moviewatcher2010 Reviews

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Better than the Book

[10/10 · 3 May 2023]

Having read this book many times, I was intrigued (but skeptical) when I learned they had made a movie of it. My fear was that the innocence in the book of the preteens in 1970 would have been changed in the movie to how preteens are today, with the backdrop of the storyline. I saw the preview months ago and was still skeptical, but then watched an interview with Judy Blume, the author of the book, about the movie, which had a positive review all around and checked out the ratings, which were high. After this, I took my chances and went to see the movie.

To my surprise and delight, the movie took place in 1970 and the preteens were exactly how they were during that time (a nice touch were the vintage Barbie doll cases on the shelf in Nancy's bedroom). It portrayed the innocence of 11-year-olds back in this time, and so much wonderful nostalgia. What was great was that they kept the boilerplate of the book, and a few changes which made it even better.

If you were a fan of this book, I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

Love Sick: Secrets of a Sex Addict (2008 TV Movie)

Excellent movie, but need to read her books

[10/10 · 28 March 2022]

The disclaimer that this film is inspired by a true story is correct. The film is an excellent portrayal of a woman with a sex addiction and the therapy she receives (Sally Pressman does an amazing job as Sue William Silverman). However, you would need to read Sue William Silverman's book Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You to get the whole backdrop on her past to see what really lead her to a desperate need to feel loved. In reality, her father had sex with her from the time she was five until she left home for college and her mother was physically abusive, as well as turning a blind eye to her husband repeatedly having sex with his daughter. Her subsequent book Love Sick: Secrets of a Sex Addict chronicles her 28 days at the hospital, each chapter being a day and what she is processing. When she is released from the hospital, she has a very long way to go. Her husband never left her when she went into the hospital, got together with her when she was there, and he was there when she got out. At the time, she still had not disclosed anything to him and is pondering when or if she will tell him. On the whole, Sue William Silverman is a true survivor.

Hotel (1983–1988)

Cliffhanger in Season 5

[3 February 2022]

Overall, this series had a parallel with The Love Boat, but the situations occurred within the St. Gregory Hotel and without canned laughter interjected. It had a more serious overtone. It explored topics that were coming into the mainstream in the 80s and were handled well.

The only disappointment was at the beginning of Season 5 where Christine was keeping a secret from Peter as to why she wouldn't marry him and said he would never know what it was. During this season in a couple of episodes, Peter tried to get the information out of her, only to see her run away from him and break down in tears. By the final two-part episode, the secret was never revealed. It left viewers hanging.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952–1966)

All Good Things Must Come to an End

[8/10 · 17 November 2021]

This program had a great run for around a decade with so much comedy packed into each episode, but what proved successful ended when Rick got married and they brought his real wife Kris onto the show in the 12th season. They would have been better off casting a professional actress to play the part. Rick and Kris did not have the onscreen chemistry as a married couple, unlike Dave and June who were affectionate and doted on each other.

The only ongoing comedy they had left was keeping Wally (Skip Young) as a college student for almost 10 years. He started as Dave's fellow fraternity brother in 1957 and was still going to school in 1966. Skip Young was well into his 30s by this time and looked too old to play the part. Aside from this, the show pretty much dried up by the last season, old gags no longer worked, and hence was the end of what was one of the best sitcoms of all time.

Beaches (2017 TV Movie)

Lead actors were reversed

[1/10 · 3 February 2021]

As another reviewer indicated, it appears that the lead actors were reversed. In the beginning, you see Nia Long with the big sunglasses and the gorgeous styled hair which I was sure was CC, and Idina Menzel resembling Barbara Hershey in the original as Hillary. Turned out to be the opposite which got more confusing seeing Nia Long portray the more demure Hillary. She would have been better cast as the brassy CC, and Idina Menzel as Hillary.

Family Affair (1966–1971)

Wonderful Series Until...

