carrieboo-1 Reviews

Griffin & Phoenix (2006)

This is a remake

[2 February 2007]

I haven't seen this new version but desperately want to. Regardless, it is a remake so the title is not original. IMDb has the original info on it here - http://imdb.com/title/tt0074592/ Originally, it was just a TV movie, so that may be why it's not out in wide release. I hope it comes out on DVD. If it's anything like the original, it would be fantastic.

The original starred Peter Falk and was made it 1976. For me to remember it, considering I was only 12 years old at the time, it must have been great. It has remained one of my all time favourites and I'm so glad to learn about this updated version. Plus, Dermot...he's a fav actor of mine.

I'm wondering, for those who have seen the original and this remake, did they recreate the end scene at the cemetery...with the gravestone message? That was one of my favorite parts.

Jenifer (2001 TV Movie)

Excellent depiction of life with disability

[10/10 · 27 May 2006]

I saw this movie for the second time this evening. The first time I saw it I was unaware of my own orphan disease. Now, a few years later, and I have a diagnosis (not ALS) and am more disabled than ever.

This movie is so real. That's what struck me the most. It depicts the change from healthy adult to a person who has to struggle to do the simplest things. The loss of independence, freedom, having to plan before venturing out, needing caregivers.

What I liked about it was it's reality. What I admired was the Estess family. Each actor portrayed the subtleties of a loved ones struggling to help and deal with their own feelings. This movie really covered the entire picture extremely well. It's rare to find one that does, for any illness.

If you have any disability, particularly if you became disabled after being perfectly healthy as a young adult, I highly recommend this movie.

Follow up on Jenifer's story at Project ALS online here:- http://www.alscenter.org/news/press/031217.cfm

Runaway (2005)

Just viewed it at Toronto International Film Festival!

[10/10 · 18 September 2005]

Great movie! The casting in this movie was so perfect I really can't imagine anyone else playing those roles. And there was something about some of the filming techniques (or effects might be a better word) which made it very unique. The music was perfect, the writing was awesome, the actors -- really really great acting -- and the story blew me away. Runaway is one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Even this morning, I was still processing the movie as I drove home from Toronto. It's one of those movies that I wish I had on DVD so that I could watch it a couple more times. Also, it would be helpful to watch it with writer or director commentary throughout. I hope it becomes available in the future for individual purchase and that they have those features on the DVD.

If you see it at a festival, please DO try to stay for Q&A with the makers of this film - that's a great bonus!