This film had at the minimum good casting and passable acting. It seems to be largely based on known fact with your expected fictional extrapolation. It's not The Crown or The Queen, but it was fair entertainment for dearth season viewing. If you hated the one about William and Catherine as much as I did, you should give this one a try. It is far, far better.
Reviews
9 Reviews
Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance
(2018 TV Movie)
Better than the William and "Kate" version
21 July 2018
The Christmas Secret
(2014 TV Movie)
Better than your average Hallmark Christmas film
4 December 2017
Christmas films made for the Hallmark channel can get rather tedious. While this one is still somewhat formulaic, there is some mystery that isn't slap you in the face obvious immediately. I enjoyed it and as Hallmark Christmas movies go (I rate them as relative to others of like nature), it's closer to the high end of the scale than the bottom.
Breathe
(I) (2017)
A Wonderful Love Story with wonderful performances
16 October 2017
I truly enjoyed this film that I saw at TIFF. Apparently a lot of critics were expecting something grittier from Andy Serkis. Jonathan and Diana Cavendish are 100% behind this film and I DO believe that what is shown is true. Perhaps some critics wanted more darkness, but I do believe with these peoples' zest for life, they didn't allow much darkness to cloud their love and triumph.
I believe that Robin, Diana, and Jonathan enjoyed their time together as much as humanly possible. It is a love letter, a tale of triumph over adversity, and most of all it is a wonderful love story. Sometimes there IS more light than darkness. Especially when you have talent like Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. Both are excellent in their roles, allowing me to completely immerse myself in this uplifting story.
I believe that Robin, Diana, and Jonathan enjoyed their time together as much as humanly possible. It is a love letter, a tale of triumph over adversity, and most of all it is a wonderful love story. Sometimes there IS more light than darkness. Especially when you have talent like Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. Both are excellent in their roles, allowing me to completely immerse myself in this uplifting story.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
(2005)
Good film - Not a remake of anything
12 June 2005
This film crackles with energy and excitement. Pitt and Jolie provide great chemistry, comic timing, and a clear mastery of weaponry. Their on screen presence is palpable. It is not a Hitchcock remake, It is not "Prizzi's Honor", nor is it "True Lies". It is different from the two aforementioned films in that it is unique in it's premise.
This is a dark love story/action film that is easy to follow. The dialog is smart, the action scenes well executed. The most captivating part of the film is that it is fun. The actors clearly enjoyed making the film, and the audience laughed heartily in response.
I have two points to criticize: 1. The sound editing - much of the exposition is done during car chases and explosions. It is difficult to hear some of the subtle dialog that lends itself to the story.
2. A few minor annoying plot holes, but not enough to detract in a major way.
This film is well worth the price of admission. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
This is a dark love story/action film that is easy to follow. The dialog is smart, the action scenes well executed. The most captivating part of the film is that it is fun. The actors clearly enjoyed making the film, and the audience laughed heartily in response.
I have two points to criticize: 1. The sound editing - much of the exposition is done during car chases and explosions. It is difficult to hear some of the subtle dialog that lends itself to the story.
2. A few minor annoying plot holes, but not enough to detract in a major way.
This film is well worth the price of admission. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Finding Neverland
(2004)
Excellent film! See it while you can!
27 January 2005
In my humble opinion, this is the best film of 2004. The screenplay was tight and superb. All of the lead/supporting acting performances were Oscar worthy.
The film gives one a warm glow, while at the same time drawing involuntary tears. It's charm is undeniable.
It is a beautiful film that deserves an audience and recognition. Forster was robbed of an Oscar nomination, as was Freddy Highmore.
Anyone with a heart that is still beating will enjoy this absolutely gorgeous film.
Well worth the price of admission, maybe even twice.
10 out of 10 score.
The film gives one a warm glow, while at the same time drawing involuntary tears. It's charm is undeniable.
It is a beautiful film that deserves an audience and recognition. Forster was robbed of an Oscar nomination, as was Freddy Highmore.
Anyone with a heart that is still beating will enjoy this absolutely gorgeous film.
Well worth the price of admission, maybe even twice.
10 out of 10 score.
The Phantom of the Opera
(2004)
Far Better than I expected
20 January 2005
If you enjoyed the stage version of "Phantom", you should see this film. It is beautifully presented with all the opulence and more that the stage version had.
While Gerard Butler is clearly not as sweet as Michael Crawford's, he brings an eerie sexuality to the role that I had not seen in previous productions.
If, for no other reason, please see the film for Emmy Rossum's superb voice! She was (and I admit I was partial to another actress who was not available) a perfect choice for Christine Daae. Her voice is up to everything that the role demands.
Critics gave this film the short shrift, just as they did ALW's stage production - many of the same criticisms.
Again, if you enjoyed "Phantom" on the stage, see this film! If you didn't enjoy the stage production and it's music. . . stay away, as it is much the same.
