 

Trivia: Turing the filming Christina Ricci, Bill, Pullman, etc. had to speak to tennis balls, as the ghosts were C.G.I.ed in later. A piece of fishing line filled in for Casper during the scene where Kat gets dragged out the window and taken to the lighthouse. And finally: This is the second movie where Christina Ricci’s love interest, in this case the human form of Casper, is played by Devon Sawa. The other was: Now And Then (1995). 

Rated: [PG] – Mild Language & Thematic Elements.
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc, but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen.
A.K.A.: Casper II: Ghost Central Station, Casper: The Beginning
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Lori Loughlin, Michael McKean, Sherman Hemsley, Brian Doyle–Murray, Casper Van Dien, James Earl Jones, Pauly Shore, Michael McDonald, Jeremy Foley, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, and Jim Ward.

Casper tells the story of how he became a friendly ghost. A little less spirited than the title would suggest but still an easy watch. Story takes a back seat in this one while cameos abound.

Trivia: Ben Stein and Rodney Dangerfield previously appeared in Casper (1995).

Rated: [PG] – Language, Crude Humor & Threatening Situations.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Casper Meets Wendy (1998)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Cathy Moriarty, Shelley Duvall, Teri Garr, George Hamilton, Hilary Duff, Vincent Schiavelli, Michael McDonald, Travis McKenna, Patrick Richwood, Alan Thicke, Casper Van Dien, Pauly Shore, Jeremy Foley, Jim Ward, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, Norm MacDonald, Joel Ross and Ben Stein.

Casper the friendly ghost teams up with Wendy the witch (Hilary Duff) against an evil warlock (George Hamilton). A very entertaining third entry in the series is a step up from its predecessor. A spunky cast make this a delight to watch. Note that George Hamilton’s flamboyant performance as the wicked warlock keeps this from getting too scary for young viewers.

Trivia: The voices of the ghosts from Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997) are back along with Casper Van Dien and series runner Ben Stein. This was Hilary Duff’s television debut. And finally: Cathy Moriarty, who plays Wendy’s Aunt Geri here, played Carrigan in the first Casper (1995).

Rated: [PG] – Mildly Scary Scenes, Some Thematic Elements & Language.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge (1935)

B&W / Colorized – 78m. / 63m. (Edited Public Domain Print) / 61m. (Bastardized Public Domain Print)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Seymour Hicks, Donald Calthrop

Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts to bring him into the spirit of the season. A fair shot at the classic tale offers little in the way of a change in demeanor for Scrooge, captured in Hicks’ performance but does have good period detail. Good luck finding the full version of the film on DVD, however one can procure a bastardized public domain copy on Blu–ray.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1938)

B&W – 69m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, Lynne Carver, Leo G. Carroll, Ann Rutherford, D’Arcy Corrigan, Ronald Sinclair, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording, Herbert Evans, Douglas Gordon, Lumsden Hare, Forrester Harvey, Boyd Irwin, Colin Kenny and June Lockhart.

Scrooge is reformed for the Christmas holiday by three ghostly visitors. A good version of the often–filmed Dickens tale boasts of fine performances and good period detail. Admittedly Reginald Owen chews the scenery a bit as Scrooge, but it is forgivable. A couple of trivia notes: 1.) Lionel Barrymore was set to play Scrooge but had to back out of the film production due to illness. 2.) This is the only film with Gene Lockhart, his wife Kathleen Lockhart and their daughter, June Lockhart. Incidentally it is June Lockhart’s film debut.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

B&W / Colorized – 86m. (Full Film) / 74 (Out Of Print Video Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooge
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Alistair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Michael Hordern, George Cole, Rona Anderson, Carol March and Peter Bull.

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him get into the festive mindset for Christmas. Far and away the BEST version of the classic tale. Words cannot do this film justice. The usual notations of high production values and splendid acting can be stated here. I will close by agreeing with film historian and critic Leonard Maltin by saying that this is too good a film to be viewed only once a year.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

C. – 96m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen. 3D / 2D.  – Motion–Capture Animation / Animated
Writer, Pro. – Dir.: Robert Zemeckis. Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright and Bob Hoskins

Scrooge has ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve and wakes a new man Christmas Day. Motion–Capture Animation allows the cast to voice various characters in the film. Impressive detail and visuals for animation of this kind. While it is faithful to the book, there are some liberties taken to show off the technology in 3D. Worth watching as these things go though. Suitable from age seven and up in this reviewer’s opinion. Preferably in 3D.