[10/10 · 6 December 2020]

This was a wonderful series which involved a successful and wealthy bachelor, Bill Davis, who ended up being a surrogate father to his brother's three orphaned children: Cissy, a teenager, and Buffy and Jody, 6 year old twins. To add to the interesting plot was Bill's gentlemen's gentleman, Mr. French, who had no knowledge of how to take care of the children while Bill was at work or traveling around the world on his various construction projects and was away from home at times. In due course, you see the much-needed love that Bill gives the children and Mr. French, although a strict disciplinarian with them, has a very soft spot in his heart for them.

The problem that the producers ran into however was, like with any children, Buffy and Jody in real life grew up. By the 5th season, it was hard to see Cissy still obeying a curfew and getting her consent from Bill for everywhere she wanted to go. But the bigger issue was that Buffy and Jody stopped being the childlike moppets, still not knowing how to do anything, and always saying that their Uncle Bill had all the answers. They wanted to keep them in their 8 year old molds, but by the 5th season, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) was 11, and Buffy (Anissa Jones) was 13. You can tell that they did everything and anything to make Buffy appear to still be 8 years old with the loose dresses to hide her developing figure, as well as having her still sleep with Mrs. Beasley at night, although she is not toting her around as much. It is clear that by the last season, Anissa Jones resented having to play a little girl and hints of facial expressions come through where she is just plain bored.

Even though the reason for cancelling the series in 1971 was because they were getting away from the rural programs, it is clear that this show would not have survived another season. It would have been very difficult to see Buffy and Jody become teenagers.

An American Crime (2007)

Horrifying!

[30 October 2019]

What was hard to see were the neighborhood children (not teenagers) participating in the repeated torture of Sylvia in the basement without remorse, thinking they were doing nothing wrong, and this was in 1965. How could these children carry out such horrific crimes and not think a thing about it? How could the screams of Sylvia with each torment not phase them? There has been so much desensitization today with what is out there, but in 1965 among children, this was unheard of.

Up in Central Park (1948)

Wonderful Movie

[8/10 · 14 May 2019]

This movie is a delight to see with a plot to give Deanna Durbin again a way to showcase her vocal talent as always. The only issue I had was that Deanna did not speak with an Irish brogue which kind of throws off where she originates from in the movie (Ireland). My guess is that she may have tried to do this prior to filming with her unlimited talent but may not have worked and the producers decided to scrap it. On the whole, however, it is definitely worth watching. (Who else but Vincent Price could portray the schemer Boss Tweed?)

I'll Be Yours (1947)

Surprisingly a Disappointment

[1/10 · 11 May 2019]

It appears that Universal was scrambling to get something in place for their golden meal ticket Deanna Durbin after she had her first baby and took some time off. After an hour, it is difficult to tell what the plot is. In the beginning, however, it seems predictable. A girl from a small town is going to NYC to make it big in the theater. During the movie, two scenes are borrowed from "First Love": Deanna showcasing her singing talents at a party that she sneaks into and then wins the affections of the millionaire who gave it, and then later on a dance with her prince charming the same way with her whirling around in a beautiful full gown. The worst thing they did to Deanna in this film was give her huge dark eyebrows which took something away from her natural beauty. I was glad to see that she said in her interview years later that this film was terrible.

Classmates (2003– )

THE MOST PATHETIC EPISODE...

[9 March 2019]

This program had typical reunions and did not have actors. I remember one episode of two classmates reuniting that went to my high school and they filmed parts of the school. Then the episode of the guy and girl who dated in high school - predictable.

But the saddest and most pathetic episode was titled "Maria and Theresa". Maria was a very beautiful and talented singer, but could not forget how she was bullied by a former classmate from grade school. This former classmate had moved away during grade school. Now some 20+ years later, it was time for a confrontation for this woman to vent all her anger out at this other woman. It was pathetic and predictable. The woman lashed out at this other woman, and the other woman looked at her like she was crazy, adamantly denied she did anything to her, and to add insult to injury said she did not remember who she was. After the reunion, they do separate interviews with each classmate and the outcome later on. It was really sad that this woman did not get the satisfaction she was hoping for and allowed this former bully to impact her life into adulthood. This bully never remembered what she had done. The outcome: they went their separate ways.

