"Look! It's God's thumbnail." I love this movie. It makes me happy. And someday, when my husband and I have children, I will most definitely be showing them this film. Angels in the Outfield is what I would call a "feel-good" movie. That's not to say it doesn't deal with some heavy issues, namely Roger, who is in foster care and wants desperately to be reunited with his dad. But his dad for whatever reason, cannot be the father Roger deserves. There's some really good, and yet heart-wrenching stuff here about the desire to be loved, and how people can really disappoint you. But the good news is, there is a happy ending, though it may not be what you expect.
The two main children in this movie are wonderful; Roger (the actor who plays this character was most recently in Inception I think), and JP (not sure what else he's done). JP is adorable. He is always so hopeful and often says, "It could happen!" There's also many comical moments, such as the nacho incident. You'll have to watch it to see it. All told, I would definitely recommend this movie, especially to those looking for a good film to watch with their kids.
-Bethany
"Angels in the Outfield" continues the line of Baseball movies that we will be blogging about throughout this adventure. This is a Disney Classic and it finishes in the classic Disney ending: happy and predictable...and I absolutely love it! This movie has always been a favorite of mine since it first came out and I saw it for the first time. (I think I saw it at a babysitters or something like that) This film is a classic coming of age story, but it is neither Roger or JP (the children in the film) that do most of the growing. It is instead Angels manager George Knox, played by Danny Glover, that truly grows into a new man, manager, and as we find at the end of the film, a new father. I do always get a kick out of his antics in and out of the dugout however, as he reminds me somewhat of Lou Pinella, the old manager of my home team the Seattle Mariners, and the kind of ranting/temper tantrums we used to see him throw. I miss Lou. "Angels in the Outfield" is an inspiring story of faith, friendship, hope and of baseball. This film is great for kids and adults alike, and I find that despite the cliche lines and predictably happy ending...this film doesn't disappoint. Sometimes a predictably happy ending can be a very refreshing thing.
-David
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
"Air Force One"
Ok.....exhale, movie is over. Air Force One is intense, violent, but enjoyable. This is one of my lesser favorites in our collection, but it is entertaining at the least. The story is fun but completely improbable, and I really get a kick out of the Godless communist bad guys. It made me wonder where James Bond was when we needed him, he would have the bad guys wrapped up in about 3 minutes worth of film...(just have to wait until we get to the J's) In the end, there is really not much that I can say about the film. It is fun to watch, but not one that I would go out of my way to watch over and over like some of the other films that we own.
-David
Okay, so I do love Harrison Ford. And I do like suspense. But there is a thing as too much suspense. And this movie just might fit into that category. Even when you think everything's ok, and the movie should end, something else happens! And I find myself holding my breath, once again, thinking, "Augh!" At this point in my life, I'm not sure I want to watch movies this suspenseful. Something else that bothers me is all the people who die, and the heavy use of guns. It's hard because even though it's a movie, it's very disturbing for me to see people killed. This is also why I have trouble with some Mel Gibson movies. Like Braveheart, which I'll have to watch soon enough.
Aside from the high body count, and a few cliche lines, if you like suspenseful movies, it's not a bad show. The actors are good, of course I love Harrison Ford, and the actresses who play his wife and daughter do a great job as well, and I really loved one of the air craft crewman, who was just so honest, trustworthy, and honorable. Of course he dies.
-Bethany
-David
Okay, so I do love Harrison Ford. And I do like suspense. But there is a thing as too much suspense. And this movie just might fit into that category. Even when you think everything's ok, and the movie should end, something else happens! And I find myself holding my breath, once again, thinking, "Augh!" At this point in my life, I'm not sure I want to watch movies this suspenseful. Something else that bothers me is all the people who die, and the heavy use of guns. It's hard because even though it's a movie, it's very disturbing for me to see people killed. This is also why I have trouble with some Mel Gibson movies. Like Braveheart, which I'll have to watch soon enough.
