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RockyMtnBri
Reviews
Magical Maestro (1952)
One of the funniest cartoons, ever!
This has been one of my favorites since I was a kid. The machinations that Mysto the Magician goes through to upstage Poochini are hilarious. Notice the hair on the film gag? My favorite change is the one near the end where Poochini's a Polynesian (?) dancer and the two rabbits are beside him! One word of warning though - On Cartoon Network, they have cut three of the changes (Chinese, both Blackface) so it's not as good as the uncut version.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Still one of my all-time faves!
With the advent of DVD, a lot of my favorite Christmas specials are getting the right treatment. One of these is How The Grinch Stole Christmas, a special I have watched every year since I was born. Being 1 year younger than the special (1964) brings to mind just how endearing it is. From the songs, to the story, to the animation, and to the voices, it will remain a tradition for me (and my soon-to-be-created family next year) for all time.
The Secret of NIMH (1982)
A great film from long ago...
I was first introduced to the book, Mrs. Brisby and the Rats of NIHM when I was 10 in 1975. It was fortunate that Scholastic and Xerox had book clubs for kids, and I bought that book in the fifth grade. I've had the film on tape for years, but I finally watched it on DVD tonight, and am still touched and awed by it. The DVD suffers from an OK transfer evident in the graininess of the print and it should have been remastered (I noticed one of the laserdiscs was). A real trip was the fact that Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher of Star Trek TNG) and Shannen Doherty provided the voices of two of the children! Still, this is one that was a no-brainer to purchase, and I can't wait until I have kids to let them see it!
What Dreams May Come (1998)
Excellent cinematography, great story
This movie didn't stand out at the box office, but it does have a more artistic appeal that true movie-goers will enjoy. Robin Williams performs spectacularly (as in the Fisher King) without really breaking into his normal routine, which is refreshing. Cuba Gooding's character comes off as subtly deceptive at first, but more open as the film moves on. Annabella Sciorra's character could have been played up a bit more, but her on-screen presence is justified later in the film. The lavish sets and use of color are probably the best I've seen, and don't lose much when translated to the small screen. I saw this in the theater and picked up the DVD (which is loaded with goodies including PC wallpaper of some of the art!). Great film, don't pass it up!
Heathers (1988)
Off-beat, dark, but very entertaining!
This is one movie that I am glad I got into and have finally purchased on DVD! Heathers is revenge for those not part of the "in-crowd" and a tale of forboding for those that are. Winona's character is a typical arch-type (having the name Veronica and belonging to the Heathers?) who shines through the movie's dark spots. Christian Slater's "rebel without a cause" is interesting, but falls short of really becoming a character we can relate to. His character is an amalgalm of too many stereotypes - if his character had been more clearly defined, we'd remember him a bit more, other than him getting blown up that is! Overall, a new American classic, if you dare call it that!!!!