As one who was bullied in grade school, I was compelled to watch it to see what would happen. Yes, I let those bullies torment me mentally for years and I paid the price while I am sure none of them remember what they did. For me, thankfully, I forgave my bullies, and moved on with my life, and they can no longer hurt me mentally.

Little Daddy (1931)

Funny gags with a serious note

[10/10 · 13 July 2006]

This episode was actually aired on TV, but most likely edited - the only scene I remember is when Stymie is eating up all the ice cream and cake at his farewell party before the gang arrives.

Farina is the caregiver for his younger brother Stymie who is being sent to an orphanage to live. It opens with Farina and Stymie collecting money (or rather buttons) during a church service. Later as Stymie is ready for bed, he tells Farina he wants to hear the story of Noah's ark and Stymie is nothing short of hysterical with his one-liners as Farina gets more and more frustrated attempting to tell the story.

Then it is morning and you get a glimpse of a typical start of the day with Farina's responsibilities for Stymie. The inventions rigged in the place where they are living are typical Little Rascals fare. Farina pulls levers to do everything from operating Stymie's shower to cooking him breakfast.

Then the scene changes to Farina waiting for the gang to arrive for Stymie's farewell party before the officer arrives to take him away. When Farina makes the decision to leave Stymie (and all the food for the party) to get the gang, Stymie devours everything at lightning speed. By the time the gang gets there, everything is gone, including a huge ham, a large cake and a couple of containers of ice cream.

The officer shows up to take Stymie and you have a scene very similar to that in "The Pooch" when the dog catcher takes Pete, but without the eggs. The gang beat on the officer while Farina does everything to try to hide Stymie who is only too glad to yell out, "Here I is!"

A memorable and funny scene is Chubby lip-synching to a bass singer bellowing out the song "Asleep in the Deep" as he is washing up over the bathroom sink.

Babes in Toyland (1961)

Don't rent it!

[1/10 · 3 July 2005]

This was a very poor remake of the classic "Babes in Toyland". I thought it would be a nice colorful adaptation (without digital color enhancement) of the 1934 "March of the Wooden Soldiers", but the only similarities are the songs when Little Bo Peep loses her sheep and when the soldiers come marching out, but that is it. Barnaby is hardly a frightening character (Ray Bolger gives nothing short of a comedic performance of this villain, but that is notably his style - you would not expect anything different from this extraordinary talented man.)

There is far too much singing in this movie and it is very difficult to follow what the plot is (you have to listen closely to the words in the songs). It borders on a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, but they are by far a million times better and much more enjoyable as the musical numbers flow with ease.

If anything, it is nice to see Annette Funicello and Tommy Kirk as they have graduated from the Mickey Mouse Club and doing the transition into adulthood. Annette's voice has finally matured from the childlike voice she had during her "Mickey" days.

Thankfully, for DVD, I was able to fast-forward through all of the musical numbers because they grew tiresome quickly (after a few seconds)! Do yourself a favor and save the $4.00 it would cost to rent it, that is if you can find it anywhere. Now I know why it has been discontinued by so many video/DVD stores at this point.

Child Bride (1938)

A shocking and racy movie for the 1930s!

[18 May 2005]

This film deals with the subject of underage women (rather pre-teenage girls) forced into marriages with older men in the Appalachian mountains and the school teacher who is desperate to get a law passed to outlaw this procedure. She enlists the help of her boyfriend, who is an assistant district attorney.

The focus is on little Jennie (played by Shirley Mills at 12 years of age) who catches the eye of horrible (and much older) Jake when she is swimming naked in the river, and who then blackmails her mother into giving Jennie to him.