Aside from the high body count, and a few cliche lines, if you like suspenseful movies, it's not a bad show. The actors are good, of course I love Harrison Ford, and the actresses who play his wife and daughter do a great job as well, and I really loved one of the air craft crewman, who was just so honest, trustworthy, and honorable. Of course he dies.
-Bethany
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"Across the Universe"
"Across the Universe" is a musical made up entirely of Beatles tunes. I remember before this film came out hearing interviews and reviews on NPR, and I remember being very sceptical. I love the Beatles, and I love musicals, but did not think that the two would work well together. I was wrong. The arrangements, the choreography, and of course the story woven into the songs themselves are all simply amazing.
The evolution of the film itself reminds me somewhat of the evolution of the Beatles as a band. The film starts with numbers like "Hold me Tight," and "I Wanna Hold your Hand." It is lighthearted, and very well...popish. Then, (like the band) the film, the characters, and the music matures. The story delves deep into subjects including race, Vietnam, and many other things that are representative of the sixties. Something that I appreciate about the film is that it does not portray one side or the other of the great social battle that went on in that decade as being right or wrong. The film includes scenes of both police brutality, and needless rioting violence...and it all evokes great emotion.
One of the most poignant scenes takes place during "Let it Be" where we see two funerals. One representing the result of Vietnam (a soldier who was KIA) and another, a casualty of a race riot (a young black boy.) The scene gives me chills no matter the number of times that I see it.
"Across the Universe" does have it's lighter side of course...usually involving some form of a drug trip, such as comedian Eddie Izzards scene and performance of "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" But these scenes just help ground the film in the era in which it takes place...namely, the 60's. This film is not for everyone and it has parts in it that can make you uncomfortable, but overall, I would say that it gives a great message, peace and love. Hippie ideas? Maybe...but I can think of someone else who talked about both peace and love quite a bit as well.
-David
I can't say that I thought too much about the Beatles before I saw this movie. Sure, I liked their music, but I don't recall giving them much thought. Then I saw this movie. And I LOVED it!! The way the director integrated each song with each scene, the piecing together of a story, using this music, and the new ways in which the songs were sung, I think they did a really nice job.
One thing that stands out to me is the synchronized choreography, such as with the song, "It won't be long" (or whatever the title is) where it cuts to a scene of girls playing basketball, dribbling and passing to the beat of the song. Or there's the bowling ally scene where Jude is singing, "I've just seen a face I can't forget the time or place where we just meant, she's just the girl for me..." and again, the artistic way everything is done is just fun and so creative. You have to see it to know what I mean.
Everything in this movie is very artistic, with bright colors, and twisted camera angles, especially during one "psychedelic" scene where Bono sings "I am the Walrus." We see much of the "free love" and "peace" concept with the hippies, as well as drug and alcohol use that accompanied the 60's. But we also see some images that are hard, that really make you think.
One scene that always brings tears to my eyes is the song, "Let it be." We basically see parallel funerals, one of a young American solider killed in Vietnam, the other of a young black boy killed during a race riot. So opposite are their situations, yet so similar. We see the pain of the young soldier's mother as she clutches the American flag, sobbing over the loss of her son. We see the mother of the young child killed, she too shedding tears, as she looks upon her child for the last time. We see the remaining brother, standing with his mother, who later mentions how music is the only thing that makes any sense anymore.
I think this movie gives us a good picture of what it might have been like back in the 60's. So much confusion, and desire to do good, like Lucy, who believes strongly in protesting peacefully, but finding herself dismayed when she sees her so called peaceful leader making a home-made bomb. I love the line she says, "I thought it was the other side who dropped bombs."
In the end we're left with the message of "All we need is love", a powerful message and not so unfamiliar to what another man said many years ago, "Love your neighbor." While we live in a complicated world, where the idealistic idea of "All we need is love" seems impractical and unattainable, it's good to remember that love is a very powerful thing, and that with love, anything is possible.
