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Reviews
Lots of Luck (1985)
not your standard fare
Annette Funicello doesn't dance or sing in this one. She's a working mother of three, with a wonderful hard-working husband (mechanic on a car assembly line), and a live-in mother. Between perms (she's a hair stylist), Julie Maris (Annette's character) drops the kids off at school, chastises her mother for smoking, worries about being able to afford braces for the kids, and plays the lottery. The quick version is that she wins the money, they spend it all, and go back to being broke. No desperation or drugs, just a family working together. They pull together what they've bought and resell it to make sure they have enough to pay taxes (ugh) on what she won. Then comes the fun part! The "Econo Race!" Contestants start at the same spot but get to choose their own route, providing they pass all the checkpoints. First person to make it from here to there on a gallon of gas wins the prize money! Julie gets nominated to drive, with her son at home monitoring her route. Husband and his best friend guard against the two schmoes at work who try to cheat, and Mom and boyfriend keep an eye on the competition. I don't know if I'm making any sense. But if ever a family used its different strengths to achieve a goal, this is the movie that showcases it. It may not have witty dialogue or sparkling sets, but it sure makes the characters seem real (aka worth watching). Character-driven movies - Disney used to be good at that. Watching for this one to come out on DVD, it's worth owning.
Love Leads the Way: A True Story (1984)
another Disney treasure
One of several true Disney classics, this story follows the life of a young man who suddenly goes from fit and independent to blind. I would like to point out upfront that he completely regains his independence, though never his sight. How? Through the Seeing Eye Dog program. But the movie doesn't stop there. If you're anything like me, you'll grieve with him when he loses his sight. Then you'll cringe when he walks into things. By following his story so closely, the movie realistically shows its audience how this young man coped with losing something he'd always had. His determination makes him the perfect candidate for the innovative Seeing Eye Dog program, and he travels clear to Europe where he trains for weeks with his dog, Buddy. What a team! Not at first, perhaps, but eventually and for good. Together they survive a car crash, prejudice, and years of working. And they fight. Thanks to them, legislation was passed that allowed service animals access to public transportation, restaurants, etc. True pioneers, in so many ways. I've always loved this movie, and have got one eye on the Disney website, waiting for it to come out on DVD. I shan't name titles, but I am confused as to why so many worthless titles are cluttering the shelves while this gem sits ignored, sparkling through the dust.
Disneyland: The Horsemasters: Follow Your Heart (1961)
family favorite
Looking for a movie where you don't have to stick around to edit? This one's pretty adorable. Granted, it has its flaws, but was there ever a perfect movie? Honestly, the thing I find most annoying is that it (like so many adorable made for TV Disney classics) cannot be found on DVD. I shan't focus on flaws, others have done enough of that. I'll just focus on why I gave it 10 stars. Disney combines three favorite actors in this: Annette Funicello, Tommy Kirk, and Janet Munro. It helps to have a background in Disney classics to see the humor in the way that their roles interact, but there's plenty there for the new viewers, too. The plot is simple and, I thought, sincere. American girl meets American boy at British riding school. American girl is scared of horses (in real life, too!) but driven to find out if she can overcome that fear. American boy? Yeah, he thinks he's got the answer, but it's the stern Captain Pinski (Donald Pleasance in the first good-guy role I've seen) who quietly hands her the key and lets unlock the gate for herself. On a side note, a brash Australian comes to the same British riding school and falls for the serious but beautiful British instructor - who eventually reciprocates. Some fun there, of course, especially when she insists on learning the hard way! What makes acting believable? When is it OK to make a story a musical? That's mostly personal opinion, I guess, because I find the acting to be decent at worst and the music is entertaining. I actually can sing along with "Strummin' Song." And "We're Poor Little Colts" cracks me up...not to mention acting as a gauge of the feelings and understanding of the students as new "verses" are added, from the disrespectful "We're chased and chivvied by Janet Hale" to the corny "Without her, we'd all of us fail!!!" Yeah...it's corny. It wasn't made in high-definition. But I'll probably buy two copies when it comes out on DVD, so I'll always have a spare.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
soooo close
Disney exudes from this film, even during the creepy parts. And there are creepy parts...snakes, snakes being cut open...among other things. Still, it is Disney. Lots of feel-good moments, some great plugs for traditional family life and values. (No offense to anyone who disagrees with that concept.) I wish I could buy this movie, but frankly, the women just don't wear enough clothes. Nor do I think that Jasmine and the Little Mermaid wear enough clothes. There, I said it. And, it gives everyone reading this a reference to go by when they consider the movie. Biggest complaint? Technically speaking, that is... :-) I cannot stand the way that the camera-man insists on viewing the fight scenes from the inside! Backing up enough to let the rest of us watch it, too, would be nice. More than once I couldn't tell up from down or which way things were going. Happy ending, witty remarks, semi-brilliant plot line... I would buy it if the wardrobe department hadn't misplaced so much material.
Tabitha (1976)
poorly written
I suppose it's cute enough, as shows from the time period go. I watched all the episodes... Tough and tangy, full of innuendo, and minimal plot line (thinner than cheap copy paper). Sure, it's funny here and there, but that makes it all the more disappointing when the rest of it's so empty. I dunno. I thought the problem with the series was that it was in color. And then I watched the "unaired pilot." WOW! I fell right in love with it. How can a few minutes (comparitively) be so enchanting? I found that pilot to be very warm and amusing, very reminiscent of the original, in all good ways. I'll give lots of spoilers from that! If you enjoyed the original series, Bewitched, you'll remember the light touch and the gags. Well, the "pilot" that got dumped included references to scenes from the original series. Adam is the younger sibling, just like when he was born. And in this story-line, he's a warlock! Way more fun. Tabitha tries to tell her boyfriend she's a witch and has to keep transporting him around - just like her mom with her dad. The boyfriend asks her to prove it, just like her dad asked her mom. Then he goes to "think about it" by imbibing that which impairs judgement - just like her dad. There's a slightly nutty neighbor who keeps seeing things she's not supposed to. There's a shattered statue that's neither expensive or difficult to replace - if you're a witch. (wink) There's a whole lot more that got lost in "translation" when they shifted from classy to brassy. Seriously, who wrote Aunt Minervera's kinky character? And where oh where did Uncle Arthur get to?