The biggest shocker is seeing Shirley Mills bare all in this movie, not to mention that she has already matured at such a young age. First you see her completely topless as she undresses to go swimming in the river (not a short clip either!), then extended shots of her swimming totally nude with her back to the camera, then later a full frontal shot of her in the water. Considering the standards back then as opposed today, it is unbelievable that whoever was handling Shirley Mills' career would have permitted her to do this type of filming, let alone Shirley having no qualms or shyness about doing these scenes - she appears totally natural and actually enjoying herself splashing in the water!

There is also some other brief nudity of Jennie's mother when Jennie's father is beating her up.

The film ratings were not around in 1938, but if they had been no question this would have gotten a minimum of an X rating. If this had been filmed today, it would be rated R, but a 12-year old girl being completely nude would never be permitted (in Europe, it would). It leaves you to wonder how on earth this was ever shown in theaters back then.

Karen's Song (1987)

Destined for failure

[23 April 2005]

This brief lived sitcom starred Patty Duke as Karen Matthews, a woman who just turns 40, who gets involved with Steven Foreman (played by Lewis Smith), a man who is in his mid-20s. The whole thing reminded of two soap opera characters that meet and start to see each other and you wait for when they are finally going to have sex. In the first episode, Karen learns Steven's age by seeing his driver's license and noticing that he was born in 1959 and then figures out his real age. Steven is instantly taken with Karen and wants to see her. Karen decides to continue to see Steven and then THE episode finally arrives when they have sex and after that, it had nothing more to offer.

No question you will never find this sitcom released on any DVD. For the most part, while the storyline kept you on the edge of your chair from the beginning, once the "sex" episode aired, that was it.

Riding in Cars with Boys (2001)

If you want the depressing truth, read the book - otherwise a GREAT movie!

[5 January 2005]

While not belaboring this entire string of comments, I was glad that a couple of people have already mentioned about getting the truth from the book, as opposed to this movie.

The movie itself is excellent and will keep you glued to your seat. Drew Barrymore did a phenomenal job in her portrayal of Beverly Donofrio, as Beverly is depicted in the film meaning how the storyline was written - and it is definitely a story, but an enjoyable one nevertheless.

I could barely find any similarities however between what took place in the movie and what actually happened to Beverly in real life. Had they produced the movie as the book was written, it would have been a much more intense drama with tons of sex, drugs and rock and roll, literally. Beverly Donofrio as depicted in the movie is nothing short of a Miss Goody Two Shoes compared to how Beverly actually was. But had the producers gone this route, it would have been very depressing to see.

The Appointment (1991)

Packed with suspense!

[15 January 2004]

I was able to view this on The Inspiration Network. It really kept me on the edge of my chair!

This film deals with a news reporter who writes an article dealing with hypocrisy in the Christian community. After it appears in print, she receives a "visitor" in her office, telling her the specific date and time she is going to die.

This was one excellent film! This film was packed with so much truth, it is definitely WORTH a look!

Paul and Michelle (1974)

What happened next? - Spoilers

[24 November 2003]

I rented "Friends" in the local video store and then learned that a sequel was actually made. No video store carried it so I had to spend $12.00 to find out what happened with Paul and Michelle.

My favorite part was their reunion, which fortunately, was not dragged out - when they are alone again, it reminded me of two people having an affair where reality is totally blocked out - you just want them to continue, and you don't want reality to come, but it does in due course. Sylvie, who is now three years old, is a really cute little girl, but just doesn't fit the picture when Paul and Michelle eventually return to the countryside cabin. Reality does come in true form when Paul goes back to college - what really ruined it was seeing him with another girl, considering all the trouble he went through to find Michelle again in the first place.

The movie ends with one main question - what the heck happens three years later? They seem to have a love for one another that will undoubtedly draw them together once again.

It is worth a look to see what happened with these star-crossed teenage lovers and how they matured physically in appearance. Truthfully, they both got much better looking.