-Bethany
The evolution of the film itself reminds me somewhat of the evolution of the Beatles as a band. The film starts with numbers like "Hold me Tight," and "I Wanna Hold your Hand." It is lighthearted, and very well...popish. Then, (like the band) the film, the characters, and the music matures. The story delves deep into subjects including race, Vietnam, and many other things that are representative of the sixties. Something that I appreciate about the film is that it does not portray one side or the other of the great social battle that went on in that decade as being right or wrong. The film includes scenes of both police brutality, and needless rioting violence...and it all evokes great emotion.
One of the most poignant scenes takes place during "Let it Be" where we see two funerals. One representing the result of Vietnam (a soldier who was KIA) and another, a casualty of a race riot (a young black boy.) The scene gives me chills no matter the number of times that I see it.
"Across the Universe" does have it's lighter side of course...usually involving some form of a drug trip, such as comedian Eddie Izzards scene and performance of "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" But these scenes just help ground the film in the era in which it takes place...namely, the 60's. This film is not for everyone and it has parts in it that can make you uncomfortable, but overall, I would say that it gives a great message, peace and love. Hippie ideas? Maybe...but I can think of someone else who talked about both peace and love quite a bit as well.
-David
I can't say that I thought too much about the Beatles before I saw this movie. Sure, I liked their music, but I don't recall giving them much thought. Then I saw this movie. And I LOVED it!! The way the director integrated each song with each scene, the piecing together of a story, using this music, and the new ways in which the songs were sung, I think they did a really nice job.
One thing that stands out to me is the synchronized choreography, such as with the song, "It won't be long" (or whatever the title is) where it cuts to a scene of girls playing basketball, dribbling and passing to the beat of the song. Or there's the bowling ally scene where Jude is singing, "I've just seen a face I can't forget the time or place where we just meant, she's just the girl for me..." and again, the artistic way everything is done is just fun and so creative. You have to see it to know what I mean.
Everything in this movie is very artistic, with bright colors, and twisted camera angles, especially during one "psychedelic" scene where Bono sings "I am the Walrus." We see much of the "free love" and "peace" concept with the hippies, as well as drug and alcohol use that accompanied the 60's. But we also see some images that are hard, that really make you think.
One scene that always brings tears to my eyes is the song, "Let it be." We basically see parallel funerals, one of a young American solider killed in Vietnam, the other of a young black boy killed during a race riot. So opposite are their situations, yet so similar. We see the pain of the young soldier's mother as she clutches the American flag, sobbing over the loss of her son. We see the mother of the young child killed, she too shedding tears, as she looks upon her child for the last time. We see the remaining brother, standing with his mother, who later mentions how music is the only thing that makes any sense anymore.
I think this movie gives us a good picture of what it might have been like back in the 60's. So much confusion, and desire to do good, like Lucy, who believes strongly in protesting peacefully, but finding herself dismayed when she sees her so called peaceful leader making a home-made bomb. I love the line she says, "I thought it was the other side who dropped bombs."
In the end we're left with the message of "All we need is love", a powerful message and not so unfamiliar to what another man said many years ago, "Love your neighbor." While we live in a complicated world, where the idealistic idea of "All we need is love" seems impractical and unattainable, it's good to remember that love is a very powerful thing, and that with love, anything is possible.
-Bethany
Thursday, September 16, 2010
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
This well known Shakespeare play holds a special place for me as I played the part of Robin Goodfellow (better known as Puck) in Pasco High's production of this play my Freshman year. The part was wonderful to play, and watching the movie tonight really took me back! I grew up with Shakespeare, spending parts of many summer vacations (including this years) at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I think the most entertaining part of watching these plays on the screen however is how they are filled with well such well known actors such as...Christian Bale. Oh yes, Batman is seen here in this film as one of the lovestruck mortals!