Rated: [PG] – Scary Sequences & Images

Available on 3D Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Thanksgiving Films

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

C. – 30m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen. – Animated.

Starring: Todd Barbee, Robin Kohn, Stephen Shea, Christopher DeFaria, Jimmy Ahrens, Tobin Reed. Vince Guaraldi and Bill Melendez.

Charlie Brown must throw together a Thanksgiving dinner after Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown’s house for the holiday. Cute and fun holiday fluff for the whole family to enjoy…

Available on 4K Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Movie Poster for Dutch (1991)

Dutch (1991)

C. – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Driving Me Crazy

Writer: John Hughes

Starring: Ed O’Neill, Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald and Kathleen Freeman.

A man, Dutch (Ed O’Neill), makes a grueling trip to pick up his Fiancé s son at his boarding school and bring him home for Thanksgiving with his mom / his fiancé (JoeBeth Williams). The kid turns out to be a jerk that needs an attitude adjustment. Will they get along? Or will they fight at every twist and turn? Only John Hughes could concoct something this simple in story but make it a must watch annually film. Everything works here. Like most films made from a Hughes script, there are a few areas where the pace could have been quickened. However, since that is the only complaint, why worry? Enjoy! A quick trivial note: John Candy was the first choice to play Dutch. Other actors considered for the role, before it went to Ed O’Neill, were: Tim Allen, Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi, Robin Williams, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase.  

Rated: [PG–13]

Out Of Print on DVD but available on Blu–ray & Digital Copy.

Movie Poster for Scent of A Woman (1992)

Scent Of A Woman (1992)

C – 156m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.

Dir.: Martin Brest.

Starring: Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Richard Venture.

A young man, having troubles of his own at his school, accompanies a gruff, blind and old Lt. Col. from CT to NYC during the Thanksgiving weekend and friendship ensues. A wonderful film! Everyone is perfectly cast and Pacino’s performance is haunting and forever lasting as the blind Lt. Col. He won a well deserved Best Actor Oscar® for his perfect performance. While this has little to do with Thanksgiving as a hole, this reviewer watches it annually at that time of year.

Some trivia: The scene where Lt. Col. falls over a trashcan in the street was unplanned. Al Pacino was prepped for the role by a school for the blind. He said he would keep his eyes from focusing on anything or anyone to get the appearance of being blind. Also, he would stay in character in between takes and at lunch and could often be found waking with the cane. Incidentally Pacino turned down the role first. The first choice after him for the role Lt. Col. was Jack Nicholson. Other actors considered for the role, before it went back to Al Pacino were: Joe Pesci, Harrison Ford and Dustin Hoffman. Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for the role of Charlie. Other actors considered for Charlie were: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brendan Fraser, Cole Hauser, Randall Batinkoff and Anthony Rapp. And Chris Rock attempted to audition for Charlie but was turned down. And finally: In addition to winning the Best Actor Oscar®, Al Pacino was also up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) that same year.

Rated: [R] – Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Home For The Holidays (1995)

C. – 103m
Aspect Raitio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Jodie Foster
Starring: Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft, Robert Downey, Jr., Charles Durning, Dylan McDermott, Geraldine Chaplin, Steve Guttenberg, Claire Danes, Austin Pendleton, David Strathairn and Amy Yasbeck.

A woman loses her job, makes out with her former boss, finds out her teen daughter is spending Thanksgiving with her boyfriend and then returns home for Thanksgiving with her dysfunctional family. A lame story almost completely undoes this film. The acting and direction are fine, the story just lacks substance and a reason for the viewers to care about the characters. Notable as a great cast and director who are in great form. Unfortunately when the material one is working with is crappy, there is little to nothing that can be done to save it. A valiant effort but ultimately unsatisfying.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material, Language & Brief Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray through Shout! Select, DVD & Digital Copy. 

L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables Trilogy

Movie Poster for L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (2016)

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables (2016)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen

From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen, Julia Lalonde, Kate Hennig, Stefani Kimber, Linda Kash and Drew Haytaoglu.

