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Reviews
The Personal History, Adventures, Experience, & Observation of David Copperfield the Younger (1935)
One of my all-time favorite movies
I admit upfront that I am a fan of sentimental, romantic stories and this one tops them all. My opinion must not be too off center though because it was "selected by The New York Times as one of the 1000 greatest movies ever made." I saw it as a young girl and have never wavered in my opinion of it. Granted, Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal is now a bit over-the-top, but I still like it. It helps that the writer, Charles Dickens is also a favorite on my reading list.
How could this picture go wrong? George Cukor directed it and David O. Selznick produced. It was up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards although it did not win. And the cast was superb.
W.C. Fields was amazingly eclectic and his performance stands the test of time. For me though, Edna May Oliver's portrayal of the endearing, but eccentric Aunt Betsey was the best performance. Basil Rathbone as the abusive, husband/stepfather villain still ignites the wrath of the viewer. Who couldn't love Nurse Peggotty (Jessie Ralph)who loved the child as her own flesh and blood? Lionel Barrymore also has a strong presence. And, even though I wanted to shake her, Maureen O'Sullivan's, Dora, was flawless. Roland Young still gives me the creeps as Uriah Heep. In summary, let your kids see it. They and you will love it.
Angel Eyes (2014)
angel eyes
Maybe I am a sentimental fool, but I love this romantic drama. American productions could take a page of this Korean series! What is particularly interesting is that the supposed 'villian' is not a black or white character, but a human being who selfishly does the wrong thing. In American films/TV, the protagonist is generally evil and this is not the case in this production. You realize that even though you don't like the people who do wrong, they are people pursuing their own means for their loved ones. No excuse but a broader perspective on us as people. It is too bad there is only one season. Hopefully there will be another and Netflix will show it.
Love this show.
Merlin (2008)
Merlin
I give this rating only because of the fine work by the actors on the show. For me, the writers proved disappointing time and time again. They wrote as if the audience would not remember what happened earlier, but audiences remember 'everything'. I didn't mind they look liberty with the story, I minded the congruity of it all. And, most of all, I minded, that at the heart of it, they actually made Merlin the murderer of Arthur. Despite all the episodes of saving him over and over, he let Mordrid and Morgana live despite the dragon's admonishments. True, he was young, but it doesn't erase the fact that their acts culminated in Arthur's death. But, most of all, Merlin advised Arthur not to accept magic which was the pinnacle of Arthur's destruction (Mordrid lived to perform the deed). That kind of writing ticks me off. This could have been great.
The Love Letter (1998)
If you like romantic movies and one with a twist, you should fall in love with this one.
This movie, The Love Letter" is one of my all time favorite television favorites. I really loved it...This movie had everything in a plot that I like in a movie...romance, history, and a mysterious twist..what more could one ask for? Additionally, the direction, acting, and dialogue was great. Campbell Scott and Jennifer Jason Leigh are such amazing actors. Although made in 1998, I only first saw the movie on television last year, but I bought a copy and have enjoyed it ever since. As I say, it ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite television romantic movies. I would love to see Hallmark make more of these types of romantic dramas as opposed to the real sappy ones they have been making lately.