I truly enjoy this film, and this play. It is of course hilarious to see Puck running around in the forest completely mucking up multiple peoples love lives, and seeing the proud Fairy Queen falling head over heels in love with a mortal man turned into...an ass. This is just pure awkward comedy and I love it. I also enjoy how the film is set in early 1900s Italy, and parts of the soundtrack include what I assume is Italian opera which really helps place you there in that time and place. Overall, the costumes, the acting, the sets are fun, bright and colorful...and I like to think that the Bard would have approved of such a rendition.
-David
Fairies. Unrequited love. True love. Mischief. These are words that come to mind after viewing this Shakespearean comedy. It amazes me how much of the play I actually do understand, even though there were times during the film when I asked my husband, "What's going on now?" But I've found that Shakespearean language can be quite comprehensible, you just have to pay close attention.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, (film version) is very well done, with many well known actors and actresses, such as Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Christian Bale, Calista Flockhart and Michelle Pfeifer. Light-hearted opera and orchestra numbers accompany these actors as they move throughout the story, at times in jest, in confusion, and in love.
One of the ending scenes is perhaps where Shakespeare was really having fun, with a play within a play that goes, well, not quite as planned.
-Bethany
I truly enjoy this film, and this play. It is of course hilarious to see Puck running around in the forest completely mucking up multiple peoples love lives, and seeing the proud Fairy Queen falling head over heels in love with a mortal man turned into...an ass. This is just pure awkward comedy and I love it. I also enjoy how the film is set in early 1900s Italy, and parts of the soundtrack include what I assume is Italian opera which really helps place you there in that time and place. Overall, the costumes, the acting, the sets are fun, bright and colorful...and I like to think that the Bard would have approved of such a rendition.
-David
Fairies. Unrequited love. True love. Mischief. These are words that come to mind after viewing this Shakespearean comedy. It amazes me how much of the play I actually do understand, even though there were times during the film when I asked my husband, "What's going on now?" But I've found that Shakespearean language can be quite comprehensible, you just have to pay close attention.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, (film version) is very well done, with many well known actors and actresses, such as Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Christian Bale, Calista Flockhart and Michelle Pfeifer. Light-hearted opera and orchestra numbers accompany these actors as they move throughout the story, at times in jest, in confusion, and in love.
One of the ending scenes is perhaps where Shakespeare was really having fun, with a play within a play that goes, well, not quite as planned.
-Bethany
Saturday, September 11, 2010
"A League Of Their Own"
Overall, our movie collection does not include a great amount of sports themed movies...except when it comes to Baseball. This film starts off what will later be a number of baseball movies that Bethany and I will get to write about. All of them are good films, but this one really stands out from the group, not because it is exceptionally good, (although it is) but because it touches on a little piece of Baseball history that not many know about.
This story about the All American Girls Baseball League is exciting, tear jerking, funny, corny, and a little 'scrummtulesient.' I found myself most struck however by the chemistry between Dotty and her little sister Kit. The little sister quite simply drives me crazy! Through most of the film, she blames her older sister for all of her problems, and seems to be so convinced that she is not in control of her own life, that no amount of success on the ball field can convince her that her sister is really not holding her back. This feuding and the constant awkwardness of Kit drives the story foreword, but I cannot help but be angry at her for her lack of self control.
I love baseball, it truly is the all American sport, and this film captures that spirit, and paints it in a light that we do not often associate with such a game.
And remember...THERE IS NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
-David
"You're gonna lose, you're gonna lose!" Oh Stillwell, how you're childlike antics make me smile. For those of you who have not seen this movie, Stillwell is the young boy of one of the woman baseball players, who accompanies them, on the bus to the games, on the field...and he's quite a challenge. Such as when he covers the bus driver's eyes, who promptly quits in the middle of nowhere. Or my favorite part, when he's taunting Tom Hanks, the coach, by putting his thumbs in his ears, moving his head back and forth saying, "You're gonna lose..." To which Tom Hanks grabs a baseball glove, throws it at the kid, and hits him square in the face, and poor little Stillwell gets a stunned look and falls over. It's a pretty hilarious scene.