Anne Shirley, an orphan has been knocking around various homes and orphanages until she finally finds a home at Green Gables in Avonlea with Matthew And Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister of advanced ages. This like the 1934 film version deviates from the first part of the first novel in the Anne series. What it lacks is the spunkiness of the character that the other film versions captured. Still a sweet story and a film worth watching – beautiful scenery as well. Followed by L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2016 / 2017) & L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: Fire & Dew (2017 / 2018).

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2016 / 2017)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A. L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables Part II

From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen, Julia Lalonde, Drew Haytaoglu and Stefani Kimber.

Anne hits tweenhood and has a rush of emotions about a number of topics: Matthew’s failing health, Gilbert Blythe and Diana Barry, not to mention her own self-image. As with the first part of the trilogy that comprises the Anne Of Green Gables novel, this one deviates from the novel. Once again: not entirely necessary, but still watchable. Once again the scenery is beautiful. Followed by: L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: Fire & Dew (2017 / 2018).

Available on DVD & Digital Copy. 

Kevin Sullivan's Anne of Green Gables Series

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Movie Poster for Anne of Green Gables

Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
C.-200m

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth, Patricia Hamilton, Marilyn Lightstone, Schuyler Grant, Jonathan Crombie, Charmion King and Rosemary Radcliffe.

After being in and out of orphanages Anne Shirley comes into her own as she settles in with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Along the way she makes friends and has a rivalry crush with Gilbert Blythe. Long but splendidly adapted version of the L.M. Montgomery novel, boasts of fine performances and beautiful scenery. The re-mastered copy is even more vibrant. Though some film purists will argue the point. Filmed in Montreal, Canada.  Followed by 3 sequels: Anne Of Avonlea (1987), Anne Of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) & Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning.

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen and Widescreen and Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen. 

Anne of Avonlea (1987)

C. – 230m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
A.K.A.: Anne Of Green Gables: The Sequel 

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. From The Novels: Anne Of Green Gables, Anne Of Avonlea & Anne Of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Marilyn Lightsone, Schuyler Grant, and Jonathan Crombie.

Anne Goes to university and becomes a teacher as her relationship with Gilbert comes to a head. Not quite the smash of the first entry in the series since it has more slow parts to it than the first film. However, it still is a masterpiece in its own right. Once again: Fine performances and beautiful scenery – particularly in the re-mastered edition. Followed by 2 sequels: Anne Of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) & Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008). 

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen & Widescreen and on Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen.

Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)

C. – 185m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
A.K.A.: Anne Of Green Gables III

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. Inspired From The Works Of L.M. Montgomery.
Starring: Megan Follows, Nicole Peters, Jonathan Crombie, Schuyler Grant, Patricia Hamilton.

Anne’s and Gilbert’s complicated married life during WWI. They want to return to Canada from NYC, NY, USA but everything appears to be working against them on that point. An interesting concoction of events using the Gables series characters. Only a master like Sullivan and a cast like this could make this work, and they all did! This complete the Kevin Sullivan Anne Trilogy with Megan Follows as Anne. Followed by a sequel: Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen & Widescreen and on Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen.

Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008)

C – 144m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: L.M. Montgomery
Writer – Pro. – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Rachel Blanchard, Shirley MacLaine, Hanna Endicott–Douglas, Natalie Radford, Ben Carlson, Vivien Endicott Douglas, May Walker, Jim Chad, Colleen Dewhurst and Ian Matheson.

Anne still hurting from the recent loss of her husband in her middle age returns to Green Gables to write a play and discovers letters that rewrite her life story. This is a far cry from the Green Gables that everyone knew and loved from 1985, however this reviewer will argue that this is not the turkey that other reviewers have made it out to be. Pacing is slow, sets are a tad fake looking and there are a few instances of miscasting but it one can look past those flaws this is well done. If John Cassavetes had lived past age 59 and had be introduced to the L.M. Montgomery novels and stories, I am fairly certain this would have been the film version he would have made. To that end what Kevin Sullivan was able to pull off here is on par with the above average work of John Cassavetes in the director’s chair. The aforementioned hampering elements aside, the cinematography is wonderful as are a fair amount of the performances, not the least of which was MacLaine, and the back and forth story that add up to the complete tale, tying up some loose threads from the other films, this one is a nice final chapter in the Green Gables saga. Sadly underrated by others, as, sadly, is most of John Cassavetes’ directorial work. Though I hasten to emphasize this IS NOT actually a Cassavetes film.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.