ABC Afterschool Specials: Don't Touch (1985) Season 14, Episode 3

Sensitive subject handled very well

[21 November 2003]

This short feature deals with the sensitive subject of molestation, and handles it well. In the story, Karen, a teenager, babysits a six-year old girl named Molly, and starts to notice certain behaviors in Molly that cause Karen suspicion that the child is being molested. Karen's suspicions come about when her own memories are brought to the surface about being molested by her uncle as a child. She is desperate to protect Molly, who keeps quiet about what her parents' friend is doing to her, at his gentle prompting when he is alone with Molly. When a situation arises that will put Molly in more danger, Karen quickly comes up with a plan to bring the truth out in the open and expose what the family friend is doing.

I felt the subject matter was handled very well and keeps everything "clean", which makes this more an educational tool than a grueling drama on sexual abuse.

ABC Afterschool Specials: It Must Be Love, 'Cause I Feel So Dumb (1975) Season 4, Episode 1

A Classic ABC Afterschool Special!

[16 October 2003]

For those of you who are from the 70s generation of watching those ABC Afterschool Specials, this one is well remembered.

In this film, you see Alfred Lutter (prior to his "Bad News Bears" films), in the lead role as Erik, the poor nerdy 13-year-old kid who is trying everything to get a date with Lisa (played by Vicky Dawson), the popular outgoing cheerleader. You know it is hopeless for Erik to even attempt to have Lisa as his girlfriend from the get go, but nevertheless he does manage to get a date with her by spray-painting her name in big large letters on a brick wall and surprising her with his "art". Lisa is ecstatic at seeing her name on the wall and agrees to go out with him, although she is less than thrilled going on a date with Erik to KFC and is critical of comments Erik makes about his dog Bill, who he adores. When he walks her home, you can tell he wants to kiss her goodnight, but she quickly goes into her apartment building. In the next scene, Leroy, the jock who she usually hangs out with, blows her off for practice, so she then sees Erik and happily waves him over and tells him what a great time she had with him and that they should definitely go out again. Erik has been invited to a party by his friend Cathy, played by Denby Olcott, so he suggests they go dancing. But poor Erik who does not know how to dance takes a quick dance lesson to learn the "bump" (the dance craze back in the mid 70s), only to have an instructor bent on teaching him how to waltz. When they arrive at Cathy's party, she is thrilled to see Erik, but her expression quickly turns to disappointment when Lisa confidently says hi and blows past her. At the party, Erik tries to waltz with Lisa, who again is not too happy, and in the next scene, hapless Erik is sitting in the corner (with his hair slicked down wearing a checked suit and bow-tie), while Lisa dances the night away (the bump of course) with a really "cool" guy to "You Haven't Done Nothing'" by Stevie Wonder. When the party is over, Erik and Lisa are in a cab while he nervously watches the meter ticking, knowing he only has a certain amount of money on him to pay for the ride. When he sees the meter hit the limit of how much cash he has, he tells the driver to pull over. It is pouring out. Erik then launches into a fantasy, taking on the role of Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain", trench coat and all, ending with Lisa giving him a big kiss (in the fantasy that is). Then the film goes back to reality and Lisa doesn't want to get soaked walking home in the rain, so she storms off and says she is calling her mother for a ride home, leaving poor Erik once again.

If viewed today, it presents a lot of nostalgia from that era, i.e. air hockey and snorkel jackets.