I love this movie. It reminds us of an important time in our history, when women were called upon to take on roles that were typically reserved for men, due to our country's involvement in WWII. It's fun, it's entertaining, and it tugs on the heart strings, as many of the women in the league have husbands away at war. The acting is pretty incredible too, what with Gina Davis, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, whoever plays 'Marla' and of course Tom Hanks.
I'm also struck by the sibling rivalry in this film, as I myself grew up with two younger sisters. Growing up, we all loved each other very much, and got along pretty well, most of the time. But of course there were those moments...and I can relate somewhat to the older sister/younger sister conflicts that arise, as it's typically those who are closest to us that can push our buttons the hardest. But that sister love wins out, in the film, and in my own life, and among other themes, cherishing one's family, cherishing those we love, is a very strong message that I get from this film. Beautifully done.
-Bethany
This story about the All American Girls Baseball League is exciting, tear jerking, funny, corny, and a little 'scrummtulesient.' I found myself most struck however by the chemistry between Dotty and her little sister Kit. The little sister quite simply drives me crazy! Through most of the film, she blames her older sister for all of her problems, and seems to be so convinced that she is not in control of her own life, that no amount of success on the ball field can convince her that her sister is really not holding her back. This feuding and the constant awkwardness of Kit drives the story foreword, but I cannot help but be angry at her for her lack of self control.
I love baseball, it truly is the all American sport, and this film captures that spirit, and paints it in a light that we do not often associate with such a game.
And remember...THERE IS NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
-David
"You're gonna lose, you're gonna lose!" Oh Stillwell, how you're childlike antics make me smile. For those of you who have not seen this movie, Stillwell is the young boy of one of the woman baseball players, who accompanies them, on the bus to the games, on the field...and he's quite a challenge. Such as when he covers the bus driver's eyes, who promptly quits in the middle of nowhere. Or my favorite part, when he's taunting Tom Hanks, the coach, by putting his thumbs in his ears, moving his head back and forth saying, "You're gonna lose..." To which Tom Hanks grabs a baseball glove, throws it at the kid, and hits him square in the face, and poor little Stillwell gets a stunned look and falls over. It's a pretty hilarious scene.
I love this movie. It reminds us of an important time in our history, when women were called upon to take on roles that were typically reserved for men, due to our country's involvement in WWII. It's fun, it's entertaining, and it tugs on the heart strings, as many of the women in the league have husbands away at war. The acting is pretty incredible too, what with Gina Davis, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, whoever plays 'Marla' and of course Tom Hanks.
I'm also struck by the sibling rivalry in this film, as I myself grew up with two younger sisters. Growing up, we all loved each other very much, and got along pretty well, most of the time. But of course there were those moments...and I can relate somewhat to the older sister/younger sister conflicts that arise, as it's typically those who are closest to us that can push our buttons the hardest. But that sister love wins out, in the film, and in my own life, and among other themes, cherishing one's family, cherishing those we love, is a very strong message that I get from this film. Beautifully done.
-Bethany
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"A Few Good Men"
You want the truth?!! This is a pretty awesome movie. Of course that classic line between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise is what everyone remembers in this film but there is a great deal about it that deserves praise. I find that the entire cast that shines and a story that keeps you riveted, even if you already know how it ends. This is one of those films in our collection that I never seemed to have a drive to watch, but after seeing it again now for the first time in years, I am reminded of why it has become such a classic. I especially found myself sympathizing with the two Marines who are standing trial. Those two who made a terrible decision, the whole time believing they were doing something right. I find myself amazed at both the simplicity and the complexity of their logic in receiving and following the order for the code red. Simplicity in the fact that they see it as their duty, following orders and brutally attacking their fellow Marine. Complexity in their fear of their loss of honor, in their need to keep to the hierarchical code of conduct as they know it, "Unit, Corps, God, Country." I can even see myself in those marines' shoes at times...wondering when it was (although not in such a dramatic fashion) that I kept my "honor" among peers, at the expense of another. The beauty of the end of this film lies in Tom Cruise's line to one of the Marine offenders. He explains that "you don't need a patch on your arm to have honor." I believe that that young Marine left that court room counting himself among "A Few Good Men," and I believe it is important that we are able to take such a lesson and do the same.