I am giving it a high score for the reasons mentioned.
While Gerard Butler is clearly not as sweet as Michael Crawford's, he brings an eerie sexuality to the role that I had not seen in previous productions.
If, for no other reason, please see the film for Emmy Rossum's superb voice! She was (and I admit I was partial to another actress who was not available) a perfect choice for Christine Daae. Her voice is up to everything that the role demands.
Critics gave this film the short shrift, just as they did ALW's stage production - many of the same criticisms.
Again, if you enjoyed "Phantom" on the stage, see this film! If you didn't enjoy the stage production and it's music. . . stay away, as it is much the same.
I am giving it a high score for the reasons mentioned.
Fun romp for the young and young at heart
12 August 2004
I am the male parent of a 12 year old. I saw this film yesterday with my daughter, as I rather enjoyed Princess Diaries myself.
This film has many merits: acting (superb efforts from the always regal Julie Andrews and the lovely, multi-talented Anne Hathaway), costuming, set decoration, to name a few. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. The rest of the audience seemed to as well.
I felt it was fun, perhaps not quite as much as Princess Diaries. The script could have been snappier (and shorter), and the final cut desperately needed some editing to keep the pace moving. Garry Marshall is a fine director, but I think he laid back a bit too much on this one. Callum Blue and Heather Matarazzo barely had any dialog, and both are fine actors with great comedic timing. Hector Elizondo is also a bit shortchanged in screen time in this sequel. This seems a terrible waste of talent. BUT....
That said, this film is targeted at a very young population that doesn't know about witty writing and editing. They just have fun watching it.
After all, "FUN" is the point in a G rated film, is it not?
This film has many merits: acting (superb efforts from the always regal Julie Andrews and the lovely, multi-talented Anne Hathaway), costuming, set decoration, to name a few. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. The rest of the audience seemed to as well.
I felt it was fun, perhaps not quite as much as Princess Diaries. The script could have been snappier (and shorter), and the final cut desperately needed some editing to keep the pace moving. Garry Marshall is a fine director, but I think he laid back a bit too much on this one. Callum Blue and Heather Matarazzo barely had any dialog, and both are fine actors with great comedic timing. Hector Elizondo is also a bit shortchanged in screen time in this sequel. This seems a terrible waste of talent. BUT....
That said, this film is targeted at a very young population that doesn't know about witty writing and editing. They just have fun watching it.
After all, "FUN" is the point in a G rated film, is it not?
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
(2001)
Stellar performance by Jolie! Pure escapism at its best.
28 March 2003
I don't play video games, had never heard of Tomb Raider. I stumbled across this film on cable and absolutely loved it!
The person writing this usually tends to like movie classics and classical actresses. Rarely do I enjoy action films. This one is an exception.
Angelina Jolie is spectacularly fit, and in top acting form for this physically demanding role. I admit that I like the multi-talented Jolie. I found her to be a very believable Lady Lara Croft. Her acting, stunts (which she did most of herself), and her wonderful diction with a British accent, were a true delight. I watched this movie on cable at least ten times before I did something very, very rare for me: I purchased the DVD. Barring this film, the ONLY pre-recorded movies I own are classics.
The plot may be a bit on the thin side. It is, afterall, designed *after* a video game. Another thing I enjoyed about the film was the fact that while there was a great deal of violence, there was no unnecessary gore or vulgar language - read: buggar vs. what it could be.
I have to highly recommend this film for anyone who enjoys pure escapism at it's best! My 75 year old mother liked the movie, and she has very good taste when film is involved.
The person writing this usually tends to like movie classics and classical actresses. Rarely do I enjoy action films. This one is an exception.
Angelina Jolie is spectacularly fit, and in top acting form for this physically demanding role. I admit that I like the multi-talented Jolie. I found her to be a very believable Lady Lara Croft. Her acting, stunts (which she did most of herself), and her wonderful diction with a British accent, were a true delight. I watched this movie on cable at least ten times before I did something very, very rare for me: I purchased the DVD. Barring this film, the ONLY pre-recorded movies I own are classics.
The plot may be a bit on the thin side. It is, afterall, designed *after* a video game. Another thing I enjoyed about the film was the fact that while there was a great deal of violence, there was no unnecessary gore or vulgar language - read: buggar vs. what it could be.
I have to highly recommend this film for anyone who enjoys pure escapism at it's best! My 75 year old mother liked the movie, and she has very good taste when film is involved.
The Girl Most Likely to...
(1973 TV Movie)
This is a must see for Stock Channing fans
20 March 2003
This is a classic made-for-TV movie. Stockard Channing is superb as the vengeful ugly duckling turned beauty. Her range of emotion is befitting that of a classically trained actress. The plot is a bit thin, but the acting is worth it.
Don't wait to see it!
Don't wait to see it!
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