Six Weeks (1982)

Needs to be viewed more than once

[16 October 2003]

I can understand why the feedback on this movie is so bad - if you see it just once, it is hard to pick up on all the small details that pull this movie together very nicely. Katherine Healy in real life is a professional ice-dancer (skater), which is why you probably never saw her in another movie - she actually had to pretend she didn't really know how to skate in the scene at the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. On the whole, I thought she did the part extremely well, having no other movie credits under her belt. Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore worked very well together and it was even better that they did not get romantically involved, but kept it on the surface. Had this happened, it would have ruined the whole innocence portrayed throughout this movie and taken the focus off the main theme and that is of little Nikki (Healy) who is dying of leukemia, and I'm certain the makers of this film were well aware of this. Healy's performance in the Nutcracker is nothing short of perfection. Dudley Moore portrays a seriousness with some humor that pokes through at the right moments. Mary Tyler Moore also seems very well suited for the role of Nikki's mother, the cosmetics tycoon Charlotte Dreyfus, who does her best to hold her emotions in check for Nikki's sake. I have the video and view it occasionally and always pick up on something else that ties it altogether. Like one of the viewers said, you have to go back after awhile and give it another look.

The Wonderful World of Disney: The Miracle Worker (2000) Season 4, Episode 4

1962 version cannot be outdone

[15 October 2003]

I came across the video of this movie and had to rent it. The story of "The Miracle Worker" is timeless and is always worth a look. This version, however, absolutely PALES to the 1962 version! Hallie Kate Eisenberg seemed too calm, especially during the so-called temper tantrums which were unconvincing, not to mention that her clothes made her look more like a polished doll. She seems too cutesy with the ruffles and bows and dimples and would have fared better in a remake of a Shirley Temple classic. The only performance really worth seeing is that of Alison Elliott who did an excellent job portraying Annie Sullivan, complete with the Irish brogue done to a "T". Nevertheless, if you really want to see a more accurate version of this movie, rent the version from 1962 with INCREDIBLE performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, who was nothing short of OUTSTANDING in her portrayal of Helen Keller - totally believable!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Life-Size (2000) Season 3, Episode 8

Barbie comes to life!

[30 August 2003]

I saw this in the video store and had to rent it. It is nice that there are some clean movies still out there - this certainly fits the bill! I was amazed at the actress selected to play Eve (Tyra Banks). She was perfect to play the part of a real "living Barbie", especially with her looks (those eyes!), as well as the mannerisms you would expect from Barbie. If you wondered how Barbie would be if she came to life, this is a must see! Lindsay Lohan was well cast as the girl who brings "Eve" to life and does an excellent job as usual.

First Affair (1983 TV Movie)

Lessons to be learned

[2 June 2001]

This movie was well presented for the time it came out (1983 -- a movie like this would not work today). On a general note, from the title, you can tell what the scenario is going to be -- a college freshman accepts a job from her English professor babysitting for her two children. She then meets her professor's husband, which awakens something in both of them -- they start looking at each other from the get-go. He is then only too glad to drive her home when she babysits. Then they confess to each other how they really feel, which leads to a kiss, then another and another, and so on.... a typical affair. It goes through the usual highs, then the lows -- the excitement, then the heartaches. One can learn from this movie of what an affair can do to a marriage. The one problem though was that he seemed to put himself in conspicuous places with her, i.e. her dorm room, her staying at his house, locked in an embrace, when her English professor is due home "any minute". On the whole, it is worth seeing.

Moment by Moment (1978)

Great jazz music, but ba-dee, ba-dee, ba-dee, that's all folks!

[25 May 2001]

I purchased the soundtrack album for this film when it came out, primarily for the title song by Yvonne Elliman, and discovered these wonderful jazz instrumentals on the track, but I never actually saw the movie. Then I waited...and waited...and waited until cable finally decided to air it recently. Now I know why this movie is never shown. It has to be one of the worst movies ever made! I think the primary reason was seeing Lily Tomlin in a dramatic role, which was a far cry from the funny lady she has portrayed in more successful comedies. John Travolta also seemed out of sync with this role entirely. Fortunately for both of them, they wrote this one off and moved on to brighter and greener pastures!

Rainbow (1978 TV Movie)

Andrea McArdle sings the classics!

[15 April 2001]

The thing I enjoy most about this movie is Andrea McArdle's singing, which is probably why she got the part as Judy Garland. On the whole, the movie was very informative about how Judy Garland got her start in show business, but even her beginning was sad.