-David
"I want the truth!"
"You can't handle the truth!"
Famous lines. From famous actors. From a pretty well known movie. A Few Good Men is a film I've only seen once before, maybe twice?? Either way, it's been awhile and watching it once again, I was not disappointed. The acting is superb, the dialogue sharp. Tom Cruise makes you smile and shake your head at his callous attitude in the beginning. Yet you see what he is capable of as the movie continues, and his character grows as a result of the case of two Marines on trial for murder. Demi Moore shows off her talent as the serious, determined, and optimistic lawyer, who has probably the most heart, and while she fumbles, proves herself a vital member of the team. As does the other lawyer whose name I cannot recall. But I love the actor, and his quiet spirit and careful demeanor goes nicely with Demi's more spontaneous and leap before you look spirit.
The one character who makes me cringe, and widen my eyes in disbelief is of course Jack Nicholson. His even-toned, gravely voice, so sure of himself and his decisions, his inability to see even the slight possibility that he could have been wrong...let's just say he plays his character VERY well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and the message it gives, about what it means to have honor, to protect those who are weaker, to do what is right, even if the consequences could be disastrous. But the consequences of not doing the right thing can result in an even more disastrous situation, as we see in this movie.
-Bethany
-David
"I want the truth!"
"You can't handle the truth!"
Famous lines. From famous actors. From a pretty well known movie. A Few Good Men is a film I've only seen once before, maybe twice?? Either way, it's been awhile and watching it once again, I was not disappointed. The acting is superb, the dialogue sharp. Tom Cruise makes you smile and shake your head at his callous attitude in the beginning. Yet you see what he is capable of as the movie continues, and his character grows as a result of the case of two Marines on trial for murder. Demi Moore shows off her talent as the serious, determined, and optimistic lawyer, who has probably the most heart, and while she fumbles, proves herself a vital member of the team. As does the other lawyer whose name I cannot recall. But I love the actor, and his quiet spirit and careful demeanor goes nicely with Demi's more spontaneous and leap before you look spirit.
The one character who makes me cringe, and widen my eyes in disbelief is of course Jack Nicholson. His even-toned, gravely voice, so sure of himself and his decisions, his inability to see even the slight possibility that he could have been wrong...let's just say he plays his character VERY well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and the message it gives, about what it means to have honor, to protect those who are weaker, to do what is right, even if the consequences could be disastrous. But the consequences of not doing the right thing can result in an even more disastrous situation, as we see in this movie.
-Bethany
Thursday, September 2, 2010
"A Christmas Carol"
Normally, this George C. Scott version of "A Christmas Carol" is not a film we would typically watch this time of year, as we tend to save our Christmas movies for the season of, well, Christmas. But I found myself looking forward to watching this movie once again, and was struck by how deeply impacting Charles Dickens's story is, especially this version. George C. Scott plays Ebenezer Scrooge brilliantly. He delivers each line with such conviction that you find yourself shaking your head and wondering, does he really believe that? Is he really that callous and un-caring? Yet you also see how he came to be the scrooge that he is, through isolation, rejection, and loss. You do see some happier times, in Scrooge's past, such as at Fessivick's Christmas party, where Scrooge dances with his Belle. However, he is consumed by greed, which leads him to the old man he is as the film begins.
The transformation Scrooge goes through, as a result of the visit from the three spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come, is simply brilliant. The acting is superb as you watch George C. Scott laugh with unbridled joy, and jump, yes jump up and down on his bed. In addition to George C. Scott, the acting by all the characters, especially Tiny Tim, is so well done that you find yourself deeply drawn into the ever familiar story. And, as music appropriate to the time period accompanies various scenes, you find yourself saying, along with Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone." A beautiful message indeed.
-Bethany
Not having seen any other versions of this film, I cannot readily or fairly compare, but I find it hard to believe that there is another version of Dickens "A Christmas Carol" that has this much life, passion, and true Christmas Spirit. The acting is of course brilliant, and George C. Scott portrays Scrooge wonderfully, and there is not a supporting character that disappoints. I especially enjoy the jovial Ghost of Christmas present. It is also nice to hear the actors speaking parts of the text of the story as movie dialogue and it adds a whole new layer of realism to the movie. The film itself feels so real. The score, the old English carols performed by street musicians that are woven into the film, the costumes the gritty 1800's London. It truly transports you to that time and place and I forget that it is September 2nd, 2010 main street USA. I find myself in that other time and place experiencing a life changing journey with Ebeneezer Scrooge.
The message of this film is one we have heard over and over. It is a warning against greed...but it is also much more than that. In Scrooge we see a man who has replaced everything that should matter with the one thing that truly is fleeting. We see the consequences of such a life in the ghost of Jacob Marley, and we witness the unhappiness of a life wrought with your possessions as your only family and friends. This is Greed in a nutshell. Now we know that Scrooge through a series of spectral visits has a change of heart and by the end of the film comes to hold Christmas in his heart, and celebrate his wealth by sharing both his money and his good humor. Yet I think one of the most astounding things about this story, is the way that Scrooge is portrayed as a youth and as a young man. His time with the first spirit shows us a man who still has life, vigor and even love. Then...those feelings are tossed aside, and he replaces love with another idol "a golden one." This change is something that everyone should take notice of. Because it is so easy to allow the superficial things in our life to get in the way of what truly matters....relationship. With God, with family, with friends, and even with strangers.
-David
The transformation Scrooge goes through, as a result of the visit from the three spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come, is simply brilliant. The acting is superb as you watch George C. Scott laugh with unbridled joy, and jump, yes jump up and down on his bed. In addition to George C. Scott, the acting by all the characters, especially Tiny Tim, is so well done that you find yourself deeply drawn into the ever familiar story. And, as music appropriate to the time period accompanies various scenes, you find yourself saying, along with Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone." A beautiful message indeed.
-Bethany
Not having seen any other versions of this film, I cannot readily or fairly compare, but I find it hard to believe that there is another version of Dickens "A Christmas Carol" that has this much life, passion, and true Christmas Spirit. The acting is of course brilliant, and George C. Scott portrays Scrooge wonderfully, and there is not a supporting character that disappoints. I especially enjoy the jovial Ghost of Christmas present. It is also nice to hear the actors speaking parts of the text of the story as movie dialogue and it adds a whole new layer of realism to the movie. The film itself feels so real. The score, the old English carols performed by street musicians that are woven into the film, the costumes the gritty 1800's London. It truly transports you to that time and place and I forget that it is September 2nd, 2010 main street USA. I find myself in that other time and place experiencing a life changing journey with Ebeneezer Scrooge.
The message of this film is one we have heard over and over. It is a warning against greed...but it is also much more than that. In Scrooge we see a man who has replaced everything that should matter with the one thing that truly is fleeting. We see the consequences of such a life in the ghost of Jacob Marley, and we witness the unhappiness of a life wrought with your possessions as your only family and friends. This is Greed in a nutshell. Now we know that Scrooge through a series of spectral visits has a change of heart and by the end of the film comes to hold Christmas in his heart, and celebrate his wealth by sharing both his money and his good humor. Yet I think one of the most astounding things about this story, is the way that Scrooge is portrayed as a youth and as a young man. His time with the first spirit shows us a man who still has life, vigor and even love. Then...those feelings are tossed aside, and he replaces love with another idol "a golden one." This change is something that everyone should take notice of. Because it is so easy to allow the superficial things in our life to get in the way of what truly matters....relationship. With God, with family, with friends, and even with strangers.
-David
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